Chrysler Airbag Control Module (ACM) Data Reliability 2010-01-1002

Collision data stored in the Airbag Control Module (ACM) of some Chrysler vehicles has become available to accident investigators through the Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) system, beginning with the 2005 model year. An event data recorder (EDR) that can record pre-deployment vehicle speed and other parameters such as brake pedal application and throttle application is incorporated into the ACM, or Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) using Chrysler terminology. The accuracy of this data under different driving conditions has not been extensively tested and reported. The primary purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of the data recorded in the Chrysler ACM under test conditions. Establishing the reliability of this information is important, if it is to be relied upon by the investigator. These results can be used to quantify the accuracy of ACM reported pre-crash data for use in engineering analysis of automobile crashes.

The testing was performed on a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, while forcing deployment events in the ACM under known conditions. Various parameters were monitored during the testing for later comparison to the ACM data. The testing involved monitoring the outputs of some vehicle sensors as well as external sensors.