Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

The Airbag Control Module (ACM) contains the impact sensor and energy reserve capacitor. The ACM monitors the system to determine the system readiness.

Only one impact sensor is used in this airbag system. The impact sensor is an accelerometer that senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provides verification of the direction and severity of the impact. The impact sensor is calibrated for the specific vehicle, and is only serviced as a unit with the ACM.

The impact sensor provides verification of the direction and severity of the impact. One impact sensor is used. It is located inside the Airbag Control Module (ACM) which is mounted on a bracket, behind the instrument panel center bezel, underneath the radio. The impact sensor is an accelerometer that senses deceleration. The deceleration pulses are sent to a microprocessor which contains a decision algorithm. When an impact is severe enough to require airbag protection, the ACM microprocessor sends a signal that completes the electrical circuit to the driver and passenger airbags. The sensor is calibrated for the specific vehicle and reacts to the severity and direction of the impact.