Occupant Restraint Controller - Description

DESCRIPTION





The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) is secured with three nuts to a stamped steel mounting bracket welded onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel below the instrument panel center stack. 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 front of the vehicle. The ORC housing has integral mounting flanges on three corners. Two molded plastic electrical connector receptacles are integral to the end cover plate. These receptacles connect the ORC to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors from the instrument panel and the body wire harnesses.

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. In addition, there are unique versions of the ORC for vehicles with or without the optional side curtain airbags. The ORC cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, it must be replaced.