What is this for?

[Kojac]

Curious, what is the function and purpose for this grey tab?

Battery terminal:

 

What is it?

Why is there?

How to use it?

 

 

[Mooly]

Is it plastic or metal (looks like plastic from here)?

Is there anything else on that Battery terminal other than a wire?

The only two things I can think of are that it is some some of heatsink/heat sensor for ambient air or that it is some bizarre shield for moisture.

Intriguing, I really don't know without seeing one up close.

   

 

[DerekHa]

Hi Kojak,

That looks to be a plastic bracket intended to hold either an additional wiring loom or an optional electrical component of some sort. Can't see that being a heatsink or even a sensor let alone a moisture shield, sorry Mr Mooly!

[Bper]

It looks like it could be part of a Battery terminal fuse holder which is no longer used. Without seeing the underside as well it's difficult to say.

It would be good to see how it looked on the Battery before it was disconnected. It may be worth asking @flash22

 

[TonyHSD]

Hm, it might be just for a stopper or support bracket on which plastic panels clip on, there are two, one small that covers the 12v Battery and one large vessel that is the actual boot. 

[Mooly]

When I was thinking 'heatsink' earlier it was as a means of sensing the Battery temperature and surrounding ambient temperature so that the correct charge voltage could be applied. That is why I wondered if there was any little 'electronic box' with extra wires also on that terminal.

Tony's picture puts it all into better context. 

 

 

[solero]

My guess is its a heatsink for a current sensor built into the positive clamp.

[flash22]

it stops the Battery coming loose - and to stop you fitting the wrong Battery type

[SB1500]

Perhaps it's just some kind of spacer that assures that when covered with a boot carpet / side lining, anything leaning or pushing against it touches that and not directly the terminal / connection itself? Maybe that thing helps it sit and take the pressure more securely.  

 

one thing is for sure, it does something.  If any modern car maker can save as much as a penny per car they'd probably stop including it! haha 

[Kojac]

@Parts-King

...can you help us solve this, for the win?

[Parts-King]

36 minutes ago, Kojac said:

@Parts-King

...can you help us solve this, for the win?

Not a scooby doo sorry, it is just listed as a terminal, no idea if it has another function 

[TonyHSD]

Yea, it’s a terminal junction. 
https://japancars.ru/index.php?route=catalog/toyota&mdf_id=12218&area=EU&cat=166510&blk_id=8201

 

[flash22]

thinking about it, it also stops you from wiring the Battery backwards too

[AisinW]

Toyota wiring system is fool proof, not a single plugs are identical if you ever work under the dashboard of the car.  All has purpose from shape, usually to avoid stupid installation mistakes. 

[Kojac]

Last two comments take us to the win.

 

Stops incorrect installation.

 

Fool-proof intercept.

 

My thanks to all that contributed.

 

K