Citation

Haight S. Collision 2010; 5(1): 28-34.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The recommended procedure for crash data retrieval imaging is to connect through the diagnostic link connector (DLC). This method uses the internal wiring and communication in the vehicle, but concerns have been raised that the DLC method could destroy the electronic components inside of the module and ruin the data if the module is obviously wet from being soaked, submerged or frozen. This study investigates the survivability of airbag control modules in situations where they are powered up while in different forms/states of liquids. A series of tests were conducted on five airbag control modules. Prior to the survivability tests, each module was downloaded to provide a baseline data file. Results showed that none of the modules tested in conductive liquids were permanently damaged, although the liquids did cause shorts in the connections of different internal components. After the modules were dried, the short circuit conditions were removed and the module functioned properly. The findings indicate that attempting to download a seemingly submerged or frozen module through the DLC is still the best method for collecting crash data. Even if the module has been wet, the most likely result will be a communications failure rather than a permanent loss or corruption of the stored data.