Lateral acceleration sensor

Fig 1: Identifying Lateral Acceleration Sensor Location

Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.

The acceleration sensor comprises three capacitor plates. One of these capacitor plates is freely suspended between the two fixed plates. The forces of acceleration that arise when the car moves sideways cause the swinging plate to move. This changes the capacitance and produces an electrical signal. This signal provides the control module with information about the car's lateral movement.