Data memory
General information
Electronic control devices are installed in
the vehicle. Electronic control units process
data they receive from vehicle sensors, self-
generate or exchange with each other. Some
control units are necessary for the vehicle
to function safely or provide assistance dur-
ing driving, for instance driver assistance
systems. Furthermore, control units facili-
tate comfort or infotainment functions.
Information about stored or exchanged data
can be requested from the manufacturer of
the vehicle, in a separate booklet, for exam-
ple.
Personal reference
Each vehicle is marked with a unique vehi-
cle identification number. Depending on the
country, the vehicle owner can be identified
with the vehicle identification number, li-
cense plate and corresponding authorities.
In addition, there are other options to track
data collected in the vehicle to the driver
or vehicle owner, for instance via utilized
services.
Operating data in the vehicle
Control units process data to operate the
vehicle.
For example, this includes:
– Status messages for the vehicle and
its individual components, e.g., wheel
RPM, wheel speed, deceleration, lateral
acceleration, engaged seat belt indica-
tor.
– Ambient conditions, e.g., temperature,
rain sensor signals.
The processed data is only processed in the
vehicle itself while the vehicle is being op-
erated. Data is not stored beyond the oper-
ating time.
Electronic components, e.g. control units
and vehicle keys, contain components for
storing technical information. Information
about the vehicle condition, component us-
age, maintenance recommendations, events
or faults can be stored temporarily or per-
manently.
This information generally documents the
state of a component, a module, a system, or
the surrounding area, for instance:
– Operating states of system components,
such as fill levels, tire pressure, battery
status.
– Malfunctions and faults in important
system components, for instance lights
and brakes.
– Responses by the vehicle to special
driving situations such as airbag deploy-
ment or engagement of the driving sta-
bility control systems.
– Information on vehicle-damaging
events.
The data is required to perform the control
unit functions. Furthermore, it also serves
to detect and correct malfunctions, and
helps the vehicle manufacturer to optimize
vehicle functions.
The majority of this data is stored tempora-
rily and is only processed within the vehicle
itself. In some circumstances the vehicle
may store some data for an additional but
limited period of time.
When servicing, for instance during re-
pairs, service processes, warranty cases,
and quality assurance measures, this techni-
cal information can be read out from the
vehicle together with the vehicle identifica-
tion number.
An authorized service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop can
read out the information. The diagnostic
socket required by law in the vehicle is
used to read out data.
Seite 11
Information NOTES
11
Online Edition for Part no. 01405A7DAD4 - II/23
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