[Vwdiesel] sensor fire

[peter blake]

 Today I detected the smell of burning plastic.  At first I thot that
it was due to the fact that I was traveling thru an industrial area.
My opinion changed when I noticed wisps of smoke coming fm under the
hood.  I pulled over and investigated.  I found a sensor on the trans-
mission smoking, I pulled it apart and sparks and flames burst out of
the now broken and melted sensor.  It has two wires, one black and green,
and the other brown or black.  Does anyone know what it is?  My parts
guy, who is very knowledgeable and specializes in VWs didn't have a
clue, neither do I.  I haven't noticed anything not working so I'm at
a loss as to what it is or what to do about it.
Peter