Journey AWD V6-3.5L (2009)
Air Bag Control Module: Description and Operation
Occupant Restraint Controller - Description
DESCRIPTION
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (1) is secured with three screws to a stamped steel mounting bracket welded onto the top of the floor panel
transmission tunnel near the base of the dash panel and just forward on the center instrument panel support in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
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,
electronic impact sensors and an energy storage capacitor. A stamped metal cover plate is secured to the bottom of the ORC housing with five screws to
enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.
An arrow printed on the label (2) 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 mounting tabs and two integral locating pins. The molded plastic electrical
connector (3), with two receptacles containing numerous terminal pins, exits the rearward 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 from the body wire harness and one from the instrument
panel wire harness.
The impact sensors 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 side curtain airbags or seat (thorax) airbags, with or without third row seating as well as for those
vehicles with domestic or export applications. These variations are necessary for both equipment needs and for compliance with certain regulatory
requirements. The ORC cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, it must be replaced.
