Crash Data Recorder Removal?
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Cruising
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Marietta GA
Crash Data Recorder Removal?
Does anyone know if it is possible to disconnect the Crash Data Recorder (CDR) that GM has installed in Corvettes? I have a 2000 C5. The data recorder by these systems can be used against you in case of a crash not only by lawyers but by your insurance company.
I understand about the safe driving and I do that. I also have a 2003 GMC Pickup with OnStar. I have been told that the SDM data is sent to OnStar to be relayed to GM when the signal goes to OnStar that the vehicle has been in a wreck and emergency vehicles are called. I am trying to investigate this also. I am not worried about the data, but I certainly want my attorney to review it before anyone else does. Attorney's have a way of taking the truth an use it against you. If I can not control the data, I do not want anyone getting it.
I understand about the safe driving and I do that. I also have a 2003 GMC Pickup with OnStar. I have been told that the SDM data is sent to OnStar to be relayed to GM when the signal goes to OnStar that the vehicle has been in a wreck and emergency vehicles are called. I am trying to investigate this also. I am not worried about the data, but I certainly want my attorney to review it before anyone else does. Attorney's have a way of taking the truth an use it against you. If I can not control the data, I do not want anyone getting it.
Last edited by DTWC5; Jan 17, 2005 at 10:00 AM.
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St. Jude Donor '03
Do a search one Black box there have been tons of posts about it. It is almost every car made. It is part of the air bag system.
Plus it can only be used to prove what the accident investigator says happened.
Plus it can only be used to prove what the accident investigator says happened.
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Originally Posted by BigJoe
You would probably have to remove/disable the air bags as well, since they are in the same system. Your insurance company would probably take an even dimmer view of that...
Burning Brakes
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From: Hernando MS
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
The module you are refering to as the "Crash Data Recorder", is actually called the SDM, Sensor and Diagnostic Module...It is in the center console directly below the Heater and A/C controls. It controls the Airbags and saves information for the last 5 secounds before a crash from the Instrument Cluster and a few other inputs.
Yes you can unplug it, but will recieve several alerts, such as the airbag indicator lite will stay on all the time and the DIC will report several DTC`s.
Of course I can`t guess what the legalities of such an action would be.
Yes you can unplug it, but will recieve several alerts, such as the airbag indicator lite will stay on all the time and the DIC will report several DTC`s.
Of course I can`t guess what the legalities of such an action would be.
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Not worth losing the air bags over this. 
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From: Michigan
Here in Warren MI we had a fatal accident involving a Cadillac Eldo and a Grand Prix. The detective had to obtain a search warrant for both the vehicles "black boxes" to determine speed and braking at time of impact. There is no legal issues if you want to disable this system, you own the vehicle and have a right to your privacy. This information is the difference between an accident and manslaughter.
Drifting
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From: Bowling Green KY
This is a tough issue, and it has been beat to death on the forum.
While I don't particularly like the idea of "Big Brother" watching me drive, I also realize that these devices would be very helpful for safe drivers to prove their cases.
JMHO
While I don't particularly like the idea of "Big Brother" watching me drive, I also realize that these devices would be very helpful for safe drivers to prove their cases.
JMHO
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You should only worry about the black box only if you plan on driving like an ***. The black box can be you worst enemy or your best friend. It can save you when some witness claims you were going 100mph but the black box shows you doing the speed limit.
You make the choice
You make the choice
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From: NM
Originally Posted by nrotik
There is no legal issues if you want to disable this system, you own the vehicle and have a right to your privacy.
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From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon
I think the Data Recorder came along in the 2000 model year, and may be part of the reason why so many are looking for nice 99s.....
The libertarian in me wants to have no part of a data recorder in my car, but Zilla makes a good point,,,, We Vette drivers ara often seen a speed crazed idiots....and the proof otherwise might be handy post-crash....Food for thought anyway,
Jennifer
The libertarian in me wants to have no part of a data recorder in my car, but Zilla makes a good point,,,, We Vette drivers ara often seen a speed crazed idiots....and the proof otherwise might be handy post-crash....Food for thought anyway,
Jennifer
Burning Brakes
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From: California
Originally Posted by Zilla
You should only worry about the black box only if you plan on driving like an ***. The black box can be you worst enemy or your best friend. It can save you when some witness claims you were going 100mph but the black box shows you doing the speed limit.
You make the choice
You make the choice
Melting Slicks
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From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I don't understand the issue here????? If you drive your car within the proper speed limits and obey traffic laws, who the hell cares about the so called "black box?" 
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Originally Posted by BiggieBoy
I don't understand the issue here????? If you drive your car within the proper speed limits and obey traffic laws, who the hell cares about the so called "black box?"
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From: TurtleCreek Twp Ohio
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Originally Posted by Tom73
Don't think that argument will hold. Same basic one that we delt with in the '70s on emission equipment. The feeling was that the dealer could not touch (ie, remove) the emission equipment as it was federaly required. But it was you vehicle and you could do with it as you please and if you (not the dealer) wanted to remove the emission equipment you could. We all know that that argument never held up.
It's my car and I will do with it as I please, within the guidelines that alow me to get or keep plates. Don't need or want anyone watching every move I make. A good investigator can determine who was at fault in an accident and I'll trust my luck to that.
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Originally Posted by Aquaman
There is no legal recorse for removing it. Same as removing your air bags, or if you live in an emissions lax area removing your cats.
It's my car and I will do with it as I please, within the guidelines that alow me to get or keep plates. Don't need or want anyone watching every move I make. A good investigator can determine who was at fault in an accident and I'll trust my luck to that.
It's my car and I will do with it as I please, within the guidelines that alow me to get or keep plates. Don't need or want anyone watching every move I make. A good investigator can determine who was at fault in an accident and I'll trust my luck to that.
give your head a shake you live in the United States where people sue each other for funny looks.If I get injured in an accident when the airbags could of prevented the injury and I found out the owner remove the black box which disables the airbags, damn right I would sue your ***. There is your legal recourse
