What sensor is this

[fulltank]

I just bought my 1st vibe, its a 2005, it was hit hard in the front and I am rebuilding it. There is a broken sensor at the lower front drivers side in the engine compartment. It looks like it was made of white plaster and there is a metal coiled wire inside, does any one know what this is? it would be greatly appreciated thanks. Right now it won't start I'm wondering if this is the reason.

[DressedInBlack]

help us by posting a pic of said mystery item.

[06pvibe]

A wild guess as pictures would help, but could it be the air bag sensor that is supposed to live behind the bumper cover?

[scherry2]

I'd make bets its a temp sensor for the outside temp display. the airbag sensor would be a small black plastic box with a ball bearing setting in a ballistics gel type substance.

[06pvibe]

Good point, scherry! I forgot about the outside temp sensor. My car doesn't have that one.

[ehoff121]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »I'd make bets its a temp sensor for the outside temp displayI'm pretty sure the outside temp sensor is a small 3/8" thick black cylinder approx. 1 1/2" long, mounted behind the front bumper. http://www.rockauto.com/catalo...29732

[fulltank]

I have attached a picture of the sensor I hope this worksThis sensor is in-cased in white cement or porcelain ?

Attached files

[Old Tele man]

...that looks like: (A) an engine-block heater or (B) a big, heavy-duty resistor.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by Old Tele man »...that looks like: (A) an engine-block heater or (B) a big, heavy-duty resistor.I would agree on the block heater, that's high temp/current wiring.. Although, wouldn't the block heater be connected to a 110 plug...?Is that part of the harness itself.. ?

[fulltank]

well its not connected to a 110 plug and it would have to be in the engine block to keep it warm,all the cement got broken away, it looks like an old style ballast resister

[scherry2]

when I fixed my front end I saw the sensor in question and the pointed temp sensor, thanks i learned something today.maybe a temp sensor for the fan?

[06pvibe]

Quote, originally posted by fulltank »well its not connected to a 110 plug and it would have to be in the engine block to keep it warm,all the cement got broken away, it looks like an old style ballast resister I agree! A ballast resister (set?) of some kind.

[fulltank]

If someone can find a part number on theirsI could track down what its for

[Sublimewind]

I have the repair manual in my Sig, I'm sure you could find something in there too...

[fulltank]

That is great I will go through it when I have some time thanks so much

[cq358]

the factory block heater is at the back of the block..I think this is some kind of generic coolent/battery heater

[fulltank]

Well after a lot of search I found out what this sensor is for.As many of you suggested it is a resistor and its for the daytime running lights thanks for all your suggestions