Dakota 4WD V8-4.7L Flex Fuel (2008)
Seat Occupant Classification Module - Air Bag: Description and Operation
Description
DESCRIPTION
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (1) is located below the instrument panel center stack in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, where it is
secured by three nuts to three studs on a stamped steel mounting bracket welded onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel just forward of the
instrument panel center support bracket. Concealed within a hollow in the center of the die cast aluminum ORC housing is the electronic circuitry of the
ORC which includes a microprocessor, an electronic impact sensor, an electronic safing sensor, and an energy storage capacitor. A stamped metal cover
plate is secured to the bottom of the ORC housing with screws to enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.
An arrow (2) printed on the label on the top of the ORC housing provides a visual verification of the proper orientation of the unit, and should always be
pointed toward the front of the vehicle. The ORC housing has three integral flanges with mounting holes. Two are on the corners oriented towards the
rear of the vehicle, and one is near the center of the side facing the front of the vehicle. A molded plastic electrical connector (3) with two receptacles,
each containing up to 32 terminal pins, exits the left facing side of the ORC housing. These terminal pins connect the ORC to the vehicle electrical
system through two dedicated take outs and connectors, one each from the instrument panel and the body wire harnesses.
The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to the ORC are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and are only serviced as a unit with the ORC. In addition,
there are unique versions of the ORC for vehicles with or without the optional side curtain airbags. The ORC cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if
damaged or ineffective, it must be replaced.
