Theory Of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 RAM 3500 HD and 2016 RAM 2500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When powered, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) sends a test current to the squibs to verify the integrity of the squib and wiring. These circuits are maintained in a "floating" configuration at the module (connected to neither power nor ground) as protection against inadvertent deployment. Use of the (special tool #8443A, SRS Load Tool) in the tests below substitutes a suspect squib with a known good component. The use of the (special tool #8443-57, Adapter, Supplemental Restraint System Load Tool) provides a test point as well as a method for opening the shorting bar connections within the harness connector. The rear seat airbags (also known as pelvic and thorax airbags) are completely concealed beneath the seat cushion trim cover on the lower outboard sides of the rear seat cushion. The thorax airbag is a single stage device. The thorax side airbags and the side curtain airbags deploy together during an event separate of the front airbags. The Airbag Warning Lamp (AWL) will set in the instrument cluster.