Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Services

Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System by Bosch

What is the CDR Tool?
The CDR Tool is a system made by Bosch to download the airbag control module data from select GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles after an airbag deployment or non-deployment event; hence, also the name or title of “Event Data Recorder (EDR)”.

Data Available?
Contrary to popular belief, the airbag control module (ACM) is not a “black box”.  The ACM will not tell a person everything a vehicle has ever done, tell who was driving, record voices, or show how a person was driving the vehicle the night before.  The ACM records certain vehicle data when the airbags deploy during a crash or when there is a non-deployment event that occurs that “wakes up” the system for one reason or another anticipating a deployment of the airbags.  Depending on which ACM is installed and the year of the vehicle, the Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Tool can obtain vehicle speed, brake switch status, percent throttle, and engine speed for 5 seconds prior to impact, as well as the post-impact delta-V or change in speed.  The driver’s seatbelt circuit status, airbag warning lamp status, ignition cycles at deployment and since the accident, and some other data may also be recorded, again depending on the ACM used in each particular vehicle.

More Vehicles Added to Coverage!

Vehicle Coverage?
As of right now, most GM (1994 to present), certain Ford (2001 to present), certain Chrysler (2004 to present), and a few Isuzu and Saab vehicles have the ONLY readable modules using the Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Tool.  To check the current list of all supported or readable vehicles by the Bosch CDR Tool, please click here.  This link will take you to the Bosch website listing of supported vehicles.

The older the GM vehicle is, the less amount of data will be available. The 2000 and newer GM vehicles have all of the data as mentioned above. Ford Motor Company is now on board with readable modules by the Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Tool. However, Ford modules, called RCM’s (Restraint Control Module) do not record or have the 5 second pre-crash data, but does record both lateral and longitudinal acceleration (module dependent). If you have more questions or items you need to know about coverage or exact data obtained from the SDM’s or RCM’s, please call TCS.

CDR Links & Other References
Need or want to be trained in the use of the CDR Tool?  Need or want to be trained in the CDR Tool Technician (1 day) or Analyst (4 day) Course?  The Collision Safety Institute (CSI) offers training in this area.  Harris Technical has created a list of CDR Tool users to help people find someone close to their location to read modules.  They also have information on their website in regards to EDR case law and state statutes.  In addition, Injury Sciences LLC has created a web portal for Auto Insurers to obtain the crash data so their claims professionals have the benefit of this research and experience in assessing claims, which TCS is a part of.

Thorn Consulting Services (TCS) is trained and certified in the use of the Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Tool.  TCS has all the current updates and software to read GM, Chrysler,  and Ford modules.  If you need a particular supported vehicle module read, you can call TCS to have it done.  Contact us today for more information!