GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi all ...managed to pop my Sentinal out of the dash today....it comes out rather easily , it has a connector on the back..I was able to remove the smoked lens....hmmm, now what to do...I like having the lights on at dusk feature, not when you go past a tree..wonder if a clearer lens is available or in the works..could always put it back without the lens but that would damage the photocell..any suggestions?

quote:Hi all ...managed to pop my Sentinal out of the dash today....it comes out rather easily , it has a connector on the back..I was able to remove the smoked lens....hmmm, now what to do...I like having the lights on at dusk feature, not when you go past a tree..wonder if a clearer lens is available or in the works..could always put it back without the lens but that would damage the photocell..any suggestions? did you try starting the car without the sensor?if you didn't, im not suggesting you do that since we dont know what will happen. but if you already tried it id be curious what the result was

My opiniom-I'd leave the sensor alone for cosmetic reasons and do the mod which involves cutting the harness going to the module-- No one will know and if you sell the car you can always splice things back to factory specs. But Nova Resource say they are coming out with a relay which can be adjusted---I'm waiting for that,before I hack the system. James

An adjustable relay would be really nice. Here in Pittsburgh most days are overcast to some extent and unless I am in direct sunlight, the stupid headlights come on. That basicly means that my darn headlights are on all the time. I read the owner's manual about this and it suggests that nothing be placed on the windshield in that bottom corner or over the little dome for the photocell. Thats just great because here in PA we are required by state law to display our inspection and emissions stickers right in that area, casting a permanent shadow on the photocell. Great thinking guys.

Same problem here in NY. The Inspection & Registration stickers must be displayed there.

The worst part is now that it's fall, even on sunny days, the light doesn't hit at the right angle. It was beautiful out yesterday and at 2:00 the lights where on. The best was the sensor in my S-10, it had near prefect judgement.

Did what Pump did. Popped out the photosensor and disconnected it. Things work FINE without it. It's not a crucial part. As for cosmetic appearance, there's a simple solution. Disconnect the sensor, tuck the wire harness back in the dashboard, and pop the sensor back in, disconnected. If you ever sell the car, simply pop out the sensor, and reconnect it! Yes/No?

Do the Daytime Running lights still come on? Its a law up here the great white north

Yeah. The TS sensor is not affiliated with the DRL system. They're completed independent. Unplugging the TS sensor is identical to not having TS at all -- DRLs come on, and headlights don't until you put them on.

quote:Did what Pump did. Popped out the photosensor and disconnected it. Things work FINE without it. It's not a crucial part. As for cosmetic appearance, there's a simple solution. Disconnect the sensor, tuck the wire harness back in the dashboard, and pop the sensor back in, disconnected. If you ever sell the car, simply pop out the sensor, and reconnect it! Yes/No?How difficult a job is it to pull the TS out? Can anyone post a pic or two showing this? How many wires run to the TS? I suppose you could cut in a switch (mounted anywhere to your liking) and be able to switch the TS on/off.This way you wouldn't have to pull it out again.That would be nice for those really annoying "lights on, lights off, lights on, lights off" days.

I like the lights on, lights off, lights on days...it reminds me of Danielson in Karate Kid. Okay never mind I'm a dork I will go away now. (I hope I'm not the only one that gets this at best lame reference to wax on, wax off) man am I pathetic...

VERY easy to do. Not even worth pic posting. I took a flathead screwdriver, just kinda dug around it, and it eventually just popped out. then there's a clip, similar to the horn disconnect if you did tat project , just unclip it, and BOOM, you're done! I did it sitting in the parking lot waiting for someone one day. Took me two seconds. There are 2 wires...I COULD install a switch, but it's really not worth the effort. I'll just wait for them to come out with a repair kit or an adjustable sensor. I haven't yet opted to put in a dead sensor (in other words, tuck in teh wires and put it back disconnected) cause I haven't decided what i wanna do about it yert. But yeah, if you guys REALLY want, i'll post pics tomorrow. lemme know!

So, it sounds like it's just a "press fit" into the dash. No type of retainer or something that holds it in? My concern is that if you remove it a couple times it may loosen the opening and then just rattle around.

quote:I like the lights on, lights off, lights on days...it reminds me of Danielson in Karate Kid. Okay never mind I'm a dork I will go away now. (I hope I'm not the only one that gets this at best lame reference to wax on, wax off) man am I pathetic...I got it. In fact, the way Tony S. worked Ralphie over kinda reminded me of "sand the floor"

I don't THINK you should have a problem removing it several times. BUt I wouldn' t recommend it unless necessary. The sensor itself has a clip to hold it in, but I can't tell if there is any sort of retainer holding the shape of the socket or not. I'm guessing there might be. *shrug* Why would you repeadtedly remove it though? Oh well, anyway, here is a diagram of the removed sensor: Hope that helps!

Thanks Mike,That answers all. You know what they say about a picture...

Thanks guys for the info.