Sprinter 2500 V6-3.0L DSL Turbo VIN 45 (2007)
Impact Sensor: Description and Operation
Operation
Side - B-Pillar
SIDE - B-PILLAR
The acceleration-type side impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provides verification of the
direction and severity of an impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic communication chip that allows the unit to communicate the sensor status as
well as sensor fault information to the microprocessor in the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (also known as the highline airbag control
unit/ARCADE).
The ORC microprocessor continuously monitors all of the side passive restraint system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ORC
detects a monitored system fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly. The impact sensors
each receive battery current and ground through dedicated left and right sensor plus and minus circuits from the ORC. The impact sensors and the ORC
communicate by modulating the voltage in the sensor plus circuit.
The hard wired circuits between the acceleration-type side impact sensors and the ORC may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and
procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the
impact sensors or the electronic controls or communication between other modules and devices that provide features of the supplemental restraint
system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the impact sensors or the electronic controls and communication related to side
impact sensor operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
Side - Front Door
SIDE - FRONT DOOR
The pressure-type front door side impact sensors recognize a side impact in the front door area by monitoring changes in pressure within the front door
cavity, which manifests itself as a sudden pressure wave as the door collapses during an impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic communication
chip that allows the unit to communicate the sensor status as well as sensor fault information to the microprocessor in the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) (also known as the highline airbag control unit/ARCADE).
The ORC microprocessor continuously monitors all of the side passive restraint system electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ORC
detects a monitored system fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly. The impact sensors
each receive battery current and ground through dedicated left and right sensor plus and minus circuits from the ORC. The impact sensors and the ORC
communicate by modulating the voltage in the sensor plus circuit.
The hard wired circuits between the pressure-type front door side impact sensors and the ORC may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and
procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the
impact sensors or the electronic controls or communication between other modules and devices that provide features of the Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS). The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the impact sensors or the electronic controls and communication related to
pressure-type front door side impact sensor operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
