Battery Cable Ground Wire

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Mar 14, 2016 | 12:56 PM

LARIAT 85

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 3,362

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From: Florence, SC

Battery Cable Ground Wire

Can someone tell me where the smaller ground wire coming from the battery terminal connects to?

Mar 14, 2016 | 12:57 PM

Brian1971f100

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From: Barre Mass

Chassis ground

Mar 14, 2016 | 12:58 PM

Freightrain

Lead Driver

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From: Ohio

I would say it is the body ground, should be a screw someplace near the battery.

Mar 14, 2016 | 12:59 PM

Scndsin

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From: Central Mississippi

Fender....

Mar 14, 2016 | 01:02 PM

LARIAT 85

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 3,362

Likes: 22

From: Florence, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1971f100

Chassis ground

I can see that the "flag" and provided screw bolt to the chassis, and the end of the battery cable connects to the engine block.

My question is concerning the smaller and shorter black wire, attached to the battery terminal. Where does this connect?

Mar 14, 2016 | 01:07 PM

Freightrain

Lead Driver

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From: Ohio

The longer wire goes the front passenger side of the block. The short wire goes to the fender.

Mar 14, 2016 | 01:08 PM

subford

Fleet Owner

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From: Easton,Ks

If this is for an 85 truck then you have the wrong set of cables.

It is the body ground at the fender for an OBS and Brick nose:

For an 85:

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Mar 14, 2016 | 03:06 PM

LARIAT 85

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 3,362

Likes: 22

From: Florence, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by subford

If this is for an 85 truck then you have the wrong set of cables.

It is the body ground at the fender for an OBS and Brick nose:

For an 85:

Thanks for the information. The pictures really help!

What does that extra wire connect to, on the "1985" picture? I don't think my truck has that connection?

I was told the 1992 - 1996 cable was a direct replacement for the 1980 - 1991 cable, which is now obsolete.

With the battery posts reversed, it looks like the 1992 - 1996 cable is going to be longer, but should still work.

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Mar 14, 2016 | 03:27 PM

subford

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From: Easton,Ks

Quote:

Originally Posted by LARIAT 85

What does that extra wire connect to, on the "1985" picture? I don't think my truck has that connection?

That connection is the computer ground for pins #40 & #60. The truck will not run without that connection.

Mar 14, 2016 | 03:35 PM

#10

LARIAT 85

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Florence, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by subford

That connection is the computer ground for pins #40 & #60. The truck will not run without that connection.

My 1985 was converted over from EEC-IV/feedback carburetor to the Duraspark II ignition. So it looks like I don't need that connection at all.

Thanks for all of your replies.

Mar 14, 2016 | 03:45 PM

#11

subford

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From: Easton,Ks

It may not hurt to screw it into the fender so you have a good body ground. The center of the cable clamps bolts on to the frame and the end of the cable bolts to the engine block or starter mounting bolt.