Principles of Operation: Sensors
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
If a vehicle has been in a crash, inspect the restraints control module (RCM) and the impact sensor (if equipped) mounting areas for deformation. If damaged, restore the mounting areas to the original production configuration. A new RCM and sensors must be installed whether or not the air bags have deployed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in a crash.
For this vehicle line, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) uses 5 satellite sensors in addition to the restraints control module (RCM). The RCM is mounted to the center tunnel beneath the console. All vehicles have one front impact severity sensor located in the front-center area of the vehicle, behind the grille mounted on the lower radiator support. The first row impact sensors are mounted behind the trim panel near the floor on the B-pillar, the second row sensors are located on each C-pillar. The front and side impact sensor are not interchangeable. Mounting orientation is critical for correct operation of all impact sensors.