Capacitor Ground Cable Disconnected

[EvoTheDon]

So after replacing my thermostat and fixing my overheating problem I discover that my capacitor is no longer turning on at all. Upon closer inspection I notice what could potentially be the problem. The ground cable got loose, probably from flipping down the rear seat so many times. At any rate, I just wanted to know if I have to discharge the cap first. And also is it safe to just disconnect the car battery, repair the cable, and reconnect it. I provided pics to help everyone understand whats going on. Someone please tell me the safest way to remedy this situation. Thanks.

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/001.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/002.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/003.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/004.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/005.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/006.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/007.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/008.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/009.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/010.jpg

http://www.ccuconnect.com/temp/011.jpg

[ZigenScarface]

that negative isisnt connected?

[EvoTheDon]

From what I can tell it seems to have pulled apart. There seem to be only a few "strands" of cable actually connected to the cap.

[Shadow19]

If i remember correctly the way you discharge it is to get a soaking wet towel. Wrap it around a metal object. Then insert metal object to positive side then ground it. LOL. J/K. Ive hooked a few of them up before and ive done some work on a system that had one. I never discharged i or anything so i think youll be fine (but im no expert). Just be prepared to see a little arc if that..... Anyways. I still dont see what youre talking about though. It seems fine to me but try whatever you wanna do dude. Good luck

[mitgalantes]

From what I can tell it seems to have pulled apart. There seem to be only a few "strands" of cable actually connected to the cap.

then what u will need to do while the car is "OFF" unscrew it take the wire out..get all the strands that fall out etc...cut down more of the wire twist the end like i assume u have done the first time insert the wires into the slot screw down and "PRESTO" ha u should be good after that

[Jeffylou87]

It shouldnt spark.. They are made to not hold a charge when there's nothing going to them.. That is why your capacitor stays on after you turn your car off. It slowly dies.. You have nothing to worry about..

[kolio]

It shouldnt spark.. They are made to not hold a charge when there's nothing going to them.. That is why your capacitor stays on after you turn your car off. It slowly dies.. You have nothing to worry about..

come again. my capacitor held a charge for a week not connected to anything. thats what capacitors do....... store charges.


you shouldn't need to ground it out. make sure you take the normal safety precautions when handling electrical stuff.

[Jeffylou87]

Yeah, those are normal electronic capacitors.. I know mine didn't hold a charge when I came back to it after my car was off for a few minutes.. Maybe some of them aren't made like that.. idk.. I know all about capacitors though.. I took a 6 week course on them.. lol

[kolio]

Yeah, those are normal electronic capacitors.. I know mine didn't hold a charge when I came back to it after my car was off for a few minutes.. Maybe some of them aren't made like that.. idk.. I know all about capacitors though.. I took a 6 week course on them.. lol


i'm just saying..... cause i shit my pants when i realized it still was holding juice!

not all caps are the same

[Jeffylou87]

Just to be safe.. Get an insulated screw driver and hold the metal so that it touches both terminals.. if nothing happens then it is discharged. If there is a huge spark, then it was holding a charge. Rest assured nothing will happen to you.. Current chooses the easiest and fastest path, which is the metal part of the screw driver.

[EvoTheDon]

Gentlemen, thanks for the tips. I'll definitely take care of that as soon as I have a few minutes to myself.