Old Disconnected Ground - needed?

[thenative1]

Afternoon all!

I have been chasing a weird gremlin on my '89 FJ62 that has resulted in some seemingly arbitrary moment where turning the key results in absolutely nothing. No dash lights, clicking, etc. No activity of any kind. And then for the last dozen starts, it fires up like a champ. Note that for nearly three years before that, she has been running like a top.

In fussing and replacing all sorts of things, I totally disconnected the battery and removed the tray and cleaned everything up, including the connection/cable from the negative terminal to the side wall just inches away. In pulling the battery and the tray, I found this (I think) ground just sitting loose underneath the battery tray (picture below). NOTE: It has been exactly like this for at least three years so I think (?) it's unlikely it has anything to do with my current issue. HOWEVER, my question is:

--> Should I reconnect it?
--> Should I clip it as close to its mounting point as possible?
--> Should I leave it disconnected but wrap it in electrical tape to prevent any weird issues?

What say thee oh Mind of Mud?!

Thanks,
Evan

 

[bhsdriller]

Where's it going? On a 60 has one similar that connects under the passenger side motor mount/compressor area that is one of the main grounds

 

[thenative1]

That's where it seems to go. Almost impossible to see/touch and get a good view on it either from above or below.

 

[bhsdriller]

Could be un-related to issues but i'd hook it back up

 

[Godwin]

Confirm that it is a ground and reconnect it. Connecting it won't hurt and may help.

 

[MWM1]

Your finger is in the way! LOL! Trace the wire back. Does the other end connect to the top of the motor mount? BTW a member that goes by 4Runner makes a heavy duty set. It is worth every penny and helps immensely! Toyota grounds wires to the body in many places. Passenger fender, firewall, inside A Pillar, etc.

 

[toy_tek]

Stick a mirror in there or use your phone camera to confirm its connection point but it looks like the motor mount ground to me (under the AC compressor). If so this will directly influence your starting capability since it’s the main battery ground connection to the block/starter.

 

[Skniper]

You should be able to see the motor mount ground (under AC comp) directly through the right wheel well behind the fender skirt (if you still have fender skirts).

 

[cliffrdavis]

It looks like one of the ground on the body or frame but as others have said it’s difficult to tell on the one pic. Follow it - and pic of other end. Check if it’s 12v neg with electrical tester and + on battery.

 

[Malleus]

If the far end is under the motor mount nut, it's (or was intended to be) the primary engine bond cable, [28800B].

There should be three, not including the starter ground; one to the body, one to the chassis and one to the engine.