FixVault

Module, Occupant Restraint Controller: Removal: Module

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 RAM 1500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with side curtain airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) diagnosis or service. The ORC may contain a rollover sensor, which enables the system to deploy the side SRS components in the event of a vehicle rollover event. If an ORC containing a rollover sensor is accidentally rolled during service while still connected to battery power, the side SRS components will deploy. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury, never strike or drop the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) as it can damage the impact sensor or affect its calibration. The ORC contains the impact sensor, which enables the system to deploy the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components. If an ORC is accidentally dropped during service, the module must be scrapped and replaced with a new unit. Failure to observe this warning could result in accidental, incomplete or improper SRS component deployment.

Fig 1: ORC & Wire Harness Connectors
GC0154581Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  1. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
  2. Remove the protective cover from the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) (1). Refer to MODULE, OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER, REMOVAL .
  3. Disconnect the instrument panel (2) and body (3) wire harness connectors for the ORC from the ORC connector receptacles located on the right facing side of the module. To disconnect the wire harness connectors from the ORC, depress the release tab and lift the lever arm to the fully open position on each connector. Disconnecting the smaller connector first will allow easier access for disconnecting the large connector.
    Fig 2: ORC Nuts, Adapter Bracket & Mount
    GC0154437Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  4. Remove the three nuts (2) that secure the ORC (1) to the studs of the ORC adapter bracket (3) and the mount (4) welded onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel.
  5. Remove the ORC from the ORC bracket and mount.