Occupant Detection Sensor: Description: Description

An Occupant Detection Sensor (ODS) is located below the passenger side front seat cushion trim cover. This sensor provides information to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) used for control of the passenger belt alert feature.

The ODS consists of a flexible clear plastic mat (1) containing several resistive membrane, force sensing resistor cells that is secured by two double-faced adhesive patches (2) to either the top surface of the seat cushion foam or, if the vehicle is so equipped, to the top surface of the seat cushion heater element mat positioned on the top of the seat cushion foam. The adhesive patch on the ODS is a one time only material and cannot be reactivated or reused if removed.

A short, two-conductor pigtail wire and connector (4) connects the sensor to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the seat wire harness. A hot melt adhesive block (3) encapsulates and protects the connections between the electrical conductors in the tail of the sensor mat and the pigtail wires as well as a diagnostic resistor.

The ODS cannot be adjusted or repaired, and must be replaced if damaged or ineffective. Whenever the ODS has been removed from the seat cushion foam, heater element or ventilation and heater element mat unit for any reason, it must be replaced with a new ODS unit.