If you think only the sensor is the problem, while having only that single board connected, try booting from Braiins OS on an SD card. There is a cgminer option that lets you disable the sensors when you use this alternative free open source firmware replacement.

If you use this method, you only need an sd card and move a jumper. To go back just take out the sd card and put the jumper back where it was.

If you really like Braiins OS, you can install it in the controller's NAND as well.

You can also read the Braiins OS thread if you want more information.

Even if you don't like it you can go back later to Bitmain's firmware, after you confirm the problem really is just a damaged sensor.