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Side Impact Sensor

Component locations 

Fig 1: Identifying Side Impact Sensor
GLL117765Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

The vehicle's side impact sensors are used to provide the supplemental restraint system (SRS) early information on a side-on collision.

The four sensors that are:

The side impact sensors in the B and C posts consist of acceleration sensors that continuously send data to the control module.

In the event of a collision, the control module uses the data from the sensors to determine if the collision force is sufficient to activate the side impact protection.

Only the side impact protection system nearest the point of impact is deployed.

In the event of a fault in the side impact sensor, a fault signal is transmitted to the control module which then stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is also stored if the communication between the control module and one of the side impact sensors does not function.

If one (or both) of the side impact sensors stops working for some reason, the control module uses information from the other sensors to determine when to deploy the impact protection.

Data is transmitted on the same cable used for power supply. There is a signal/power supply cable to each side impact sensor and a ground cable.

The side impact sensors in the B and C posts are of the same type and can be installed in all positions.

Each side impact has a serial number that is used to check that the right side impact sensor is installed in the vehicle.