"Extra" connection on battery cables

Bhanks555 · May 20, 2023

Any idea what this extra connection is supposed to go to ? Negative or ground maybe?4530

duffer · May 20, 2023

Just to be sure, take your multi-meter and pretend this wire is actually hot, and then ground your other probe on the meter. If you get voltage, it could be another hot wire, rather than a ground.

Was there any after market accessories on the tractor when you got it? Might be a ground to something that is no longer there? If you're not sure, and it tests as a ground, I'd be safe and make a good ground connection to the frame.

mrmikey · May 20, 2023

Possibly a chassis or an engine ground (if it is a ground wire) I see an arc mark on it so it may be a +

Sgt Slag · May 22, 2023

If possible, trace it to see where it goes: if it connects to the chassis, it is definitely a Ground Lead. Better yet, get a service manual and see if it's listed. Based on it's color and size/wire gauge, it appears to be a Ground Lead for the Negative Battery terminal.

Wires are typically color coded: Red = Positive, Black = Negative. If you want a better answer, consult a dealer or an independent mechanic. Cheers!

ljjhouser · May 22, 2023

Duffer - -made a good suggestion. But if there is NO voltage (DC - both on and off ignition), then change the meter setting to ohms and repeat Ignition off. If there is no resistance, then it is probably a ground cable. Looks like a large Black cable. Many vehicles have several ground cables or straps. battery to frame, frame to engine, frame to dash, etc. Also be aware some meters use a small amount of voltage to measure resistance. But that doesn't look like a late model tractor with a computer.
All that said, looks (at first sight) to be a ground cable to the motor for the starter. If it is and still runs the starter, It may have found another ground. Like the engine mounting blocks for somewhere else. Good luck.