Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Module, Occupant Restraint Controller: Description
The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module (1) is secured by three nuts to weld studs on the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel under the center of the instrument panel in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Concealed within a hollow in the center of the ORC housing is the electronic circuitry of the ORC which includes a microcontroller, an electronic impact sensor, an electronic safing sensor and an energy storage capacitor. A stamped metal cover plate (3) is secured to the bottom of the ORC housing to enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.
An arrow (2) printed on the label on the top of the ORC housing provides a visual verification of the proper orientation of the unit, and should always be pointed toward the front of the vehicle. The ORC cover plate has integral mounting flanges on the left rearward and both forward corners. Two molded plastic wire harness connector receptacles (4) exit the right side of the ORC housing. These receptacles connect the ORC to the vehicle electrical system through two dedicated take outs and connectors, one from the instrument panel wire harness and the second from the body wire harness.
The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to the ORC are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and are only serviced as a unit with the ORC. In addition, there are unique versions of the ORC for vehicles with or without certain optional Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components. The ORC cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, it must be replaced.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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