1BadElky

I searched this and found that the black box was in 99-02 f-bodies, but not 98... the only thread I found that was good is very old, so I was wondering if there is a fix for it now.

I know that the "black box" is actually part of the airbag control unit in the center console.

so, do you guys eliminate the things or never even give them a second thought? Could I swap the airbag controller from a 98 into a 99-02? I dont currently have an f-body.

and is reading the black box the only way to see how many ignition cycles the car has been through, or can I use any scanner on the pcm to find that?

Bill Bowling

iTrader: (6)

What is a black box?

outkast6991

iTrader: (34)

i think it's a mind control device implanted by the CIA to make f body drivers do smoke shows in public area's that's my story and i'm sticking to it officer

BlackSS2001

iTrader: (23)

I'll have to try that one haha


My 01 has it I just unhooked both air bags under the dash. The Z will have it removed.

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

iTrader: (19)

Most local law enforcement can't afford the software to read it. Remove it if you want, I guess. Just don't tell your insurance.

I think it only has 30 seconds of memory in our cars. I have heard in the newest cars they can monitor much longer.

In Automotive Engineering, they had an article about Auto grade hard drives monitoring the whole life of the car.

1BadElky

that's what I don't like about late model cars. I just make exceptions for LSx and that's it.

P Mack

iTrader: (6)

I don't like the idea of big brother more than anyone else, but I think with all the bad drivers out there, it's a better idea to keep it. Think of it this way, are you more likely to get in an accident because you're speeding or because some idiot blows through a red light? In the most likely accident scenarios, I could see the black box proving my innocence, not incriminating me.

Bill Bowling

iTrader: (6)

How do you remove it? Will it make my car faster?

Bill

KENS WS6

I like that, If it can make your car run faster, im with you man.LOL!!!!!!

jmdale1984

iTrader: (6)

Wow, I've never heard of this. Is that what the box under the center console is? I knew it had something to do with the air bags.

Does it record your speed before an accident? Is that what everyone's worried about?

P Mack

iTrader: (6)

The original purpose was to help vehicle manufacturers get results back from real world accidents to see if their airbags were working right to save on r&d at the factory. I think ours record information like speed, throttle position, steering angle, braking for 5 seconds before the accident. I'm sure that's not exactly right, but it's something along those lines. They have been used in court before.

1BadElky

pretty much. and whether or not they were meant to get you in trouble, they are used in court, although it is rare.

I just want to eliminate the possibility all together. I don't plan to wreck at high speed, but then again, does anyone?

Bill Bowling

iTrader: (6)

How do you remove it? Anyone know. I want that extra speed.

Bill

99hawk297

Yes, it does record vehicle data if your airbag deploys. However, if you remove the module (which weighs less than a half a pound) you will lose your airbags and have a warning lamp on all the time. Not worth it IMHO

jmdale1984

iTrader: (6)

The thought of the airbags deploying scares me more than the thought of wrecking anyways. I've already got my driver's side airbag disabled.

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

iTrader: (19)

It is based on acceleration and it has a wake up algorithm. It is impossible for it to go off unless the deployment loop is shorted.

Bill Bowling

iTrader: (6)

I do want to keep my airbags. I guess I will just be slower with the extra weight.

Bill

1BadElky

could you use the airbag controller from a 93-98 model? (I know 98 is LS1, but the last year of no black box)

or would it not work with the pcm/bcm?

slow

iTrader: (7)

What's the problem wiht having it?

Ryan

Black02SLPSS

iTrader: (5)

There a problem with having it. The only reason its there as stated above is to monitor whats going on with the vehicle in the event of a crash. Or if they are having to fix something questionable for warrantee.