Why would someone put this in??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 47
From: Scarborough Maine Fredericksburg VA
Why would someone put this in??
I am redoing the interior in my 70 LT1 and have the dash out. I thought I would clean up underneath which has several wires that have been spliced, cut and added over the past 40 years. While the clean up is going ok there is a capacitor of some sort linked into the brake light circuit. Clearly this isn't factory as you can see by the wire splices and it is not on the aim diagram.
Any ideas why someone would put a large capacitor in this line??
Any ideas why someone would put a large capacitor in this line??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
bad pic so difficult to make it out but it could be there for a number of different reasons, including noise suppression for the radio.
I also see those blue wire splice connecters - is this how the cap was hooked up or is that just more of bubba's work on your electrical harness?
I also see those blue wire splice connecters - is this how the cap was hooked up or is that just more of bubba's work on your electrical harness?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 47
From: Scarborough Maine Fredericksburg VA
This was clearly added or maybe changed as it is using the blue conectors someone pointed out. Also there is a radio capacitor mounted close to it is about half the size of this monster and that one is as my wiring diagram shows.
Again according to my aim wiring manual there is no capacitor in this line. But it must be as is being suggested - for the radio. It does make me wonder why the brake light switch would have one and not any other switch though. I checked my 72 and that doesn't have it. Could they be something that was added by owners back in the 70's? Do you think it is needed with todays electronics - I will be using an after market stereo mounted in the back and will just be keeping the stock one for looks.
Again according to my aim wiring manual there is no capacitor in this line. But it must be as is being suggested - for the radio. It does make me wonder why the brake light switch would have one and not any other switch though. I checked my 72 and that doesn't have it. Could they be something that was added by owners back in the 70's? Do you think it is needed with todays electronics - I will be using an after market stereo mounted in the back and will just be keeping the stock one for looks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
It's been pointed out that the dealer added these per complaints of poping noise on AM. Put it back, or replace it with a 50V rated of the same capacitance. You should find one on your flasher too. C.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Midlothian VA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
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From: Meriden CT
Rman, I did find one on my flasher, (1979). I had trouble with the turn signals working intermittently ever since i got the car. I took it out and viola, turn signals are fine. IDK if it has any detrimental effect on the radio as I rarely use it. I'll try it next drive.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
As hokie as it looks, that capacitor and the blue splice clips ARE factory originals. It is a spike/noise suppressor for the radio which is there to prevent electrical spikes ('pops' in the radio output) when the brake switch is applied. There are other similar capacitors on blower switch, alternator, ignition coil, etc. etc. That capacitor may be 'toast' after all these years, but if it is not shorted out, it will do no harm.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
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From: Dayton, Ohio
