Sprinter 3500 V6-3.0L DSL Turbo VIN 45 (2007)
Impact Sensor: Description and Operation
Description
Side - B-Pillar
SIDE - B-PILLAR
Two acceleration-type side impact sensors (2) are used on vehicles equipped with the optional side curtain (also known as window) 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) (also known as the highline airbag control unit/ARCADE). Each side impact sensor is
secured with a screw to a stamped metal bracket welded onto the base of the inner B-pillar behind the rearward vertical surface of the right and left front
door step wells and concealed behind the step well trim paneling within the passenger compartment.
The impact sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle (3), two integral anti-rotation pins (1), and an integral mounting hole with a metal sleeve
(4) 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 impact sensor. A nylon cover is laser-welded over 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 take out and
connector of the vehicle wire harness.
The acceleration-type side 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 vehicles equipped with the optional side curtain (also known as window) 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) (also known as the highline airbag control unit/ARCADE). Each side impact sensor is
secured with two screws and is sealed to the inner door panel by a resilient gasket (1). 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 inner door panel 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
