"Black box" in Z?
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From: Indiana
"Black box" in Z?
I saw something about there being a "black box" in the Z that records some things you do. Does anyone know what it records and how long it keeps it? I'd hate to void my warranty by taking it autocrossing or to the drag strip.
I think most cars record the last few seconds of stuff (speed, RPM, etc...) - I know that BMW and MB do at least - my friend got a loaner X3 and did neutral drops like who-ski in it trying to break the tranny.......and he did......and BMW harvested the last few things he'd been doing form the computer and saw exactly what he was doing and made him fork over 6k for repairs, lol.
From the owners manual (page 9-26):
"Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of computers
that monitor and control a number of
systems to optimize performance and help service
technicians with diagnosis and repair. Some
of the computers monitor emission control systems,
braking systems, engine systems, transmission
systems, tire pressure systems and air
bag systems. Some data about vehicle operation
may be stored in the computers for use during
servicing. Other data may be stored if a crash
event occurs. For example, vehicle speed, brake
application, steering angle, air bag readiness, air
bag performance, and seat belt use by the driver
or passenger may be recorded. These types of
systems are sometimes called Event Data Recorders.
Special equipment can be used to access the
electronic data that may be stored in the vehicle’s
computers (sounds are not recorded).
NISSAN and NISSAN dealers have equipment
to access some of this data; others may also
have this equipment. The data may be retrieved
during routine vehicle servicing or for special
research. It might also be accessed with the
consent of the vehicle owner or lessee, in response
to a request by law enforcement, or as
otherwise required or permitted by law."
"Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of computers
that monitor and control a number of
systems to optimize performance and help service
technicians with diagnosis and repair. Some
of the computers monitor emission control systems,
braking systems, engine systems, transmission
systems, tire pressure systems and air
bag systems. Some data about vehicle operation
may be stored in the computers for use during
servicing. Other data may be stored if a crash
event occurs. For example, vehicle speed, brake
application, steering angle, air bag readiness, air
bag performance, and seat belt use by the driver
or passenger may be recorded. These types of
systems are sometimes called Event Data Recorders.
Special equipment can be used to access the
electronic data that may be stored in the vehicle’s
computers (sounds are not recorded).
NISSAN and NISSAN dealers have equipment
to access some of this data; others may also
have this equipment. The data may be retrieved
during routine vehicle servicing or for special
research. It might also be accessed with the
consent of the vehicle owner or lessee, in response
to a request by law enforcement, or as
otherwise required or permitted by law."
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 321
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From: Raleigh, NC
I believe most new cars have such computers in order to aid police in accident reconstruction, although obviously the systems can be used in other ways, such as the broken tranny story above.
-djb
-djb
New Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,736
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From: BEHIND YOU!! BEHIND YOU!!!
When I was test driving my Z, the dealer mentioned that this black box could tell the mechanics all about my driving habits (i.e. burnouts, braking, excessive speeds, etc...). He said they'd use this to distinguish between regular and excessive wear and tear when the car was brought in for servicing.
CREEPY if you ask me, WE ARE BEING MONITORED
....., but a good safety system nonetheless.
I don't know how often Nissan uses this to deny warranty claims if that is your worry. Often times if you complain about something they will take a drive with you, if it occurs, they fix it. This occurred when I complained about my tranny.
They don't check the black box first in most cases so I wouldn't really worry. Now maybe they would use it to their ability if you came back for your 5th tranny or something.
I had my tranny replaced under warranty and I can assure you there were definitely a few errant shifts (8000RPM), 150mph plus speeds, etc. recorded on my 'black box'. [All from the owner before me...
]
They don't check the black box first in most cases so I wouldn't really worry. Now maybe they would use it to their ability if you came back for your 5th tranny or something.
I had my tranny replaced under warranty and I can assure you there were definitely a few errant shifts (8000RPM), 150mph plus speeds, etc. recorded on my 'black box'. [All from the owner before me...
]
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Joined: May 2004
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From: USA
Originally Posted by 99atlantic
My friend got a loaner X3 and did neutral drops like who-ski in it trying to break the tranny.......and he did......and BMW harvested the last few things he'd been doing from the computer and saw exactly what he was doing and made him fork over 6k for repairs, lol.
What if you reset your ECU before taking to dealer? This will clear the codes.But they usually test drive , when my axle was replaced(clicking TSB) he rode with me and had me drive beside a wall and he listened for the click and made sure it was both sides then they replaced for free. I know Planes have them.....