Occupant Classification Module: Operation

The microprocessor in the Occupant Classification Module (OCM) (2) contains the Occupant Classification System (OCS) logic circuits. The OCM uses On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well as with the diagnostic scan tool using the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. This method of communication is also used for OCS diagnosis and testing through the 16-way data link connector located on the driver side lower edge of the instrument panel.

The OCM (2) provides voltage to the four seat weight sensors located on the corners of the passenger front seat (1, 3, and 4), and to the seat track position sensors on the outboard passenger and driver front seat upper seat tracks. The OCM then monitors return inputs from each of the sensors on dedicated hard wired data communication circuits. The seat weight sensor input allows the OCM to determine whether the passenger side front seat is occupied and the relative size of the occupant by providing a weight-sensing reference to the load on the seat. The seat track position sensor provides an additional logic input to the OCM microprocessor that allows it to determine the position of the front seat passenger and driver relative to the front airbags.

Pre-programmed decision algorithms and OCS calibration allow the OCM microprocessor to determine when passenger airbag protection is appropriate based upon the seat load as signaled by the seat weight sensors. When the programmed conditions are met, the OCM sends the proper electronic occupant classification messages over the CAN data bus to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), and the ORC enables or disables the deployment circuits for the passenger front supplemental restraints. The ORC also provides a control output for the Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator in the instrument panel based upon the electronic occupant classification messages it receives from the OCM.

The OCM also sends electronic driver and passenger seat track position messages to the ORC over the CAN data bus. The ORC uses the seat track position data as an additional logic input for determining the force level with which to deploy the multistage front airbags.

The OCM microprocessor continuously monitors all of the OCS electrical circuits and components to determine the system readiness. If the OCM detects a monitored system fault, it sets an active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and sends the appropriate electronic messages to the ORC over the CAN data bus. Then the ORC sets a DTC and sends messages to control the airbag indicator operation accordingly. An active fault only remains for the duration of the fault, or in some cases for the duration of the current ignition switch cycle, while a stored fault causes a DTC to be stored in memory by the OCM and the ORC. For some DTCs, if a fault does not recur for a number of ignition cycles, the OCM will automatically erase the stored DTC. For other internal faults, the stored DTC is latched forever.

The OCM receives battery current on a fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. The OCM receives ground through a ground circuit and take out of the body wire harness. These connections allow the OCM to be operational whenever the ignition switch is in the Start or On positions.

The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the OCM, the CAN data bus network, and the electronic message inputs to and outputs from the OCM requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool and the appropriate diagnostic information.