I think I might have confused you guys, sorry. The wire I'm holding is the other end of the ground wire you see in the picture if that makes sense. So the end I'm holding would connect to something, then ground to the spot in the picture. I'll get another picture to clarify. Sorry for my lack of explanation.

 

Oh, you replaced your engine. There's your answer. I wouldn't bother bringing it to a mechanic, it's the same wire from the old engine. When they pulled the old one they probably just cut that ground rather than unbolting it. Saves them time to snip wires like that.

 

yeah, ok, thats why I asked. What Tuna said, it's probably the ground strap off your old motor.

 

Tunaslayer I like your thinking on the mechanic just snipping the wire, but the reason I think it might not be the case is because my instrument cluster, radio, and door locks dont work. I've checked all the fuses and relays and nothing is blown, so i think this wire might have popped off and isnt grounding something now, causing my problems. any ideas?

 

I just went out and checked my truck. It looks like that strap is a motor ground strap, can't tell for sure without getting under the truck (Its cold as hell out) Not sure why that would keep your radio and such from working

 

Just attach it to a frame bolt....it's a ground for sure...what could it hurt...if the other end is cut oh well.