Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

Inflator
The inflator assembly is not a serviceable item. When the sensors close, signaling a crash, battery power flows to the air bag inflator. Inside the inflator, an igniter converts the electrical signal to thermal (heat) energy, causing the ignition of the inflator gas generant. This ignition reaction combusts the sodium azide/copper oxide gas generant in the inflator, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag.

Sensors
The sensor assembly is an electrical switch which reacts to impacts according to direction and force. It discriminates between impacts that require air bag inflation and impacts that do not require air bag inflation. When an impact occurs that requires air bag inflation, the sensor contacts close, completing the electrical circuit necessary for system operation.

Three sensors are mounted in the vehicle. Their locations are as follows:
^ At the center of the radiator support
^ In the LH kick panel
^ At the center cowl in the engine compartment.

At least two sensors, one safing, one crash, must be activated simultaneously to inflate the air bag







AIR BAG FIRING CIRCUIT DIAGRAM







Sensor Assembly