Could this be caused by bad alignment? I have seen pics of this in some books but never in real life. That would just give you another question; what may have caused the movement of sensor to a "offset" position.
Have you got pics of the jammed sensor? I'm sure that would give the thread some sparks...
I would want anyone to second me on this since I only read about the fuel distributor. Anyway, the black thing is adjusting the chamber pressure. If it isn't plugged in the car won't work because you'll never get the right pessure in the chambers. It should definetly be plugged if you want the car to start. The amount of fuel that gets distributed is adjusted by the amps flowing thru here...No amperes, no fuel for the engine.
But I suggest you get some other member on the forum to second before you do anything about it.