SENSOR-SIDE IMPACT Dodge Caliber I

SENSOR-SIDE IMPACT

The 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).

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 the same left or right sensor plus and minus circuits in a series arrangement from the ORC. The impact sensors and the ORC communicate by modulating the voltage in the sensor plus circuit.

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.

The front 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).

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 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.

To diagnose the impact sensors or the electronic controls and communication related to front impact sensor operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

Scheme 55

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. WARNING: Wait two minutes for the system reserve capacitor to discharge before servicing any airbag components.
2. Remove the B-pillar lower trim panel. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-284864-S04541358882008051600000) .
3. Disconnect the harness connector (4) from the sensor (2).
4. Remove the screw (1) retaining the B-pillar side impact sensor (2)
5. Remove the sensor (2) from the vehicle.

Scheme 56

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. WARNING: Wait two minutes for the system reserve capacitor to discharge before servicing any airbag components.
2. Remove the rear quarter panel trim. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-284864-S22588470572008051600000) .
3. Remove the screw (4) that secures the side impact sensor (3) to the C-pillar (1).
4. Disconnect the harness connector (2) from the sensor (3).
5. Remove the sensor from the C-pillar.

Scheme 57

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. WARNING: Wait two minutes for the system reserve capacitor to discharge before servicing any airbag components.
2. Remove the screw (4) that secures the right or left front impact sensor (3) to the back of the right or left radiator support vertical member (2).
3. Disconnect the connector (1) from the sensor (3).
4. Remove the right or left front impact sensor from the engine compartment.

1. Position the right or left front impact sensor (3) into the engine compartment near it mounting area.
2. Connect the harness connector (1) to the sensor.
3. Position the sensor onto the back of the right or left radiator support vertical member (2). NOTE: Be certain that the anti-rotation pin on the back of the sensor is engaged in the lower clearance hole of the radiator support.
4. Install and tighten the screw (4) that secures the sensor (3) to the back of the support vertical member (2). Tighten the screw to 8 N.m (71 in. lbs.).