Occupant Classification Sensor: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All seats

Bend the pressure sensor bracket retaining ear back so it will engage upon assembly.

Fig 1: Identifying Pressure Sensor Bracket Retaining Ear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with heated seats

NOTE: The heated seat element on the front passenger seat cushion is not serviceable separately. If a new heated seat element is needed on the front passenger seat cushion, a new OCS system service kit and a new heated seat element must be installed.

Attach the heated seat cushion element to the seat cushion pad.

Seats having the original equipment OCS installed

NOTE: Failure to route the seat Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system components through the correct seat cushion support opening can cause system failure and incorrect OCS system operation.

Position the OCS system assembly to the seat cushion frame.
- Feed the pressure sensor with hose through the largest opening at the front of the seat cushion frame support assembly as noted during removal.

Fig 2: Positioning OCS Assembly To Seat Cushion Frame

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the pin-type retainers holding the OCS bladder to the seat cushion frame.
If the mat was removed, position the mat over the bladder and install pin-type retainers, otherwise position the mat over the bladder.
Attach and connect the OCS system components.
1. Position the OCSM to the seat cushion frame and connect the electrical connector.
2. Install the 2 rivets to hold the OCSM in place.
3. Position the OCSM bracket through the opening in the front of the seat cushion frame.
4. Install the OCSM bracket rivet.
5. Install the pressure sensor onto the seat cushion frame bracket, making sure the retaining ear is completely engaged.
  - Connect the pressure sensor electrical connector.
6. Attach the pressure sensor hose.

Fig 3: Identifying OCS Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the seat cushion pad to the seat cushion frame.

Seats having an OCS system service kit installed

WARNING: Install a new occupant classification sensor (OCS) system service kit as a complete assembly. Never install only part of the kit components. Failure to follow this instruction may result in incorrect operation of the OCS system and increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: Failure to route the seat Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system components through the correct seat cushion support opening can cause component failure.

NOTE: If the original equipment OCS system is not being installed, install a OCS system service kit using all parts in the kit.

Position the OCS assembly to the seat cushion frame.
- Using an OCS system service kit, feed the OCSM, electrical connector, wire harness, pressure sensor and hose through the largest opening at the front of the seat cushion frame support assembly as noted during removal.
  - Position the seat cushion pad and bladder to the seat cushion frame.

Fig 4: Identifying Hose, Pressure Sensor, Wire Harness, Electrical Connector And ECU

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: When installing a OCS system service kit, the main seat wire harness pressure sensor electrical connector does not get used.

Attach and connect the OCS system components.
1. Position the OCSM onto the seat cushion frame and install the 2 rivets.
2. Position the OCSM bracket through the opening in the front of the seat cushion frame.
3. Install the OCSM bracket rivet.
4. Install the pressure sensor onto the seat cushion frame bracket, making sure the retaining ear is completely engaged.
5. Attach the pressure sensor hose.
6. Connect the main seat wire harness OCSM electrical connector to the OCSM service part electrical connector.
7. Tie-strap all loose wire harnesses and electrical connectors safely aside.

Fig 5: Identifying OCS Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All seats

Align the seat cushion trim cover to the seat cushion pad and fasten the hook-and-loop strips.

Fig 6: Identifying Hook And Loop Strips

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the seat cushion trim cover and attach the J-clips.

Seats with power lumbar

Connect the power lumbar switch electrical connector.
Attach the power lumbar switch and bezel to the seat.

Seats with manual recline

Install the seat backrest recliner handle.

Heated seats

Connect the cushion heated seat element electrical connector.

All seats

Install the seat track. For additional information, refer to SEATING article.
Install the front seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEATING article.
Install the front seat. For additional information, refer to SEATING article.
- Make sure the safety belts and buckles are accessible to the occupants after installation.

NOTE: It is necessary to carry out the Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system reset when a front passenger seat cushion is disassembled, a new trim cover installed or an OCS service kit is installed. A scan tool is used to carry out the OCS system reset.

NOTE: Make sure the seat is completely assembled to prevent system failure before carrying out the Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system reset active command.

NOTE: The following precautions must be taken before carrying out the Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system reset.

Make sure the OCS system is not at a temperature below 0°C (32°F) or above 45°C (113°F) when initiating the OCS system reset process. If the vehicle has been exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures, the vehicle must be exposed and kept at a temperature within the limits, 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Make sure nothing is present on the passenger seat before carrying out the OCS system reset and nothing is placed on the seat during the process.
Make sure a minimum 8 second time period has passed after cycling the ignition switch ON before carrying out the OCS system reset process.

NOTE: For best results, the OCS system should be at or near room temperature, 10°C to 29°C (50°F to 85°F).

NOTE: If the first attempt to carry out the OCS system reset is unsuccessful, a second attempt must be made.

Carry out the OCS system reset active command using the scan tool.

NOTE: The ignition switch must be cycled after the OCS system reset.

Cycle the ignition switch from ON to OFF.
Prove out the SRS as follows:
Turn the ignition key from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the key back to ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will light continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn off. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag warning indicator will:

- fail to light.

- remain lit continuously.

- flash.

The flashing might not occur until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS. If the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime will sound in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, the air bag warning indicator and any SRS faults discovered must be diagnosed and repaired.

Clear all continuous DTCs from the RCM using a scan tool.

NOTE: When installing a new OCS system service kit, a prepaid return postcard is provided with the new OCS. The serial number for the new part and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be recorded and sent to Ford Motor Company.

Fill out the necessary information on the OCS traceability card and return it along with the complete inoperative occupant classification sensor to Ford Motor Company.
- When returning the inoperative OCS include: seat cushion foam pad, bladder, electronic control unit, pressure sensor (transducer), hose, electrical connectors and wire harness (service part OCS only).

Fig 7: Occupant Classification Sensor Verification Form

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.