97 2.4 Spyder GS, 87,000 miles
I was cleaning corrosion off my battery terminal. When I tightened the clamp my ratchet handle contacted a round part mounted on the passenger side fender well. There was a spark. This part is nowhere in my Haynes book. It has what looks like a cable coming out of it, which goes to a brass colored rectangular box on the firewall. This box has a second cable going into it. It is located on the fenderwell just in front and to the left of the battery.

The first time I drove the car after this happened, the car barely idled and the trans slipped then slammed into reverse gear. I figured disconnecting the battery had caused the trans computer to have to re-learn. A week later things are better, but still poor when car is cold. After it warms up it shifts normally.

Does the round part mounted on the passenger fenderwell affect the transmission? I know there's a temperature sensor for the fluid, but I figured that would be on the ttans body. Also checked for leaking vacuum lines and all looks OK.

Trans had a complete service (filter, pan gasket followed by flush) at the dealer at 50,000K.

Would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks!