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: Description
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (1) is secured with three screws to a stamped steel mounting bracket welded onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel between the two front seats beneath the floor console and rearward of the transmission gearshift mechanism 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 (3) printed on the label (2) 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 on three corners. The mounting flange to the right of the connector receptacle has an integral locating pin on its lower surface. Both right side flanges have round mounting holes, while the flange on the left side has a slotted mounting hole. Two molded plastic electrical connector receptacles (4) are integral to the end cover plate. These receptacles connect the ORC to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors from the instrument panel and the body wire harnesses.
A molded plastic protective cover is installed over the ORC to protect the unit from condensation or water intrusion. Integral latch tabs on each side of the cover engage slots on each side at the base of the ORC housing to secure the cover in place over the ORC.
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. The ORC cover is available for individual service replacement.
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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.