Theory Of Operation

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 ORC (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 provides a test point as well as a method for opening the shorting bar connections within the ORC harness connector. The side curtain airbags are a single-stage device that upon sensor detected impact they deploy. They are located above the headliner and fastened to one of the roof side rails. They protect the area from the A-pillar to the rear of the vehicle. The side curtain airbags and the seat thorax side airbags are deployed simultaneously independent of the front airbags during an impact event.