bolt missing on catalytic converter

Have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma - 4wd, 6V, 4.0L.

Am getting check engine light code p0430.

I looked at the catalytic converter systems and there is a bolt missing (apparently it came loose at some point and fell off - the bolt on the other side of the converter is still there) on one side of the BACK converter on the drivers side converter system.

Could that missing bolt be what is causing the P0430 code ? I know that I could just try replacing the bolt but I was wondering if the P0430 code might be a DEFECTIVE downstream sensor instead.

Thanks.

 

How many miles on the truck? At 12 years old, could very well be bad o2 sensor or cat starting to fail

 

Just turned over to 120K.

P. S. - I just went back and looked at the converters again AND the drivers side rear converter has the 2 piece shield on it (the one on which the one bolt missing on one side), however the passenger side rear converter does NOT have a shield on it at all - is that normal / correct ?

Should I try to clean the sensor as a starting point ?

Thanks.

 

not sure how/if there is a way to clean an o2 sensor. 120k seems like low mileage to have the cats fail/clog, but i guess driving style and conditions all play a factor. Does the truck seem sluggish? Any rotten egg smells? I had a cat clog up on me loooooong ago, and the power was so far lost I couldn't even make it home. I pulled off the side of the road, disconnected at the y pipe, and drove home that way. My guess would be the sensor. Also, if you are worried about the missing bolt, get a thread checker and test to see what size it is and pick up a corresponding bolt from ace hardware or similar.

 

Thanks for the info.

The truck drives like a top. I read elsewhere on the Internet that the sensor can be taken out and sprayed with CRC electrical cleaner to clean it. I already changed the air filter and cleaned the mass flow sensor but the light still came back on shortly thereafter.

 

Yes, correct, only driver's side have it. The bolt is M6.