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.
Seat Track Position Sensor
| Refer to COMPONENT INDEX . |
Vehicles manufactured with multistage airbags have a STPS located on the inboard side of one of the upper seat adjuster tracks on both the driver and the passenger front seats.
The STPS for each front seat, is a Hall-effect sensor designed to provide seat position data to the ORC indicating whether the driver or passenger side front seat is in a full forward or a not full forward position. The ORC uses the seat guide input as a factor in determining the appropriate force to be used when deploying the multistage driver or passenger airbag.
The seat guide position sensor receives a 5 volt signal from the ORC. The sensor communicates the seat position by modulating the voltage returned to the ORC. The ORC monitors the current produced by the modulating voltage. The ORC also monitors the condition of the sensor circuits and will store a DTC for any detected fault and make a request to the BCM over CAN-C to switch on the airbag warning light in the instrument panel.
The STPS is designed to provide a seat position data input to the ORC indicating whether the driver or passenger front seat is in a full forward or a not full forward position. The ORC uses this data as an additional logic input for use in determining the appropriate deployment force to be used when deploying the multistage DAB and PAB.
The STPS receives a nominal 5 volt supply from the ORC. The STPS communicates the seat position by modulating the voltage returned to the ORC on a sensor data circuit. The ORC also monitors the condition of the STPS circuits and will store a DTC for any fault that is detected. The ORC then sends messages over the CAN data bus to control the illumination of the airbag indicator in the IPC.
The hardwired circuits between the STPS and the ORC may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the STPS or the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide features of the SRS. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the STPS or the electronic controls and communication related to STPS operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
The STPS cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if ineffective or damaged, the entire STPS unit 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.