What is this thing?

[ckrobins]

I've replaced the engine in my 2000 Saturn LS1, and I'm working through the wiring harness(es) in the engine compartment. I have been unable to identify the item circled in orange in the attached picture. I have both of the L-Series shop manuals (Body/Electrical I and II) and a Chiltons manual to refer to, but have had no luck. If you can identify this part and it's connection point, would you please reply to this post? Thanks!

[02 LW300]

That is a ground splice.

[02 LW300]

It mounts under the front side of the battery tray, directly below the battery hold down. The battery hold down holds the fan relay box. There is a stud welded to the inner fender.

[ckrobins]

Thanks, 02 LW300, that was useful information. After a little more study of the Saturn's body/electrical manuals, I found it in the schematics - it is called 'forward lamp splice pack' in the ground distribution schematics. I did not find a stud in the location you mentioned, but a little sandpaper, a star washer and a beefy sheet metal screw later that is where it is. The negative ground post of the battery is fastened to the inner fender about a foot farther back on the inner fender, so I am confident that the splice is grounded.

I attached another copy of the picture I initially posted with a wire/terminal circled in green.
I checked continuity from this terminal to the negative battery terminal and it is connected. So, I think this means that the terminal is meant to attach to another underhood component to supply a ground. (I don't think the physical position it's in is correct) It emerges from the wire harness where the positive and negative battery cables do, and it is long enough to reach the engine block, cylinder head, or transaxle. Do you know where it goes?

[02 LW300]

I suspect that it is another body ground. The main ground cable bolts to the engine. They tie all the grounds together through various cables and wires. As long as it is black it is a ground.