Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION

FRONT IMPACT SENSORS





There are two front impact sensors, one each for the left and right sides of the vehicle. These sensors are mounted remotely from the impact sensor that is internal to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The right and left front and side impact sensors are identical in construction and calibration and each front impact sensor is secured with two screws.





The front impact sensors are secured with two screws (1) to the outboard sides of the right and left vertical members (3) of the radiator support within the engine compartment.

The impact sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle and two integral mounting ears, each with a metal sleeve to provide crush protection. A cavity in the center of the molded black plastic impact sensor housing contains the electronic circuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic communication chip and an electronic impact sensor. Potting material fills the cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components. The front impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the right or left headlamp and dash wire harnesses.

The front impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, they must be replaced. If a front impact sensor is faulty, only the sensor needs to be replaced. If the sensor is damaged or faulty, or if proper tightening torque of the screws that secure the sensor to the bracket cannot be achieved, the sensor and bracket unit must be replaced. For diagnosis and testing, use a scan tool and refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

SIDE IMPACT SENSORS





Two side impact sensors are used on each side of the vehicle. These sensors are mounted remotely from the bi-directional safing sensor that is internal to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The side and front impact sensors are identical in construction and calibration and each impact sensor is secured with two screws.

The impact sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle. A cavity in the center of the molded black plastic impact sensor housing contains the electronic circuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic communication chip and an electronic impact sensor. Potting material fills the cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components. The side impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the airbag overlay wire harness.

The side impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or faulty, they must be replaced. For diagnosis and testing, use a scan tool and refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. The side sensors are all the same with each other - they are different from the front sensors and are not interchangeable with each other (I.E. you cannot use a B-pillar sensor at a C-pillar location).

FIRST ROW IMPACT SENSORS





The first row side impact sensor (1) is located in the B-pillar (4), just above the front seat belt retractor.

SECOND ROW IMPACT SENSORS





The second row side impact sensor (3) is located in the C-pillar (4), just in front of the second row seat belt retractor.