Safing Sensor: Description and Operation

WARNING: VEHICLE SENSOR ORIENTATION IS CRITICAL FOR PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION. IF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG SYSTEM HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE FENDERS OR GRILLE AREA HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, INSPECT THE SENSOR MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR DEFORMATION. IF DAMAGED, THE SENSOR SHOULD BE REPLACED WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, ENSURE THAT THE BODY STRUCTURE IN THE AREA OF THE SENSOR MOUNTING IS RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION.





The safing sensor is located beneath the center console against the bulkhead. It detects the vehicle deceleration ratio in the event of a collision.

The safing sensor consists of:
- a sensing mass
- a bias magnet
- a cylindrical tube
- two electrical contacts

The design and operation of the safing sensor is much like that of the crash sensors. The primary difference is the calibration; a safing sensor magnet is weaker than the crash sensor magnet. The safing sensor will trigger when the vehicle crashes into a rigid barrier at approximately one or two mph.

The safing sensor ensures that, in the event of an electrical short circuit in one of the crash sensors or wiring, the bags will not deploy when not required.