[5xHBowner]

I noticed on my alternator tonight that there is this capactior looking thing on the back of it. It has a single wire that runs from it to where the battery wire attaches. The wire is broken at the capacitor. I have no idea what this does or if it's even anything to worry about. Could someone help me identify what this is and does?

 

[tkisling]

Yeah when I replaced the alt on my 93 2.4 I broke the wire and my dad soldered it but I forgot to put it on when I installed the new alt. As far as I know its supposed to prevent radio interference on your radio but as I stated earlier I didn't install it and it made no difference for me. I'd say save it for later if you are really worried about it but I don't think you need it based on my experience.

 

[5xHBowner]

anyone else have a suggestion? I haven't noticed a difference in the radio.

 

[foxkw]

The capacitor is there to prevent the generation of excessive Radio Frequency noise - that will mostly show up in the AM band.

These things always break at the wire after a while. they can be replaced with something of a similar value without any issues.