Principles of Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Restraints Control Module (RCM) continuously receives/monitors all inputs from the following Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components:

Front impact severity sensor (frontal restraints sensor)
First row side impact sensor (left/right side restraints sensor 1)
Safety belt buckle switches (driver and passenger)
Driver seat track position sensor
Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM)

If the RCM detects sudden vehicle deceleration and/or lateral deceleration based on the information received from all sensors and switches and determines that deployment is required, the RCM sends voltage and current to deploy the appropriate SRS components.

During a frontal or side crash, the RCM may deploy the following SRS components, based on crash severity and sensor input.

Safety belt retractor pretensioner(s)
Seat side air bag(s)
Driver/passenger dual-stage air bag (one or both stages)

The fact that the safety belt retractor pretensioner(s) or air bags did not activate for both front seat occupants in a crash does not mean that something is wrong with the system.

The RCM performs a self-test of the complete SRS during each startup. If a SRS fault exists, the air bag warning indicator will illuminate and remain illuminated for the rest of the ignition cycle. In addition to the self-test at start up, the RCM continuously monitors all of its SRS components and circuitry for correct operation.