Component Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Front Impact Severity Sensor

The front impact severity sensors measure acceleration (g-rate) and are hardwired to the RCM. Mounting position and orientation is critical for correct operation of the front impact severity sensors.

Occupant Classification System (OCS)

The OCS is found only on the front passenger seat. The OCS classifies the size of the front passenger seat occupant.

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

Safety Belt Buckle Sensor

The safety belt buckles contain integrated sensors that are Hall-effect switches. The safety belt buckle sensors are serviced with the safety belt buckle.

On vehicles equipped with rear inflatable safety belts, the buckle at each rear outboard seating position includes the safety belt buckle sensor and safety belt inflator. The rear safety belt buckle is serviced only as an assembly with the sensor and inflator.

Seat Position Sensor

The seat position sensor is a Hall-effect sensor which indicates the position of the seat along the seat track. The sensor detects the presence of a shunt bracket on the track, indicating the seat has moved past a certain point in the adjustment range.

Side Impact Sensor - Front Door

The front door side impact sensors monitor air pressure within the door in order to detect certain crashes, such as a side impact. Mounting position and orientation is critical for correct operation of the front door side impact sensors.

Side Impact Sensor - Second Row (SuperCab and SuperCrew only)

The second row side impact sensors measure acceleration (g-rate), and are hardwired to the RCM. Mounting position and orientation is critical for correct operation of the second row side impact sensors.

Deployable Steering Column

The deployable steering column includes a device that, once deployed, reduces the amount of force necessary to collapse the steering column during a crash event. The deployable device is activated by the RCM, depending on the driver seat position and the force of the crash. After deployment, a new steering column must be installed.

Driver Airbag

The driver airbag is a dual-stage airbag. Upon receiving a flow of current, it deploys at 1 of 2 different rates, depending upon vehicle impact severity and sensor input.

Passenger Airbag

The passenger airbag is a dual-stage airbag which deploys at 1 of 2 different rates depending upon vehicle impact severity and sensor input.

Passenger Airbag Canister Vent

The passenger airbag canister vent is a deployable device that is part of the passenger airbag. Canister venting controls the inflation rate of the passenger airbag and the escape rate of gases from the airbag. The canister vent cannot be serviced separately from the passenger airbag.

Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator

The PAD indicator is a LED which is part of the FCIM. The PAD indicator cannot be serviced separately from the FCIM.

Safety Belt Anchor and Pretensioner

The safety belt anchor pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess of webbing slack from the safety belts when deployed. One is included as part of each front row outboard safety belt assembly and cannot be serviced separately.

To diagnose any pretensioner Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Refer to: Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) .

Safety Belt Inflator (SuperCrew only, if equipped)

The safety belt inflator is a pyrotechnic device that deploys upon receipt of current flow initiated by the RCM. It is a canister that releases inert gas to deploy the inflatable shoulder belt.

The safety belt inflators are built into each second row outboard safety belt buckle. The inflator cannot be serviced separately from the buckle.

To diagnose any safety belt inflator Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Refer to: Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) .

Safety Belt Retractor and Pretensioner

The safety belt retractor and pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess of webbing slack from the safety belts when deployed. The retractor and pretensioner are serviced together with the front row outboard safety belt assembly.

To diagnose any pretensioner Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Refer to: Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) .

For any concerns regarding safety belt retractor function, Refer to: Seatbelt Systems .

Side Air Curtain

The side air curtain is a single-stage airbag which is designed to provide head and upper body protection to the vehicle occupant(s) during certain crashes.

Side Airbag

The side airbag is a single-stage airbag which is designed to provide protection for the seat occupant's torso. It deploys upon receipt of current flow and is attached to the outboard side of each front seat. It is used in conjunction with the side air curtain.

Clockspring

The clockspring allows for continuous electrical connections between the driver airbag and the RCM. A spiral-wound cable wraps around the center of the clockspring and as the steering wheel is turned, the spiral cable inside expands or contracts in diameter as the 2 halves of the clockspring turn.

Restraints Control Module (RCM)

NOTE: This vehicle may be equipped with SYNC®, which contains the 911 Assist™ option. Refer to the Owner's Literature for information about this feature.

The RCM monitors various sensor inputs and uses that data for controlling SRS outputs such as event notification function and airbag deployment.

The RCM includes a backup power supply. This feature provides sufficient backup power to deploy the airbags in the event the ignition circuit is lost or damaged during impact. The backup power supply depletes its stored energy approximately one minute after power and/or ground has been removed from the RCM.

The RCM requires PMI when being replaced. Refer to the diagnostic scan tool instructions to carry out PMI.