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Capacitor? Needed?

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Old Dec 13, 2015 | 03:32 PM
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Default Capacitor? Needed?

This yellow cylinder looks like it should be attached across the power leads coming off of my break light switch. One lead is pulled out of the blue connectors (just to right of my thumb in pic). Wondering if I need this at all. Is this an original part? I have a modern radio and no feedback noises. This cylinder is not shown in any of my wiring diagrams or the AIM as far as I can tell. Just want to check before I cut it out. Thanks for any help,
Don







Old Dec 13, 2015 | 03:38 PM
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If there's no noise in the radio, then it's not needed.
Old Dec 13, 2015 | 03:42 PM
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I agree!

It is likely there to prevent a "pop" in the previous Radio when the brake pedal pressed. "Original" filter capacitors were not installed with those "connectors", however, I don't know if there was one in the break light circuit originally. I do remember we used to put them in if there wasn't one to solve the problem.

Last edited by pws69; Dec 13, 2015 at 03:44 PM.
Old Dec 13, 2015 | 05:39 PM
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Hi pws,
I believe that capacitor for the brake light switch was originally connected to the dash harness using those blue connectors when the radio option was selected.
Regards,
Alan

Old Dec 14, 2015 | 06:42 AM
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The noise generated by switches (that the capacitors are there to dampen) is mainly heard on AM radios. Unless you listen to a lot to that it won't hurt anything to leave it out

Last edited by Danish Shark; Dec 14, 2015 at 06:42 AM.
Old Dec 14, 2015 | 08:26 AM
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Thanks for the feedback.

Its getting cut out and go into my every growing used parts box.
Old Dec 14, 2015 | 12:01 PM
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We installed the capacitors at the dealer level whenever a customer complained of the pop in the radio. They were usually on the brake light switch and turn signal flasher.

The factory installed ones were on the back of the gauge cluster, tach housing and blower motor.

68's had a brown 12 gauge power wire that terminated near the ignition switch with it's sole function was having a capacitor plugged into it.

Seemed like a waste of a good 12 volt power source.
Old Dec 14, 2015 | 04:03 PM
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Interesting. Thanks for the detailed info.
I have one also at my turn signal flasher but it is plugged in nicely so no need to mess with it I guess.
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Old Dec 16, 2015 | 11:03 AM
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Yes thank you.....I have two Vettes here with them and both have after market radios.
My 72' does not have the capacitor in the Turn Signal Flasher and the 76' does.
I removed the capacitor from the 72'.....I am leaving them in the 76' as it is not mine.

Jebby

Last edited by Jebbysan; Dec 16, 2015 at 11:03 AM.
Old Mar 18, 2025 | 10:51 AM
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Could a short in this capacitor cause the brake lights not to work
Old Mar 18, 2025 | 11:28 AM
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10 year old thread.
Old Mar 18, 2025 | 06:40 PM
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Happy 10th!
Old Mar 28, 2025 | 02:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Col J
Could a short in this capacitor cause the brake lights not to work
10 years too late, I think

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