The "black Box"

[Wounds Within]

Today while reading the owners manual to my newly bought vehicle, I had read that my car has an event data recorder or "EDR". In other words it is a black box. Yes, the same type of recording device that is in nearly all aircraft. The black box that is in my car is conected to my airbags and it is designed to record 10 seconds before a crash and 2 seconds after a crash. I had no idea that this was a even feature on vechicles until this very moment. The dealer told me that EDR systems for cars have been around since the late 90's but only recently have they been starting to install them as part of the modern assembly line. It seams like it is nearly a requirement on cars now. If you have a car that is a 2004 model or newer, try to find that owners manual that is buried somewhere, chances are you have an EDR system too.

[AntiHero]

If I remember right just about anything computer controlled has had something similar for years now. If not, just sit back and watch as dealers use this tech to screw you out of your warranty.

[Msterbeau]

If I remember right just about anything computer controlled has had something similar for years now. If not, just sit back and watch as dealers use this tech to screw you out of your warranty.

I don't think dealers will have access. I posted about this a while back. The manufactures will have access one way or another... anyone else gets to go to court.

EDIT: Never mind. Looks like the cops and anyone who can figure out how to get the info are currently allowed. The problem is that the legislation hasn't been fully dealt with from a privacy/ownership point of view. I imagine that'll happen soon enough.

[Hellion]

Wait till they put this crap in tv's and stereos,and other electronic stuff.

[Marblez]

.. it is designed to record 10 seconds before a crash and 2 seconds after a crash.

umm... How does it know when to start recording?++

[Msterbeau]

umm... How does it know when to start recording?++

It's always recording. It keeps deleting the old and saving the new info.

[Rayne]

I want to format mine with Windows! That way I can call AAA and be all like... "The Windows ME on my car crashed and now it won't start! Please send someone with a recovery disc!"

Dude, don't even tell me if given the chance you'd run Windows ME ... ICK.

[Gaf The Horse With Tears]

Wait till they put this crap in tv's and stereos,and other electronic stuff.

It's called a V-Chip.