Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

OPERATION
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, just forward of. the center console. 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 micro processor 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.