Temperature Probe?

[JazzDad]

We have a 1992 MR2 with the 3S-GE engine normally aspirated.

At the exit end of the catalytic converter is a probe whose flange has rusted and broken away from the body of the cat. The probe is approx 2 inches long and about quarter inch diam. It realy looks like its a steel "thimble". Someone said it's a lambda probe but it doesn't really look like one. The lead from it goes through a grommet into the trunk area and at the connector end you can see that the lead consists of two wires (a white and a black).

I can't find any reference to this in any repair manual that I have access to.

Any ideas what it is? The hole that was left in the cat is now blocked up. Is it likely to make any difference if this probe (or whatever it is) is just tucked up out of the way?