Crossfire SRT-6 V6-3.2L SC VIN N (2005)
Impact Sensor: Description and Operation
Two side impact sensors (2) are used, one each for the left and right sides of the vehicle. These sensors are mounted remotely from the bi-directional
safing sensor that is internal to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The side impact sensors are secured with two bolts (1) to the floor below the
carpet under the seats.
The impact sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle and two integral mounting ears, each with a metal sleeve to provide crush protection. A
cavity in the center of the molded black plastic impact sensor housing contains the electronic circuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic
communication chip and an electronic impact sensor. Potting material fills the cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.
The side impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated connector of the airbag wire harness.
The side impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted, and if damaged or faulty, they must be replaced.
The side impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration, which 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 Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The ORC microprocessor continuously monitors all
of the passive restraint system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ORC detects a monitored system fault, it sets a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) and controls the airbag indicator lamp operation accordingly.
The impact sensors each receive battery current and ground through dedicated left and right sensor plus and minus circuits from the ORC. The impact
sensors and the ORC communicate by modulating the voltage in the sensor plus circuit. The hard wired circuits between the side impact sensors and the
ORC may be diagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove
conclusive in the diagnosis of the ORC or the impact sensors. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the impact sensors, the ORC,
and the electronic message communication between the sensors and the ORC requires the use of a DRBIII(R) scan tool.
