SUBJECT: New Technology Update 2015, Part 1
TOPIC: New Vehicle Technology Features
OBJECTIVE: Recognition & Familiarization with New Vehicle Features, Operating Systems, & Components
TASK: When confronted with new vehicle features, operating systems and components, the rescue team shall recognize these systems and implement appropriate safety procedures to deal with these systems
This University of Extrication article begins an image-oriented series that presents selected new features that may be found on late-model vehicles at a crash or fire scene. Each new technology item in this series is something that fire, rescue and EMS personnel must be capable of recognizing, working with and taking effective actions with so they can maintain a safe working environment at the incident scene.
Many items presented have only become popular within the last few model years and may be specific to only one vehicle manufacturer at this time. Various versions of these features continue to be developed and used by multiple vehicle manufacturers. A brief responder action statement is included for each new technology item to explain its relevance to rescue activities.
Automatic transmission select system
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This 2015 model-year Lincoln MKC sedan does not have a typical gear selector lever on the column or a shifter on the center console. Called the “Transmission Select Shift,” the controls for the six-speed automatic transmission are push buttons located along the left side of the center console. Photos by Ron Moore
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A responder working inside this Lincoln MKC sedan must recognize this stack of dash push buttons as the transmission selector console and use the P button to assure that the vehicle is in Park. Note that this system does not function if the 12-volt power has already been taken away but if placed into Park, it will hold its position after power shutdown.
Keyless ignitions
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This 2015 Chevrolet Impala 2LZ has a keyless ignition system. Shutting down the engine at a crash scene requires that the inside rescuer recognize this feature. Look along the instrument panel to the right of the steering column. Responders must know to press the ENGINE Start/Stop button one time to shut off the engine.
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The keyless ignition system for this Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedan uses this flush-mounted button on the instrument panel. Responders must look for these buttons and determine if an On indicator exists. With this specific design, when the ignition is Off, the small LED light on the button will be dimmed (as shown). When the ignition is On, the LED will be illuminated.
Electronic parking brake
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This 2014 Prius V hybrid has an electronic parking brake – not a mechanical lever to pull up or a small foot pedal to depress. Responders must recognize that the P emblem on the button below the Power button must be pushed to activate the electric parking brakes. Note that this system does not function if the 12-volt power has already been taken away but if the parking brake is set first, it will hold its position after power shutdown.
Lack of readily visible orange HV cables
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The engine compartment area of this Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV does not have a noticeable amount of orange high-voltage (HV) cabling. Fire/Rescue personnel must learn to not expect that all orange cables on every hybrid or electric plug-in will be readily visible.
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An alert responder will notice the Hybrid Synergy Drive label on the Highlander’s top engine cover and may be able to see the two small orange-colored HV cables; all indicators that a hybrid vehicle is involved in this incident.
Orange-colored labels
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Responders must understand that orange-colored cables such as visible on this Lincoln MKZ Hybrid indicate high-voltage lines; hybrid or electric plug-in. The orange label on the radiator cowling, however, does not necessarily indicate the presence of high voltage.
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A close look at this orange-colored label on a General Motors vehicle reveals warnings about the electric radiator fan and the air conditioner refrigerant; nothing about high-voltage hybrid or electric plug-ins as one might expect the orange color to represent.
Read the rest of the series here:
Part 2: Implement procedures for modern features
Part 3: New vehicle technology features
