Hi All,

Does anyone know whether:

1. The RX-8 has a "automotive black box," which is described by the Electronic Privacy Information Center as "Event data recorders (EDRs) are electronic "black boxes" that collect and store information about the operation of a motor vehicle. The data recorded might include the date, time, velocity, direction, number of occupants, airbag data, and seat belt use." I think the RX-8 probably has one, because NHTSA claims that 80% of new cars have them.

2. Where is this box located?

3. Can it be disconnected without affecting the car's operation? I've heard from mechanics that this depends on the car--in some, you can simply unplug it. In others, unplugging it doesn't work.

I found an earlier thread on this issue, but it was just a discussion rather than substantive information about the above three questions.

Thanks!
Chris

 

I would think that unplugging it would stop it from working as it needs that connection for a reason.

 

Break out the tin foil hats, everyone! Big Brother might want to spy on our relativley mundane lives and get some dirt on us!

 

I'm serious guys--these devices are being used by police and insurance companies. They constantly record your driving habits.

Some can be unplugged--some are an appendange rather than a device central to operation of the vehicle. Anyone know anything about any of the three questions above?

 

I just found this on a Canadian web site that has some competition to win a Mazda 3:

http://www.winamazda.ca/privacy.asp

Service data recorders (SDR) in your vehicle are capable of collecting and storing diagnostic information about your vehicle, which may constitute personal information. This may include information about the performance or status of various systems and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake systems. Your Mazda dealer may access and collect this vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your vehicle during the servicing process. The only circumstance in which this information may be disclosed to Mazda is in connection with providing service in relation to your vehicle, except as otherwise required by law.

Other modules in your vehicle, including event data recorders (EDR), are capable of collecting and storing data during a collision or near collision. The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the occupants, potentially including information such as:

* how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
* whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
* how far if at all the driver was depressing the accelerator and or the brake pedal;
* how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
* where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.

Special equipment must be directly connected to the recording modules to access EDR information. Mazda does not access, collect, use or disclose EDR information without your consent, unless required under court order or else where otherwise required by law.

 

That is just the problem: A Prosecutor will use speed/direction/braking evidence to try to prove guilt where none may exist.

"See, your honor! He was driving at 65mph in a 55 zone! His Speeding caused the wreck!"

When the reality of what happened was this:

A guy going 40mph, cut you off, and caused to you rear-end him.

(shrug).

 

Snap-On would be the one to ask this question...

 

I don't think the '8 has a "black box" per se - although I could be wrong. However, the car's PCM records a lot of data at any given moment... last top speed, ABS/DSC info (all sortsa stuff about what the car was last doing dynamically), airbag deployment info, etc etc, from a variety of sensors on most systems in the car.

So my guess would be that all the info that a black box would have can be downloaded from the PCM via the OBD-II port under the steering wheel. If this is indeed the case, then there's no way to disconnect it as it's integral to most every system in the car.

But, I wonder if it would be possible to put the OBD-II port on a hidden "disable" switch. If the cops can't get a good download feed say after an accident, I'll bet they'd never look for a disable switch. They'd just assume the port was damaged in the accident. :D

 

I have never looked for the "black box" in a car ever.. so i dont know what cops r though

 

Djseto--it's absolutely not about avoiding responsibility for a serious accident! Instead, I'm concerned about insurance company monitoring, and also, had you thought about this: these EDRs can detect dozens of variables about your car. What if the EDR were used to invalidate your warranty because you had installed some non-Mazda part?

 

Picked up my 2005 Shinka last night! In the operator's manual was the attached notice. It reads:

Event Data Recorder

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder. In the event of a crash, this device records data related to the vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time. These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur and lead to the designing of safer vehicles...

 

Check your owners manual for info on whether your model has an EDR. I believe federal law requires the manuf to tell you if there is an EDR. If there is one, its usually noted in the owners manual.

 

Dude, you just bumped a 7 year old thread.

 

^^Lol @ bump fail

 

His join date is April 2005 and this was his first post? what gives

 

Wow. That's odd.

 

Yeah I noticed that too, weird.