Unknown Part

[Sonic_SVTF]

I just installed a CAI a couple weeks ago and was checking everything out yesterday just to make sure it was all still tight and in place. While tightening a clamp I saw this thing just hanging there, not connected to anything.



I found another thread from 2002 where someone ran into the same situation, except his was broken. This seems to be fine, just got unhooked and never put back. I was really careful when doing my intake install, but I guess I could have undone it on accident.

The part number is 98AB-18801-AC.

The old thread gave several possibilities as to WHAT it is, but even if that's correct I don't know WHERE it goes. Kinda frustrating. I've looked all over the internet and haven't really found anything.

Any pics or instructions would be great! Thanks guys.

[Queen Jade]

Just out of sheer curiosity, I called Ford and gave them the part number. They said it was a Radio Capacitor Assembly; so same info from the old thread. I took a few minutes to find a wiring diagram and I found a bunch, but none that I feel like downloading or paying for.

You may want to google a wiring diagram to find out where it goes, or go pickup a Chiltons.

Welcome to The Jet and good luck.

[EggYolk_Zetec_ZX3]

I guess that answers your question friend!

[zx3r_type]

That gets attached to one of the screws for the ignition coil. Someone must have had the coil off, and forgot to put it back on.

[EggYolk_Zetec_ZX3]

I used to own that car... I never had the coil pack off, also I have no clue why it would have been removed whenever I had it in for service.

[Sonic_SVTF]

I think I found it. There are two screw holes on the back side of the plate that the coil is attached to. I've read a couple of places now of people saying that theirs broke for no reason. I think that's what happened here.

I found the other half of the square clip that is coming off of the part pictured still attached and screwed to the plate. After removing it from the plate and comparing it to the capacitor, I'm pretty sure that's where it came from. It's the same width and material, and you can tell that it has broken off. I think the metal material that they used is just weak, especially where that bend is.

I reattached the piece using the other clip on the capacitor to the plate where it came, but I can't really tell a difference in the sound quality. I guess there really wasn't much to worry about. It doesn't make much difference to me anyway since my CD changer doesn't work. All I have is the staticy radio here in Northwest Arkansas. (Stupid Audiophile Head Unit)

Anyway, thanks for all of your help. I'm glad it wasn't something more serious.

Thanks!

[viatech]

I've wondered what that was for the past two years. From the first time I saw it it was resting on one of the EGR pipes and was significantly melted. Do you think Ford left these just dangling there for people with vehicles that aren't equipped with the CD changer? Also on mine, the wire going to this piece seems to be broken and barely hanging on by a thread(probably due to being moved around during my 1000 car reparis :/) Would it be okay if I just unplugged it and threw it away? Due I need this part for anything?

[FORDSVTPARTS]

It's there to suppress electrical interference from the ignition coil, It should be bolted to the coil bracket and most of the ones I've seen are.

The most noticeable thing would be electrical noise coming through your radio and sound system in general.

[blackbird]

It's an old thread but the second I opened it and saw the picture I recognized what it was from my Neon and some other cars. They're pretty common on most modern cars but kind of odd to tell what they do just by looking at them and what (if anything) they seem to be connected to. On my Neon the similar suppressor is bolted to the back of the cylinder head (with the coil pack mounted to the valve cover) and some people have stated they occasionally blow certain fuses for the computer/ignition system although they're primarily installed for noise. It does also help to minimize radio noise but also electrical noise that could be picked up on other sensor circuits the computer reads. I'd probably leave it installed and attached on the car if it were me.