GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

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.

help us by posting a pic of said mystery item.

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

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.

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

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

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

Attached files

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

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.. ?

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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