Occupant Detection Sensor - Description

DESCRIPTION





An Occupant Detection Sensor (ODS) is located below the passenger side front seat cushion trim cover. This sensor provides information to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) used for control of the passenger belt alert feature.

The ODS consists of a flexible clear plastic mat (1) containing several resistive membrane, force sensing resistor cells. In vehicles with a molded in place seat trim cover, the sensor is actually enclosed within a heat staked film envelope or pocket that is then molded into the seat cushion foam. In vehicles with a cut and sewn seat trim cover, the sensor is secured by two adhesive patches (2) to the seat cushion foam. In cut and sewn seats with an optional seat heater, the heater mat is secured with adhesive over the top of the seat cushion foam with the sensor sandwiched between the heater mat and the cushion foam.

A short, two-conductor pigtail wire and connector (4) connect the sensor to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the seat wire harness. A hot melt adhesive block (3) encapsulates and protects the connections between the electrical conductors in the tail of the sensor mat and the pigtail wires as well as a diagnostic resistor.

The ODS cannot be adjusted or repaired, and must be replaced if damaged or ineffective. In seats with a molded in place trim cover, the ODS can only be serviced by replacing the entire seat cushion foam and trim assembly. In seats with a cut and sewn trim cover and a heater mat, the ODS can only be serviced by replacing the entire seat cushion foam, ODS and heater mat unit. In seats with a cut and sewn trim cover and no heater mat, the ODS is available for individual service replacement.