Behind the cluster, changing bulbs - and found this?

[Cletus]

So I was lying upside down, gazing at the cluster backside and tried to reach both bulbs and voltage regulator... partial success - turn indicators light up and blink almost at the same speed.
Voltage regulator replaced - didn't change much; my fuel and temp gauges are still dead :/

But then I saw this - a thing with a wire that looks like it's supposed to go somewhere. Couldn't really find any suitable socket or slot for it though.

What is this, what does it do and should I connect it to something?

 

[HT413]

That's supposed to go to the tab on the voltage regulator. It's a capacitor and its function *i think* is to protect from voltage spikes.

 

[Cletus]

Cool, thanks. Went back in and attached the wire. It wasn't in place when I bought the car, so it's probably been hanging back there for quite some time. Does this mean there's a possibility my gauges might be fried? :icon_eek:

 

[69Bee]

It actually goes into the regulator slot closest to it, along with the regulator. It is a blade, and not a plug. A capacitor going from ground to ground does nothing. It is basically a filter to prevent the internal points on the regulator from burning up.

 

[Propwash]

It's a condensor and it's purpose is to eliminate electrical interference, especially to the radio. From factory, there was also one located off the ignition coil as well.

 

[HT413]

Lol, oops.

 

[440+6]

It's a condensor and it's purpose is to eliminate electrical interference, especially to the radio. From factory, there was also one located off the ignition coil as well.

And also one inside in the alternator, three total and they are all for that reason.

 

[Cletus]

Thanks, y'all! Condensor wire is back where it's supposed to be and I learned something new today. That's why I'm here...

And the dead fuel gauge quest goes on... will drop old, rusty tank soon so it'll be interesting to see what I'll find there...

 

[Propwash]

Lol, oops.

Hehehehe.......Hey, it sounded good man LOL