What's this wire?

[Rodeo]

Ok, I was cleaning the engine bay in my 87 Carrera. That activity does not max out my technical ability, but its at the upper end of my range ... just so we understand the context of my mechanical talent. So I see this wire hanging there, its grounded to the body. Anyone know where the other end goes? Steve

[CarreraS2]

If it is like an SC (and it looks like it is), it goes to the decklid, like this:

[1974carrera]

If you're referring to the flat braided wire with the black sleeve over it, the loose end should be connected to one of the cheesehead screws that attach the deck lid to the hinge. Look at the one on the other hinge to see how it attaches.

[Rodeo]

Thanks guys! That's gotta be it. Why a wire from one body panel to another?

[bigrubberjeep]

Porbably because the hindge does not actually touch (metal to metal) on the tub

[ChrisBennet]

I imagine grounding the hood helps keep electrical "noise" from escaping the engine compartment. Faraday cage effect and all that.
-Chris

[sammyg2]

Some of these cars have a light on the deck lid, the grounding might help that function also.

[Randy Webb]

Actually, the light has its own ground wire - the light is used up thru '73.

My 73.5 has 2 (!) big gnds plus the 2 wires for the lights.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by ChrisBennet

I imagine grounding the hood helps keep electrical "noise" from escaping the engine compartment. Faraday cage effect and all that.

I agree.. it's also the obvious elec ground for antennas, lights, etc.

[ZOA NOM]

I think it's more to reduce static charge build up by the airflow passing through the lid. The discharge can be considerable when you open the lid by hand.