The impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
The side impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provides
verification of the direction and severity of an impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic communication
chip that allows the unit to communicate the sensor status as well as sensor fault information to the
microprocessor in the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
The ORC microprocessor continuously monitors all of the side passive restraint system electrical circuits to
determine the system readiness. If the ORC detects a monitored system fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) and controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly. The impact sensors each receive battery current
and ground through the same left or right sensor plus and minus circuits in a series arrangement from the ORC.
The impact sensors and the ORC communicate by modulating the voltage in the sensor plus circuit.
The hard wired circuits between the side impact sensors and the ORC may be diagnosed using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic
methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the impact sensors or the electronic controls or
communication between other modules and devices that provide features of the supplemental restraint system.
The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the impact sensors or the electronic controls and
communication related to side impact sensor operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
The front impact sensors are electronic accelerometers that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, which
provides verification of the direction and severity of an impact. Each sensor also contains an electronic
communication chip that allows the unit to communicate the sensor status as well as sensor fault information to
the microprocessor in the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
The ORC microprocessor continuously monitors all of the passive restraint system electrical circuits to
determine the system readiness. If the ORC detects a monitored system fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) and controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly. The impact sensors each receive battery current
and ground through dedicated left and right sensor plus and minus circuits from the ORC. The impact sensors
and the ORC communicate by modulating the voltage in the sensor plus circuit.
The hard wired circuits between the front impact sensors and the ORC may be diagnosed using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic
methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the impact sensors or the electronic controls or
communication between other modules and devices that provide features of the supplemental restraint system.
The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the impact sensors or the electronic controls and
communication related to front impact sensor operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
2007 Dodge Nitro R/T
2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro