Controller, Occupant Restraint (Orc): Description

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module (1) is located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, where it is secured by three nuts to two studs of a stamped steel adapter bracket and one stud of the mount welded to the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel under the center front seat section or the center floor console, as the vehicle is equipped. Concealed within a hollow in the center of the molded plastic ORC housing is the electronic circuitry of the ORC which includes a microcontroller, an electronic impact sensor, an electronic safing sensor, an integral Electronic Stability Control (ESC) dynamics sensor and a energy storage capacitor. In 1500 and 2500 models, the ORC also includes an internal rollover sensor. A stamped metal cover plate (3) is secured to the bottom of the ORC housing with screws to enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.

An arrow printed on a 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 stamped metal cover plate of the ORC has integral flanges with three mounting holes (2). A molded plastic electrical connector with two receptacles (4), each containing numerous terminal pins, exits the right facing side of the ORC housing. These terminal pins connect the ORC to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors of both the instrument panel and the body wire harnesses.

A molded plastic protective cover is installed over the ORC to provide additional moisture contamination protection to the unit. Integral latch features on each side of the cover engage slots at the front and rear of the adapter bracket beneath the base of the ORC housing to secure the cover over the ORC. This protective cover must  be reinstalled following any service requiring its removal.

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. The ORC cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, it must be replaced.