RAM 2500 Truck 2WD V8-5.7L (2008)
Seat Occupant Classification Module - Air Bag: Description and Operation
Description
DESCRIPTION
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (1) is located 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 under the center front seat section or the center floor console,
as the vehicle is equipped. 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 (3) 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 integral mounting flanges on three corners. The mounting flange to the right of the
connector receptacles (4) has an integral locating pin on its lower surface. Both right side flanges have round mounting holes, while the flange on the left
side has a slotted mounting hole. A molded plastic electrical connector (4) with 2 receptacles, one containing 24 terminal pins and the other containing
32 terminal pins, exits the forward 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.
A molded plastic protective cover is installed over the ORC to provide additional moisture contamination protection to the unit. Integral latch features on
each side of the cover engage a slot (5) on each side of the base of the ORC housing to secure the cover to the ORC. This protective cover must be
reinstalled following any service requiring its removal.
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 light and heavy-duty vehicles, and 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.
