Description

DESCRIPTION





The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (1), sometimes referred to as the Airbag Control Module (ACM), is concealed beneath the instrument panel (2) center stack, just in front of the floor console, where it is secured by three screws to a stamped steel mounting bracket welded onto the top of the floor tunnel in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Concealed within a hollow in the center of the die cast aluminum ORC housing is the electronic circuitry of the ORC which includes a microprocessor, an electronic impact sensor, an electronic safing sensor, and an energy storage capacitor. A stamped metal cover plate is secured to the bottom of the ORC housing with four screws to enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.

An arrow printed on the label on the top of the ORC housing provides a visual verification of the proper orientation of the unit, and should always be pointed toward the right side of the vehicle. Two molded plastic electrical connector receptacles exit the right side of the ORC housing. These two receptacles (referred to as C1 and C2 in the diagnostic information and wiring) connect the ORC to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness, and a dedicated take out and connector of the airbag overlay wire harness. The ORC contains a second bi-directional safing sensor for the curtain airbags.

The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to the ORC are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and are only serviced as a unit with the ORC. The ORC cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, it must be replaced. For diagnosis and testing, use a scan tool and refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.