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The technical term for an automotive "Black Box" is the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The EDR can be a variety of devices that record onboard information and vary according to make and model of the vehicle. GM has a Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) and a Rollover Sensor (ROS). Fords have a Restraint Control Module (RCM) as well as a Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Chryslers have an Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
The SDM, RCM, ORC are called Airbag Control Modules (ACM). These devices measure an acceleration pulse and determine whether there is sufficient severity to warrant the deployment of the airbags. Once the algorithm "wakes up" it then must decide, very quickly, whether the airbags should be deployed. If the airbags do deploy, there is a recording of the crash severity (Delta-V) and there may be additional information such as vehicle speed, seatbelt usage, throttle position and brake on/off data, among others. In some situations there can be data captured without airbag deployment. Our analysts can help you determine if your vehicle may have stored data without a deployment.
This information has been found to be extremely useful in the reconstruction of vehicle accidents and all attempts are made to gather this information if possible. It is important to realize that not all systems can be downloaded at this time. The crash data retrieval system (CDR) that we use is presently only able to download GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles, and several other smaller manufacturers such as Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Sterling and Suzuki.
Unfortunately, the CDR software does not support other manufacturers, particularly those based overseas at this time. There are rare occasions when data from these vehicles can be obtained, so please contact us for further information.
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