Reports and Case Examples
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Below are examples of text from previous investigations involving airbag systems and fire investigations.
Passenger Injury During Non-Deployment Crash - 2000 Buick LeSabre
"... The purpose of my inspection was to download the crash data information imprinted on the Airbag Sensing & Diagnostic Module (SDM) during an accident involving your client. The subject vehicle was not equipped with a side airbag protection system.
The download was accomplished by energizing the vehicle through jumper cables and a charge box. This allowed the parties to hook directly into the DLC (Data Link Connector) under the dashboard located on the driver's side of the interior. The connector is used for all computer communication and is standard on this type of vehicle. No one touched or tampered with the SDM prior to the inspection and downloading procedures.The data revealed that the impact occurred while the vehicle was moving approximately 6-12 mph. The driver seat belt was buckled. The brakes were applied, released, re-applied, and re-released all within 5 seconds of the impact."
Engine Fire / Cause and Origin - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
"...Contrary to the fire department preliminary report, (Exhibit E) the source of the fire was central in the engine compartment, not localized near the passenger side of the engine compartment. Based on the findings detailed above, the evidence on this vehicle, and the manner in which this vehicle burned, it is my professional opinion as an experienced investigator and technician that the cause of this fire was a leaking fuel line or connector under the plastic engine cover, leaking fuel onto the exhaust manifold causing it to ignite. Further, it is my opinion that this leak was caused by naturally deteriorating rubber fuel lines."
Accidental Airbag Deployment - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
"...Upon removing the SDM from the vehicle, the entire top metal cover disintegrated around the perimeter. This provided me with full visible access to the inside of the control unit. As shown in the accompanying photos on the following pages, the corrosion, rust and deterioration was evident inside the control unit as well as on the outside.
Given the circumstances I discovered on the vehicle , it is my professional opinion that the specific cause of the airbag system deployment was a power surge within the control unit due either to a lack of ground connection or a shorted circuit within the SDM itself.
This conclusion is further supported by the fact that I was unable to obtain a crash data report from the SDM, even after removal from the vehicle."
Vehicle Fire / Cause and Origin - 1996 Audi A6
"...I determined the source of this fire to originate from an engine oil leak based on a number of factors.
1--This model vehicle has a history of oil leaking from the valve covers.
2--This particular vehicle has evidence of stains on the exhaust pipes indicating such an oil leak existed previously.
3--Recent receipts from the repair shop indicated an existing oil leak.
4--The fire and damaged area under the hood was too small to be fuel generated.
Although fuel fed the fire once ignited, the lack of intense heat and spread of flames to the opposite side of the engine compartment dismissed fuel as being the cause or origin of this fire."
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Airbag Information
- Airbag Basic Descriptions
- Injuries Associated with Airbag Deployment
(Journal of Emergency Medicine) - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- NHTSA Home Page
- 5 Star Rating System
- Airbag Safety Q & A's
American College of Emergency Physicians