what does this sensor do?
 

I have an 88 TII. I was wondering what the two sensors positioned on the air control valve do and whether or not they are important. The reason I am asking is because one of them fried on me last week, must have been a loose connection or something. Anyway, I've attached a picture of the sensor and the severed wire (red arrows). Do these sensors effect the temperature control of the car in any way? because my car has been running hot ever since the sensor fried (I recently changed the antifreeze and thermostat, so it isn't that). Thanks for the knowledge,

kev