NOVELTY - The method involves monitoring a sensor (1509) and outputting first control signal to a system controller when a characteristic monitored by sensor is within a preset range of values. A second control signal is output to the system controller when the characteristic monitored by sensor is outside the preset range of values. Deformation of a portion of a set of deformable cooling conduits (1501) due to an object striking a lower surface of a lower battery pack enclosure panel is made to cause characteristic monitored by sensor to fall outside the preset range of values.    USE - Method for detecting impact damage to a battery pack mounted on a vehicle e.g. hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The method enables utilizing an air gap to separate conduits from a lower enclosure panel and minimizing a number of stand-offs when an object hits the lower surface of panel, and the panel can deform prior to even impacting deformable cooling conduits, thus enhancing protection of batteries. The method enables positioning cooling conduits between the batteries and the lower pack enclosure panel deform when road debris or other obstacles hit a bottom of the battery pack with sufficient force to potentially prevent damage of the batteries within the pack, thus preventing catastrophic damage to a pack by absorbing impact energy. The method enables eliminating a load for preventing the affected batteries from entering into a thermal runaway. The method enables recording an event using an on-board system by a reporting system, thus allowing service personnel to help determine extent of damage, damage timing, and an efficiency of the damage monitoring system.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a front view of a flow and pressure sensor located in a battery pack module.    Deformable cooling conduits (1501)    Coolant exhaust manifold (1505)    Battery pack enclosure (1507)    Sensors (1509, 1511, 1513)    Monitoring subsystem (1515)