Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

The sensor is an electrical switch which reacts to impacts according to direction and force. It discriminates between impacts that require air bag inflation and impacts that do not require air bag inflation. When an impact occurs that requires air bag inflation, the sensor contacts close, completing the electrical circuit necessary for system operation.

Three sensors are mounted in the vehicle. Their locations are as follows:
^ A crash sensor at the RH front radiator support.
^ A crash sensor at the LH front radiator support.
^ A safing sensor at the LH cowl side in the passenger compartment.

At least two sensors, one safing and one crash, must be activated to inflate the air bag.