Description

DESCRIPTION





The Airbag Control Module (ACM) (1) is also sometimes referred to as the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The ACM is secured with three screws to a stamped steel mounting bracket welded onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel just forward of the park brake mechanism and beneath the center floor console in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Concealed within a hollow in the center of the die cast aluminum ACM housing is the electronic circuitry of the ACM which includes a microprocessor, an electronic impact sensor, an electronic safing sensor, and an energy storage capacitor. A stamped metal cover plate is secured to the bottom of the ACM housing with four screws to enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.

An arrow (3) printed on the label (2) on the top of the ACM housing provides a visual verification of the proper orientation of the unit, and should always be pointed toward the front of the vehicle. The ACM housing has integral mounting flanges on three corners. The mounting flange to the right of the connector receptacle has an integral locating pin on its lower surface. Both right side flanges have round mounting holes, while the flange on the left side has a slotted mounting hole. A molded plastic electrical connector (4) with two receptacles, one containing twenty-four terminal pins and the other containing thirty-two terminal pins, exits the forward facing side of the ACM housing. These terminal pins connect the ACM to the vehicle electrical system through two dedicated take outs and connectors, one from the instrument panel wire harness and the other from the body wire harness.

A molded plastic protective cover is installed over the ACM to protect the unit from condensation or water intrusion. Integral latch tabs on each side of the cover engage slots on each side at the base of the ACM housing to secure the cover in place over the ACM.

The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to the ACM are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and are only serviced as a unit with the ACM. In addition, there are unique versions of the ACM for vehicles with or without the optional side curtain airbags. The ACM cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, it must be replaced. The ACM cover is available for individual service replacement.