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Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval System
FAQ's and Help File Assistance
- Data retrieval methods
- CDR Software features
- What if an EDR is not supported by the Bosch CDR System?
- Why was the Ford Explorer covered in early 2001-2002 by Vetronix and then not covered anymore?
- Information about the Power Train Control Module
- Computer Requirements
- Help File Assistance
- What Vehicles are supported
- Technical Support
Data Retrieval Methods
There are currently two ways to download the crash data; through the vehicle's diagnostic link connector (DLC) and directly to the air bag module.
Diagnostic
Link Connector (DLC) |
Air Bag Module |
|
 |
 |
|
|
This
example shows the air bag module located under the seat. |
Crash Data Retrieval Software Features
- VIN Decoder
- Report Printing
- Simple Graphs and Tables
- Extensive Help Files
- Supported Vehicle List
- Location of ACMs in supported vehicles
What if an EDR is not supported by the Bosch CDR System?
FORD EDRs
Route formal requests for readout assistance to Ford Legal
Third Party Request Attorney
Office of the General Counsel
1400 Parklane Towers West
3 Parklane Boulevard
Dearborn, MI 48126
This function is currently being performed by J. Kuchon.
For technical consultation on what information may be available in a particular
model, you can ask Ford in writing. If you need a more expedient reply,
information is also available from recent Ford retiree, Rick Ruth, ruthconsulting@comcast.net,
313-910-5809.
Why was the Ford Explorer covered in early 2001-2002 by Vetronix and then not covered anymore?
The short answer to this question is “The Explorer Sport Trac module family changed from a covered single point RCM family to an new module family that is not covered and for technical reasons is not expected to be covered – ever.” “The module family does not contain precrash vehicle speed, brake, or throttle info, the only info of interest to accident recon is acceleration data from which a Delta V can be calculated, front driver and passenger seat belt use, and front occupant classification status if equipped. Only Ford’s supplier can read these modules out at this time, and if a readout is required you must contact Ford’s Office of the General Counsel to request assistance.”
The longer answer is with respect to the Explorer Sport Trac and Explorer Sport (2 door) which are single point RCM’s and are covered in 2001-2002, but are not covered in 2003 and later when a new module family was brought in. The 2001 Explorer 4 door had 2 mechanical ball in tube sensors and no accelerometer, hence no crash severity related data in 2001, so it is not covered. Explorer 4 door got the new module family in 2002 and is also not covered. This new module family was considered for Vetronix release several years ago but a technical issue was discovered where both Ford made a policy decision not to release the entire module family for data security reasons. This module family began phasing in for 2002 and did not begin phasing out until 2006, it is the “high volume” RCM family in the mid-2000’s, and most of the vehicles not covered in that timeframe have the subject module family. There are a few other families out there that will be covered eventually if enough resources can be found to do the releases, but the family being asked about is not expected to be covered ever.
Information about the Power Train Control Module
“Ford and Vetronix have not yet released the list of vehicles equipped with Powertrain Control Modules that have event data recording capability. The capability is believed to be tied to gasoline engines with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) which began phasing in 2003 and later model years. It did not hit a majority of vehicles until 2005 model year and it’s still not in all of them. You could figure it out by looking up if your vehicle has ETC, but you can also call a source that recently retired from Ford who will help identify data availability on any one specific model and model year – get his contact info on his website www.ruthconsulting.com. Vetronix is gunshy about giving any official dates for equipment availability, but it’s my understanding their internal target is October 2007 – subject to revision if technical issues arise during the development and prototype phase. “
Computer Requirements
The Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval System requires a Windows-based PC. It needs to have a pentium-based processor and a minimum of 50 MB of free space.
Help File Assistance
We can't post all the information from help files on this web site because each people are using different versions of the CDR software. The 2.0 help file is very different from the 2.7 help file, as is the 2.7 help file is very different from the 2.9 help file.
Here is a listing of what you will find in the version 2.9 Software:
- Getting Started
- Welcome
- Components
- Getting Started
- Collecting Data
- Collecting Data Using DLC
- Collecting Data Directly from Module
- Potential Problems
- Important Info about Vehicle Coverage
- Supported Ford Vehicles
- Supported GM Vehicles
- Supported Isuzu Vehicles
- Using Collected Data
- Copying to Clipboard
- Hexadecimal Data
- Viewing Data
- Ford Air Bag Module Data
- Data Available listed by cable number
- GM Air Bag Module Data
- Data Summary
- Pre-Crash Graph
- SDM Recorded Velocity Change Graph
- Data Available listed by cable number
- Menu Selections
- File
- Edit
- Run
- Help
- Special
- Technical Support
- Contacting Vetronix
- FAQ
- Software Updates
- Training
- Troubleshooting
- User Group
- Safety Concerns
- Module Information
- Removing the Air Bag Module from the Vehicle
- Cable Usage
- Glossary
Technical Support
Most questions and trouble shooting can be solved using the help file in the CDR Software. To access the help file choose help>contents from menu list. To see the breakdown of the Version 2.9 help file click here.
If you still can't find the answer to your question, you may contact Robert Bosch Corporation directly:
Toll Free: (800) 321-4889
Tech Support Email: technicalsupport@vetronix.com
Customer Support: customersupport@vetronix.com
