Front Impact Sensor

The front impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, and combined with the ACM Accelerometer and Safing Sensor provides verification of the direction and severity of an 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 Airbag Control Module. The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all of the front 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 indicator operation accordingly. The impact sensors each receive battery current and ground through dedicated left and right 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.