In one embodiment, a system is provided for detecting a damaged magnetoresistive sensor. The system includes a processor, and logic or software stored in hardware that is executable by the processor. The logic or software is configured to, when executed by the processor, determine a scaled resistance of a plurality of sensors. The scaled resistances are measured against at least a first bias current, Imr, or against a square of the at least a first bias current Imr, I2mr. The system also includes logic or software stored in hardware that is configured to, when executed by the processor, output a representation of the measurements.