Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: It is necessary to carry out the Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system reset when a front passenger seat cushion is disassembled, a new trim is cover installed or an OCS system service kit is installed. A scan tool is used to carry out the OCS system reset. Failure to follow these instructions may result in incorrect operation of the OCS system and may cause system failure.

NOTE: Make sure the seat is completely assembled to prevent system failure before carrying out the Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system reset.

NOTE: To identify between a production OCS system and an OCS service kit, inspect the OCSM electrical connector.

A production OCS system allows the disconnection of the OCSM electrical connector. An OCS system service kit has the OCSM electrical connector glued to the module, it cannot and should not be disconnected or altered. An OCS system service kit also has an in-line connector between the OCSM and the seat wiring harness.

The seat OCS system is found only on the front passenger seat. The front passenger seat OCS system is comprised of a silicone gel-filled bladder mounted in the seat cushion, 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, is sensed by the OCS system pressure sensor, then electronically communicated to the OCSM. Based on preprogrammed set points, the OCSM will inform the Restraints Control Module (RCM), via a dedicated High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN), of the necessary information. The RCM uses this information in determining if the passenger air bag module is to be deployed in the event of a deployable collision. The RCM may also use this information to illuminate/not illuminate the Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) indicator. For information regarding PAD indicator operation, refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator .

When an OCS system fault is present, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) defaults the passenger air bag module to ON (activated) regardless of the size of the occupant in the front passenger seat.

The OCS system components (seat cushion foam pad, bladder with pressure sensor and OCSM) are calibrated to each other and are serviced as an assembly. OCS system components are not to be installed separately.

The OCS system also interprets a variable voltage signal provided by the safety belt tension sensor to identify the presence of a correctly fastened child safety seat in the front passenger seat. The OCSM then communicates with the RCM, automatically deactivating the passenger air bag module. Refer to Safety Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) .

The OCS system is also used for operation of the passenger Belt-Minder®. For information on the passenger Belt-Minder® feature, refer to SAFETY BELT SYSTEM article. To deactivate or reactivate the passenger Belt-Minder® feature, refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC), MESSAGE CENTER, & WARNING CHIMES article or the Owner's Literature.