Sensor, Impact: Description: Description
This vehicle has two front remote acceleration-type impact sensors (1), one each for the left and right sides of the vehicle. These sensors are mounted remotely from the impact sensor that is internal to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). Sensors at the front of the vehicle provide an additional logic input for use by the ORC to control the front airbags and the seat belt pretensioners.
The front sensors are secured with a screw to the back of the right or left end of the front frame cross member in front of the engine compartment. The right and left front impact sensors are identical in construction and calibration. These front sensors are designed to withstand the harsher operating environment found within the engine compartment. The front impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors of the headlamp and dash wire harness.
Each sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle (3), an integral locator pin with two latch features (5) and an integral mounting hole with a metal sleeve (2) to provide crush protection. A cavity in the center of the molded plastic impact sensor housing contains the electronic circuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic communication chip and an electronic acceleration sensor. Potting material fills the cavity and a molded cover (4) is laser welded over the cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.
The acceleration-type front impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, they must be replaced.