Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

WARNING: MOUNTING ORIENTATION OF THE IMPACT SENSORS AND THE RCM IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH THE CENTER TUNNEL AREA HAS BEEN DAMAGED, INSPECT THE RCM MOUNTING AREA FOR DEFORMATION. INSPECT THE IMPACT SENSOR MOUNTING AREA FOR DAMAGE. IF DAMAGED, THE RCM AND SENSORS MUST BE REPLACED WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, MAKE SURE THE MOUNTING AREA OF THE RCM AND IMPACT SENSORS ARE RESTORED TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION CONFIGURATION.

The impact sensors provide data to the RCM for use in calculating impact severity. This is accomplished using various electrical and electro-mechanical sensors located throughout the vehicle. A front impact severity sensor is located in the front-center of the vehicle, behind the grille. In addition on vehicles equipped with seat side air bags, there are side impact sensors located near the base of each B-pillar.