Side - B-Pillar

SIDE - B-PILLAR





Two acceleration-type side impact sensors (2) are used on vehicles equipped with the optional side curtain (also known as window) airbags or the optional seat (also known as thorax) airbags, 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) (also known as the highline airbag control unit/ARCADE). Each side impact sensor is secured with a screw to a stamped metal bracket welded onto the base of the inner B-pillar behind the rearward vertical surface of the right and left front door step wells and concealed behind the step well trim paneling within the passenger compartment.

The impact sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle (3), two integral anti-rotation pins (1), and an integral mounting hole with a metal sleeve (4) to provide crush protection. A cavity in the center of the molded plastic impact sensor housing contains the electronic circuitry of the sensor, which includes an electronic communication chip and an electronic impact sensor. A nylon cover is laser-welded over 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 vehicle wire harness.

The acceleration-type side impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, they must be replaced.