I was changing oil today and got zapped by this wire. I removed the 2' lead that was attached as it was burned through the insulation. The unattached end had a two pronged plug, and was left dangling by someone who worked on the car recently.

Any ideas on what that would plug into on a '92 Dakota 3.9l 2wd? I can't figure anything out from any wiring diagrams, but that is like reading Chinese. My engine temp gauge is not working at all, so I am hoping that is it, at least that is my best guess.

 

No idea, but that doesn't look like a stock Dodge connector to me.

 

Looks to me like the harness for the overhead light thats under the hood. The only reason I know that is cause I unplug it all the time when I'm working on my truck during the day.

 

I agree

 

yes, excellent, great! I will investigate further. I was really stumped too. the lead was draped down over he engine and had burned a bit.

Thanks

 

Fix the connector. And put a multimeter in the plug and open and close the hood. The power reading should cut off.

 

Not so. The hot wire to the under hood light is hot at all times.
A mercury switch, in the ground circuit, it what "trips" the light.

From the service manual: