Chrysler 2005 Crossfire SRT6 Service Manual page 1468

8O - 112 RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION ZH
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Two side impact sensors (2) are used, one each for
the left and right sides of the vehicle. These sensors
are mounted remotely from the bi-directional safing
sensor that is internal to the Occupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC). The side impact sensors are secured
with two bolts (1) to the floor below the carpet under
the seats.
The impact sensor housing has an integral connector
receptacle and two integral mounting ears, each with
a metal sleeve to provide crush protection. 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. Potting material fills the
cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic cir-
cuitry and components. The side impact sensors are
each connected to the vehicle electrical system
through a dedicated connector of the airbag wire har-
ness.
The side impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted, and if damaged or faulty, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The side impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration,
which provides verification of the direction and severity of an impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic com-
munication 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). The ORC microprocessor continuously monitors all of
the 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 lamp 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 side impact sensors and the ORC may be diagnosed and tested using
conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive
in the diagnosis of the ORC or the impact sensors. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the
impact sensors, the ORC, and the electronic message communication between the sensors and the ORC requires
the use of a DRBIII scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.