What is this?

[javon7065]

I noticed this plug hanging out from the front grill the other day and traced it back to being attached to both terminals of the battery. Any ideas?

 

[kryptto]

engine block heater is my first gut guess, car bought in the north. I have no experience - but it will run to the firewall side of the engine, and there is a plug that heats up the block. my best guess.

 

[luigisho]

First pic grill? First guess was laser jammer or something. kryptto's thought hadn't occurred to me. Pretty good guess.

 

[kryptto]

First pic grill? First guess was laser jammer or something. kryptto's thought hadn't occurred to me. Pretty good guess.

his too - they just clipped the part of and left the rest behind.

 

[SM105K]

Battery Tender.

 

[kryptto]

Battery Tender.

best answer yet... since that clip would be too small and not correct for block heater.

 

[SHOrod]

That looks just like the standard 2-wire connector for a trickle charger/battery tender. Well, except the one terminal appears corroded. And since it's connected directly to the battery, that seems very likely to be exactly what it was for.

-Rod

 

[javon7065]

Thanks all. I thought it would be for something like that. I've never used one of them. So I would just find out what model fits that connection and go from there?

 

[kryptto]

Thanks all. I thought it would be for something like that. I've never used one of them. So I would just find out what model fits that connection and go from there?

That wire looks bad I, I would not trickle charge to the two battery posts and would possibly remove it if it was me.

 

[SHOrod]

Most trickle chargers will come with a matching pigtail, and you'll probably find most use that common connector. But as mentioned by kryptto, with the apparent corrosion on that connector, I'd also suggest you replace it if you plan to use a trickle charger. Also like kryptto mentioned, you should make sure the pigtail you install has a fuse near the battery versus a straight connection.

-Rod

 

[javon7065]

Most trickle chargers will come with a matching pigtail, and you'll probably find most use that common connector. But as mentioned by kryptto, with the apparent corrosion on that connector, I'd also suggest you replace it if you plan to use a trickle charger. Also like kryptto mentioned, you should make sure the pigtail you install has a fuse near the battery versus a straight connection.

-Rod

Great info. Thanks so much!