Side Impact Sensor

The side impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration and when combined with the ACM 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 Air-bag Control Module. The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all of the passive restraint system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ACM detects a system fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code and controls the airbag warning indicator operation accordingly. The side impact sensors receive battery current and ground through dedicated driver and passenger sensor signal and ground circuits from the ACM. The impact sensors and the ACM communicate by modulating the voltage in the sensor signal circuit. If the sensor is dropped it must be replaced. Disconnect the battery or remove both airbag fuses before servicing impact sensors.