Pedestrian Impact Detection System (PIDS) Description and Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The pedestrian impact detection system (PIDS) primary function is to provide supplemental protection to vulnerable road users involved in vehicle impacts. The PIDS is also known as the active pedestrian protection system (APPS). The PIDS is a functional system for raising the hood to provide sufficient vertical deformation space under the hood. In Europe and Japan an active PIDS is necessary for vehicles which do not provide the required deformation space under the hood. The PIDS includes the following components

Pedestrian Impact Detection Module
Discrimination Sensor
Safing Sensor
Two Hood Hinge Actuators

The PIDS will sense and discriminate vulnerable road user impacts and deploy the hood hinge actuators in a timely manner to protect the pedestrian. The term "deployment" applies to the activation of the hood via the hood actuators. The PIDS is designed to sense and discriminate road user impacts (eg. pedestrian, cyclist) from other types of impacts in order to properly deploy the hood actuators. No actions or inputs are required from the driver or passenger to trigger this device. The PIDS module uses the safing and discrimination sensor to get acceleration and force information needed for the deployment of the hood hinge actuators. The PIDS module deploys the hood actuators using two deployment loops. The PIDS only operates at vehicles speeds between 27 km/h (16 mph) to 45 km/h (27 mph). The PIDS module detects internal and interface faults and commands the Service Pedestrian Protection System message in the DIC to indicate a system fault.

After a deployment event, the vehicle operator is able to reset the hood to its normal driving position. After resetting the hood, the PIDS is not required to be fully functional. For full functionality, it is necessary to replace system component(s) at an approved service facility.