MODULE, Occupant Restraint Controller: Description: Description

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (1) is secured with three nuts to three studs on a stamped steel mounting bracket welded onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel near the dash panel. The ORC is located beneath the console shifter housing forward of the transmission gearshift mechanism and center floor console in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Concealed within a hollow in the center of the die cast aluminum ORC housing is the electronic circuitry of the ORC 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 ORC housing with four screws to enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.

An arrow (2) printed on the label (3) 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 housing has integral mounting flanges (5) on the left front and rear corners and near the center of the right side. A molded plastic electrical connector receptacle (4) exits the rearward facing side of the ORC housing. This receptacle connects the ORC to the vehicle electrical system through two dedicated take outs and connectors from the instrument panel 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 side supplemental restraints. The ORC cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, it must be replaced.