Side Impact Sensors

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The side impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration. Side impact sensors and the ACM Accelerometer provides verification of the direction and severity of a side impact to the ACM processor. The left side impact sensor provides impact sensing for impacts on the left side of the vehicle and the right side impact sensor provides sensing for impacts on the right side of the vehicle.

The side impact sensors receive battery current and ground from he ACM through dedicated driver and passenger sensor signal and ground circuits. The ACM communicate with the Side Impact Sensors by modulating the current in the sensor signal circuit. Each sensor communicates the sensor status as well as sensor fault information to the microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module.

The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all of the sensors electrical circuits to determine the system readiness. If the ACM detects a system fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code and controls the airbag warning indicator operation accordingly. When needed the supplemental driver or passenger curtain airbags are deployed independently by the ACM to provide side impact protection for the occupants.

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: NEVER STRIKE OR KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE INTERNAL ACCELERATION SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE OR SIDE IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE OR SENSOR MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

CAUTION: Do not remove or install the impact sensors while the sensor is attached to the vehicle wiring.