Electronic Pedestrian Protection

Electronic Pedestrian Protection (EPP) impact sensors (2) are found only in vehicles equipped with the EPP system (also known as the PedPro or Active Hood System), which is available only in vehicles manufactured for certain export markets. These sensors are mounted at the front of the vehicle to provide an additional logic input for use by the Electronic Pedestrian Protection Module (EPPM) to control the pyrotechnic EPP active hood hinge actuators located on each hinge at the rear corners of the hood panel.

The EPP impact sensors are satellite acceleration-type sensors that are mounted to the front bumper support beam (3) at the front of the Front End Module (FEM) (1) in the vehicle. The three sensors are each secured by a nut to a weld stud within dedicated brackets on the top of the front bumper support beam. The sensors and the front bumper support beam are concealed behind the front fascia.

Each sensor housing (1) has an integral connector receptacle (4), an integral locator pin (3), and an integral mounting hole with a metal sleeve (2) to provide crush protection. A cavity in the center of the molded plastic impact sensor housing contains the electronic circuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic communication chip and an electronic acceleration sensor. Potting material fills the cavity and a translucent molded cover is laser welded over the cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.

The EPP impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors of the headlamp and dash wire harness. These acceleration-type impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, they must be replaced.