2008 Dodge Avenger Owner's Manual - Page 61

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59 AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SENSORS AND CONTROLS Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) The Occupant Restraint Controller System (ORC) is part of a Federally regulated safety system required for this vehicle. The ORC determines if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags to inflate. Based on the sensor signals, a central electronic Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) deploys the front airbags, side inflatable airbag curtains (if equipped), seat-mounted side (Thorax) airbags (if equipped), and front seat belt pretensioners as required for each type of impact. The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions. These include all of the items listed above except the steering wheel and column, instrument panel, and passenger knee bolsters. If the key is in the OFF position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate. The ORC contains a backup power supply system that will deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment. Also, the ORC turns on the Airbag Warning Light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds for a self-check when the ignition is first turned on. After the self-check, the Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the Airbag Warning Light either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on again after initial start up. It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instrument cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is noted. The diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction. 2