I was wiring up a ground for the sensor for my auto trans temp gauge. I intended to use a bolt on the top of the engine which has a black wire coming from the firewall to it -- assumed it is a ground also. This bolt also holds a small bracket that helps to route a small hose over the engine. BUT, I sheared off the bolt when I was tightening it down! I don't have any of those neat gizmos that help to get sheared bolts out. Tried to drill it out with no success. Now I am scared to loosen any other bolts on top for fear of doing something else stupid. And the black wire from the firewall will hardly reach anything else on the engine to bolt to. Can anyone help? I need to drive this thing to work in the AM!

 

OK, the black wire is simply bolted to the firewall -- what is this for? Can I run the truck with it hanging loose?

 

It's a body ground. It should be repaired soon, but it's unlikely to cause any major problems to drive it with it off. Mine broke on my old 92 pickup and it didn't notice it for months, until i realized my headlights got dim when I turned on the wipers. But I also had 2 broken body grounds.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the info. I ran an extension so that I could attach it to another bolt and all seems OK. Now I guess I'll need to tap some new threads and put a new bolt into the old spot. Crisis averted. Now I just need to get up in 6 hours to go to work! :cry: