Front And Side Impact Sensor

The front and side impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, and combined with the ORC Accelerometer Sensor provides verification of the direction and severity of an 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 Occupant Restraint Controller. The ORC microprocessor continuously monitors all of the front and side passive restraint system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ORC detects a system fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code and controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly. The impact sensors each receive battery current and ground through dedicated left and right sensor signal and ground circuits from the ORC. The impact sensors and the ORC communicate by modulating the voltage in the sensor signal circuit. If the sensor is dropped it must be replaced.