Safing Sensor: Description and Operation

The safing sensor is located in the center of the defroster duct against the bulkhead. It detects the vehicle deceleration rate in the event of a collision.

Safing Sensor:

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 forward and center air bag sensors. The primary difference is the calibration. A safing sensor magnet is weaker than the primary air bag sensor magnet. The safing sensor will trigger when the vehicle crashes into a rigid barrier at approximately 1.6-3.2 kph (1-2 mph).

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