jthorpe

Guys,

I can't go into detail but I am in the process of investigating a fatal crash. For one of the vehicles involved, we don't have the appropriate equipment to read the computer information that's available before the crash. I can only say it's a 2008 Toyota Avalon.

Will the dealer have the capability of doing this? Is there any other way to get this information from the vehicle beside the dealer? We do have a special unit that can read information from vehicles, but not this model and year.

I'm just curious what my options are here. I figured someone on DTR is an expert in this and would know. Even if you don't know, but may know someone who does, please pass this on to them.

PS - The only thing I've seen so far is a system from Vetronix Corporation's Crash Data Retrieval System... Is this the only way?

Fronty Owner

The dealer should. but after waht I heard from the toyota brake issue, toyota has been real tight lipped on their black boxes and the data logged and the data retrievable by just anyone.

cincydiesel

Not sure if this will help Jack but I found this link. Pretty interesting read about the Avalon Box

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...s-black-boxes/

jthorpe

Thanks for the info. guys. Maybe that's why we don't have it for this Toyota. I was doing some research and found an EDR reader for 4100 bucks. Ummm, I won't be buying that!

cbrahs

the dealer will be able to do this. if law enforcement shows up and asks to pull info off the box, they should not give you any gripe.

Fronty Owner

and if they do it will give you a reason to have the GM summoned to explain it to a judge.

Hvytrkmech

Jack, I work with the Mass State police accident reconstruction and investigation units. I have had extensive experience working with Troopers at our facility in the access and removal of crash box's.

If you want I will pm you my cell#. I won't discuss here on an open forum.

Let me know if I can be of service.

cbrahs

exactly. there is not a GM out there that would want that bad press not helping law enforcement with this crash to see if it were component failure or driver just having head in rear syndrome

Hvytrkmech

Actually Chris dealers can not access this info, only authorized agencies can get the software to access it. This is to preserve the chain of evidence.

Respectfully.

Justwannabeme

yup, beat me to the punch. Got to limit your facts to closed source origin. clear, uncontroverted evidence. If needed, they can bring the device to the lab for a reading, in a controlled environment.

Jack, might it help to have the corporate regional tech manager's number for all the car manufacturers if you routinely do the ACUs...great legwork saving for TMs, bullentins, nuances with a model, ect....
your DA should let you know the level of required evidence or 'fact findings'.

just great resources/parameters. 'nicer' to have them testify instead of you repeating their data. but direct testimony will depend on your agency and the DA.
carry on, wayward son!

staarma

The Japanese auto makers are very tight lipped about their source code. You never see any flash devices for Japanese made vehicles and this is the reason. US auto makers have their stuff pirated right out of the doors the minute it's made and for good reason. The aftermarket on cars like the Mustangs and Camaros are popular for this very reason. You can modify them and while the auto makers openly frown upon it they rely on it too.

BTW, that Avalon is really a Lexus with the Toyota emblem on it.

Jeff in TD

I wonder if NICB could give you any help?

jthorpe

I'm not sure how we're going to do this yet. My supervisor is working on some contacts of hers right now. I'm hoping we'll have some luck that way. I just don't understand why we have it for so many brands and models, but not for this model. makes no sense to me.

Jeff in TD

Still proprietary stuff. At some point maybe there will be some mandated standard interface.