Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system is found only on the front passenger seat. The OCS system classsifies the size of front passenger seat occupant and provides this information to the Restraints Control Module (RCM). The RCM uses this information (and other inputs) in determining the deployment strategy of the passenger air bag and safety belt pretensioner.

The OCS system is also used for operation of the passenger Belt-Minder®. For information on the passenger Belt - Minder® feature, refer to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES or the Owner's Literature.

The OCS system is comprised of a silicone gel-filled bladder mounted between the seat cushion foam and pan, a pressure sensor that is mounted to the seat frame and an OCSM which is also mounted to the seat frame. Pressure is applied to the OCS system bladder when weight of any occupant or object in the front passenger seat is present. The pressure is then transferred through a tube, sensed by the OCS system pressure sensor, then electronically communicated to the OCSM . The components of an OCS bladder system (bladder, pressure sensor and tube, OCSM ) are serviced as an assembly.