Governmental entities are themselves, in individ-
ual cases and within the applicable legal frame-
work, authorized to read out data from thevehi-
cle. In the case of an accident, information that
can help with an investigation can, therefore, be
taken from the airbag control unit, forexample.
OperOperational datational data in ta in the vhe vehicleehicle
This is data regarding the operation of thevehicle,
which have been processed by control units.
This includes thefollowing data, forexample:
RVehicle status information such as the speed,
longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration,
number of wheel revolutions or thefastened
seat belts display
RAmbient conditions, such as temperature, rain
sensor or distance sensor
Generally, the use of these data is temporary;
they will not be stored beyond the period of oper-
ation and will only be processed within thevehicle
itself. Control units oen contain data memories
forvehicle keys,forexample. Their use permits
thetemporary or permanent documentation of
technical information about thevehicle's operat-
ing state, component loads, maintenance require-
ments and technical events or malfunctions.
Depending on thevehicle equipment, thefollow-
ing data are stored:
ROperating status of system components, such
as ll levels, tire pressure or battery status
RMalfunctions or faults in important system
components, such as lights or brakes
RSystem reactions in special driving situations,
such as airbag deployment or the intervention
of stability control systems
RInformation on events leading to vehicle dam-
age
In certain cases, it may be required to store data
that would have otherwise been used only tempo-
rarily. This may be the case if thevehicle has
detected a malfunction, forexample.
If you use services, such as repair services and
maintenance work, stored operational data as
well as thevehicle identication number can be
read out and used. They can be read out by
service network employees, such as workshops
and manufacturers or third parties, such as break-
down services. The same is true in the case of
warranty claims and quality assurance measures.
In general, thereadout is performed via the legally
prescribed port forthe diagnostics connection in
thevehicle. The operational data that are read out
document technical states of thevehicle or of
individual components and assist in the diagnosis
of malfunctions, compliance with warranty obliga-
tions and quality improvement. To that end, these
data, in particular information about component
loads, technical events, malfunctions and other
faults may be transmitted along with thevehicle
identication number to the manufacturer. Fur-
thermore, the manufacturer is subject to product
liability. Forthis reason the manufacturer also
uses operational data from thevehicle, forexam-
ple, forrecalls. These data can also be used to
examine the customer's warranty and guarantee
claims.
Fault memories in thevehicle can be reset by a
service outlet or at your request as part of repair
or maintenance work.
3232 General notes
