Curtain Airbag: Operation

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) controls the curtain airbags. For side impacts, the ORC senses the impact severity through Satellite Acceleration Sensors (SAS). If the ORC determines the impact is severe enough, it will send an electrical signal to inflate the appropriate curtain airbag. The airbag will inflate, dropping down from the ceiling between the headliner and windows/pillars, to provide supplemental restraint to driver or outboard passengers in the event of a side impact collision. Once a curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete curtain airbag, headliner, upper A, B and C-pillar trim panel and all damaged parts must be replaced on the deployed side.