Chapter 38 Security, Navigation, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems 513 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Green Technology Mercury Pollution Mercury is a natural chemical element that is toxic when ingested. Liquid mercury, such as that used in fluorescent lights, some batteries, thermostats, and older thermometers, is especially dangerous because it vaporizes at room temperature. When inhaled, mercury will enter the lungs and then enter the blood and brain. Mercury poisoning can cause sleep disorders, agitation, and paralysis. It can also impair the development of nerve systems in young children. You should be aware of auto parts and other shop equipment that may contain mercury. ❯ ❯ Vehicles manufactured before 2003 may contain mercury switches or relays. Mercury was also used in wheel balancers used in trucks, motorhomes, and motorcycles. ❯ ❯ Light bulbs containing mercury include fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, ultraviolet lights, and neon lights. ❯ ❯ Mercury is used in LCD screens and in some computer monitors. Other products you may encounter that contain mercury include the following: ❯ ❯ Antiques, appliances, barometers, jewelry, TVs manufactured before 1991, and the small, button-shaped batteries used in many electronic devices. Today, the use of mercury in consumer products is limited and mercury disposal is highly regulated. It is illegal in most states to dispose of materials containing mercury in landfills. Visit the EPA website to learn how to handle, store, and safely dispose of mercury. The website also includes instructions for cleaning spills from broken items that contain mercury. wk1003mike/Shutterstock.com • Navigation systems are electronic systems that communicate with the US satellite global positioning system to help the driver plan and direct the route to his or destination. • Advanced driver assistance systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, and ECMs to help prevent collisions and improve driver performance. • Radar, infrared, and ultrasonic proximity sensors are used to detect nearby objects, such as other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. • Backup cameras help the driver by displaying what is behind the vehicle. • Surround-view camera systems use four cameras to stitch an overhead image together to help the driver “see” the area surrounding the vehicle. • An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system uses radar and an ECM to alter vehicle speed automatically when the driver is approaching another vehicle too quickly. • A collision avoidance system uses proximity sensors to detect objects in its path. The system measures the distance between the vehicle and the object and automatically controls the braking and engine speed. • A blind spot warning system uses proximity sensors to detect vehicles to the rear in adjacent lanes while driving. Summary • A factory-installed immobilizer disables the vehicle to prevent it from being started and stolen. The vehicle will only start when the correct key or fob is present. • The factory-installed alarm system is armed by locking the doors with the key fob after all the doors, the hood, and the trunk or tailgate have been closed. • A voice-activated system uses a microphone and computer data to perform functions by reacting to spoken words. • Many late-model vehicles are equipped with an electronic key fob that functions as a physical key or uses wireless technology to lock and unlock the doors. • A transponder key contains an electronic chip that sends a coded signal to a module. If the module recognizes the signal, it allows the engine to be started. • A remote keyless entry system uses a key fob that contains a transmitter. The driver pushes buttons on the key fob to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. • The smart key system uses proximity sensors that send signals to the ECM to indicate that the key fob is nearby.