GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Had a close encounter of the deer kind yesterday evening. Deer missed the front bumper by an inch on the passenger side, hitting the headlight area squarely. Significant damage to the fender, etc.
Glad the impact didn't trigger the Air Bags, but I am concerned about the passenger side "Impact sensor" considering the blow that side took.
Questions: Is this Impact sensor in danger of triggering NOW, seeing the blow it took?
How can I safely disable the system and drive the car until I can find a replacement Impact sensor?
Since the car is likely Totaled and I only carry liability insurance, I just want to do a half-fast repair to make it look better. Surprisingly the hood still works normally, and no fluids are leaking. Car still drives normally, so possibly no damage to suspension geometry.
I know how to disable the air Bags to replace components. What I don't know is how disable the system and then operate the car still. My guess would be to disconnect the "Sensing and Diagnostic module", if I could find it. How about just disconnecting both Impact sensors after powering down the electrical system?
thanks,
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj5 ... wlsuvi.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj5 ... v9zh6s.jpg

Chiadog:
I am sorry to see your vibe damaged like that. But it does not look too bad. In fact if you search Youtube about bumper cover repairs you will probably get some good info on mending this bumper.
If this post at TN is right and applies to our vibes than you have nothing to worry about the sensor triggering too early. They say the sensor is behind the steel bumper. That means it is hardly exposed to rocks and such. Also it takes quite some impact to trigger it. My opinion, of course.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/132-9 ... ement.html

Thanks Vibrologist! I can use the tip on Youtube!
The Impact Sensors are each mounted directly to the inside of the outer frame rails on either side of and about 2" behind the radiator. These front frame rails continue past the radiator and are capped by shock absorbers? which the steel bumper mounts to. Too dark outside for pictures right now.
Thanks again,

Your air bag isn't going to go off. The sensor is essentially a uniderectional accelerometer. It won't go off unless you crash again.

Thanks for the reassurance, Kumquat! Now I can drive it without wincing every time I hit a tar strip!