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Home >> Ford >> 1996 >> Aerostar Van Window >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Restraints >> Air Bag, SRS >> Air Bag Restraint System >> Description & Operation >> Impact Sensors

Impact Sensors

Each sensor assembly electrical switch reacts to impacts according to direction and force, discriminating between impacts that require air bag inflation and those that do not.

When an impact occurs requiring air bag inflation, sensor contacts close, completing electrical circuit necessary for system operation. See Fig 1 . Minimum of 2 sensors, one safing and one impact, must activate simultaneously to inflate air bag. There are 3 sensors mounted in vehicle: 2 front impact sensors and one safing sensor. See Figure and Figure .

Fig 1: Air Bag System Firing Circuit Diagram
G92A21386Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

One front impact sensor is located at center of upper radiator support. The other primary impact sensor is located underneath vehicle and is attached to right frame rail. Safing sensor is attached to cowl, behind right side kick panel (passenger-side).