Belt Tension Sensor: Operation

The belt tension sensor unit is designed to sense the relative cinch load applied to the passenger side front seat belt, which provides a logic input to the microprocessor of the Occupant Classification Module (OCM). When a load is applied to the seat belt, the changes in the load are measured by the belt tension sensor through the seat belt lower anchor. As the load changes, the circuitry of the belt tension sensor changes the output voltage of the sensor.

The belt tension sensor receives a nominal five volts and a ground through dedicated hard wired circuits from the OCM. The OCM then monitors the belt tension sensor output voltage on a dedicated hard wired data communication circuit. The hard wired circuits between the belt tension sensor and the OCM may be diagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, the most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the belt tension sensor input to the OCM, and the electronic message communication between the OCM and the Airbag Control Module (ACM) requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.