Satellite Acceleration Sensor - Pt27: Description

Fig 1: Satellite Acceleration Sensor

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Vehicles equipped with side impact airbags use two impact or Satellite Acceleration Sensors (SAS). See Fig 1. One is located on each respective side, just in front of the B-pillar. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: SAS Location

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The SAS's are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration and when combined with the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) accelerometer, provides verification of the direction and severity of a side impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic communication chip that allows the unit to communicate the sensor status as well as sensor fault information to the microprocessor in the ORC.

For diagnosis and testing, use a scan tool and refer to BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES .