Grand Caravan V6-3.3L Flex Fuel (2008)
Impact Sensor: Description and Operation
Description
Front
FRONT
Two acceleration-type front impact sensors (1) are used on this vehicle, 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). Each front sensor is secured with a screw to the back of the
front end module carrier on either side of the cooling module, just below the inboard end of each front lamp unit housing within the engine compartment.
The sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle (3), an integral locating and anti-rotation pin, and an integral mounting hole (2).
The right and left front impact sensors are identical in construction and calibration. 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. The cavity is
filled with a potting material to seal and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components. The front impact sensors are each connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the front end module wire harness.
These acceleration-type front impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, they must be replaced.
Side - Front Door
SIDE - FRONT DOOR
Two pressure-type front door side impact sensors (2) are used on this vehicle when it is equipped with the side curtain airbags or the optional seat (also
known as thorax) airbags, 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). Each side sensor is secured with two screws and is sealed by a resilient gasket (1) to the front door module
carrier on the inside of the front door. The sensors are concealed behind the front door trim panel within the passenger compartment.
The right and left front door side impact sensors are identical in construction and calibration. The impact sensor housing has an integral connector
receptacle (3), two integral mounting tabs, and an integral hood-like water shield (4) that extends through a hole in the front door module carrier into the
interior of the door cavity and protects the sensor orifice from contamination. 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 the pressure sensor. The housing cavity is filled with a
potting material to seal and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components. A label on the sensor has a directional arrow and the word down
imprinted upon it to provide verification of the correct sensor orientation in the vehicle. The side impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle
electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the front door wire harness.
These pressure-type front door side impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, they must be replaced.
