Posts: 5,027
Threads: 313
Joined: May 2003
Reputation:
21
So I'm under the hood this morning and I see a wire hanging loose ... surprising because the car is working fine.
This wire used to be plugged into a little box on the passenger side of the engine compartment just behind the coolant container (which I've never noticed before) ... the unplugged wire simply goes to a grounding point near the strut tower and the other wire goes down into a wire bundle on the backside of the engine.
I'm thinking it's just a ground ... but what does the little black box do?
![[Image: Blackbox.png]](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/ztwsquared/Blackbox.png)
2008 Fusion SEL MTX - DD1 * 2009 Fusion SEL - DD2 * 2007 Focus ZXW - R*I*P * 2004 Focus ZTW CD Silver - sold * 2004 Focus ZTW Black - sold * 2003 Focus ZTW Black - sold * 2001 Focus ZTW Gold - sold * 2000 Focus SE Wagon (ZTW option) - Black - sold * 2000 Focus SE Wagon (ZTW option) - Gold R*I*P
2003 Focus ZX5 infra-red Track Rat - R*I*P
2003 ZX5 CD Silver Track Rat - retired, but still in the driveway
New track rat: 2000 ZX3, Atlantic Blue * JRSC with lots more to come
* New Zetec crate motor - NFG - thanks Topspeed *
Posts: 9,588
Threads: 529
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation:
1
08-24-2008, 10:18 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-24-2008, 10:18 AM by NOS2Go4Me.)
ZTWsquared,Aug 23 2008, 02:28 PM Wrote:This wire used to be plugged into a little box...
*puts on dark shades*
Sir, we're going to have to ask you to step away from the vehicle.
Now, we'd like you all to gather around and to look at this point... right... here.
*BZAAAP*
*removes shades*
Now, what you witnessed was a bird going into your engine bay. You opened the hood to check it out and hit your head. You'll be ok, just a minor concussion. B)
Honestly, trace the other wire? It looks like a simple resistor assembly to me.
Daily driver 1: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport "S"
33" BFG Mud-Terrain KM2s, lots of Rough Country gear - bumper, 2.5" lift, swaybar disconnects, Superwinch 10,000lb winch, Detroit Locker in rear D44 axle, custom exhaust, K+N filtercharger, Superchips-tuned.
Daily driver 2: 2006 Subaru Legacy GT
COBB Stage 1+ package - AccessPort tuner, COBB intake and airbox. Stage 2 coming shortly - COBB 3" AT stainless DP and race cat, custom 3" Magnaflow-based exhaust and Stage 2 COBB tune.
Posts: 1,665
Threads: 140
Joined: Mar 2007
Reputation:
0
NOS2Go4Me,Aug 23 2008, 08:18 PM Wrote:ZTWsquared,Aug 23 2008, 02:28 PM Wrote:This wire used to be plugged into a little box...
*puts on dark shades*
Sir, we're going to have to ask you to step away from the vehicle.
Now, we'd like you all to gather around and to look at this point... right... here.
*BZAAAP*
*removes shades*
Now, what you witnessed was a bird going into your engine bay. You opened the hood to check it out and hit your head. You'll be ok, just a minor concussion. B)
Honestly, trace the other wire? It looks like a simple resistor assembly to me.
[right][snapback]270971[/snapback][/right]
Or it could be the plutonium extractor module?
[center]TEAM PITA⢠Don't settle for a wannabe, only accept the real deal.[/center]
Posts: 40
Threads: 9
Joined: Jul 2008
Reputation:
0
You've heard of black boxes on airplanes, right??? Well.....
Posts: 4,124
Threads: 162
Joined: Mar 2005
Reputation:
2
Flux Capictor?
Sold: 2001 SE 2.0L SPI w/60mm TB, Steeda Shorty Intake.
Active: 2007 SES Hatch, Motegi MR7 Rims with 215/45ZR17 Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires, debadged, black painted calipers and drums, RS Knob, CFM Short Throw, Billet E-Brake, CFM Focus pedals, MBRP Exhaust, XCal2, FS Front and Rear Strut Tower Bars, Diamond Plate Floor Mats and Sills, Alpine MP3 Deck, Alpine V-Power 300w Amp, Pioneer IMPP Sub, AlpineType-S door speakers, VF Engineering Rear Motor Mount, F2 RS Spoiler, Tokico D-spec shocks, HTP Cross Brace, EBC Rotors, Hawk HPS Pads, Russell SS Brake Lines, RS Wheel, SVT Blue Seats, Vibrant 2.5" Race Highflow Cat, CFM UDP. Rear SVT bumper to come.
Active: 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited TJ [LJ], Volant CAI, 32" BFG Mud Terrains, and a whole bunch of goodies. 
Posts: 25
Threads: 3
Joined: May 2008
Reputation:
0
The little black block is a capacitor. The wire that is broken is the ground side. The other wire goes to the positive feed on the ignition coils. The broken capacitor will cause a bit more electrical noise and possibly a little erratic spark. It is not too important but you should get a replacement. I don't have any idea what Ford will want for it and you can most certainly find one at a wreckers if they have a Duratec Focus. I do not know what the value of the capacitor is. If you have problems getting one or the price is in excess of $15, then I will measure mine and advise how to replace it with a substitute part for around $5 probably.
Posts: 1,665
Threads: 140
Joined: Mar 2007
Reputation:
0
LightAges,Aug 24 2008, 12:08 AM Wrote:The little black block is a capacitor. The wire that is broken is the ground side. The other wire goes to the positive feed on the ignition coils. The broken capacitor will cause a bit more electrical noise and possibly a little erratic spark. It is not too important but you should get a replacement. I don't have any idea what Ford will want for it and you can most certainly find one at a wreckers if they have a Duratec Focus. I do not know what the value of the capacitor is. If you have problems getting one or the price is in excess of $15, then I will measure mine and advise how to replace it with a substitute part for around $5 probably.
[right][snapback]270983[/snapback][/right]
Or Flux Capictor?
[center]TEAM PITA⢠Don't settle for a wannabe, only accept the real deal.[/center]
Posts: 5,027
Threads: 313
Joined: May 2003
Reputation:
21
LightAges,Aug 24 2008, 12:08 AM Wrote:The little black block is a capacitor. The wire that is broken is the ground side. The other wire goes to the positive feed on the ignition coils. The broken capacitor will cause a bit more electrical noise and possibly a little erratic spark. It is not too important but you should get a replacement. I don't have any idea what Ford will want for it and you can most certainly find one at a wreckers if they have a Duratec Focus. I do not know what the value of the capacitor is. If you have problems getting one or the price is in excess of $15, then I will measure mine and advise how to replace it with a substitute part for around $5 probably.
[right][snapback]270983[/snapback][/right]
Thanks very much Les (and thanks Adam for making me spew my coffee) ... getting parts cheap isn't a problem for me thankfully ... but in any event the car isn't two years old yet, so still plenty of good ole Ford warranty.
Speaking of warranty ... I've also got a hole in my shifter boot (my cheap, paper thin vinyl shifter boot) ... does anybody remember the name of that guy last year who joined and then offered to make up some leather ones ... anybody buy one?
And oh yeah, just in case Les isn't correct about it being a capacitor (or was that a Flux Capacitor) keep the guesses coming - very entertaining.
2008 Fusion SEL MTX - DD1 * 2009 Fusion SEL - DD2 * 2007 Focus ZXW - R*I*P * 2004 Focus ZTW CD Silver - sold * 2004 Focus ZTW Black - sold * 2003 Focus ZTW Black - sold * 2001 Focus ZTW Gold - sold * 2000 Focus SE Wagon (ZTW option) - Black - sold * 2000 Focus SE Wagon (ZTW option) - Gold R*I*P
2003 Focus ZX5 infra-red Track Rat - R*I*P
2003 ZX5 CD Silver Track Rat - retired, but still in the driveway
New track rat: 2000 ZX3, Atlantic Blue * JRSC with lots more to come
* New Zetec crate motor - NFG - thanks Topspeed *
Posts: 1,353
Threads: 69
Joined: Aug 2004
Reputation:
1
08-25-2008, 12:38 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-25-2008, 12:40 AM by dBlast.)
ZTWsquared,Aug 24 2008, 02:31 AM Wrote:Speaking of warranty ... I've also got a hole in my shifter boot (my cheap, paper thin vinyl shifter boot) ... does anybody remember the name of that guy last year who joined and then offered to make up some leather ones ... anybody buy one?
The Mailman 666
Here is his thread:
leather shift boots thread
I could use a new boot as well.
vintage 2000 malibu blue ZX3 ***SOLD***
2013 performance blue ST
TEAM P.I.T.A.
Posts: 4,037
Threads: 305
Joined: Jun 2003
Reputation:
9
^^ Ditto..I pm'd him and no reply...
If you remove that black box you will save a bundle on your car insurance!
Posts: 5,278
Threads: 833
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation:
1
08-25-2008, 02:46 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-25-2008, 02:46 AM by Frost__2001.)
your car's still under warentee right Ken?
if so just take it into ford and show them, because I'm sure that's not part of the wear out items, plus it's related to your engine so it might be under the drivetrain warentee.
I was the only member on this board with a Yellow Focus Sedan, and a 2002+ Euro Facelift on a sedan.
Posts: 5,027
Threads: 313
Joined: May 2003
Reputation:
21
Frost__2001,Aug 24 2008, 12:46 PM Wrote:your car's still under warentee right Ken?
if so just take it into ford and show them, because I'm sure that's not part of the wear out items, plus it's related to your engine so it might be under the drivetrain warentee.
[right][snapback]270998[/snapback][/right]
Yup ... early Dec 06 production ... IIRC the last week they made Focus wagons ... and just 40k now so still under the full bumper to bumper ... so yeah, definitely a warranty item.
2008 Fusion SEL MTX - DD1 * 2009 Fusion SEL - DD2 * 2007 Focus ZXW - R*I*P * 2004 Focus ZTW CD Silver - sold * 2004 Focus ZTW Black - sold * 2003 Focus ZTW Black - sold * 2001 Focus ZTW Gold - sold * 2000 Focus SE Wagon (ZTW option) - Black - sold * 2000 Focus SE Wagon (ZTW option) - Gold R*I*P
2003 Focus ZX5 infra-red Track Rat - R*I*P
2003 ZX5 CD Silver Track Rat - retired, but still in the driveway
New track rat: 2000 ZX3, Atlantic Blue * JRSC with lots more to come
* New Zetec crate motor - NFG - thanks Topspeed *
Posts: 3,497
Threads: 235
Joined: Apr 2008
Reputation:
3
Been at hosp all weekend finally read this. Ken mine is the exact samething. I have no prob with the car, I was just going to take it all apart and reground the hell out of it.
Currently - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 4X4 Work Truck. Needs a Super Charger
2012 F150 Eco Boost Work Truck < Died several times and now it's some farmer problem.
No Longer Sleeping/In Surgery Having A Heart Transplant - 2005 Focus ZX5 Sonic Blue Modified
Sold - 1992 Astro Van CS Sky Blue Stock
Sold - 1994 Excel 2DR HB Teal First Car
Posts: 9,104
Threads: 411
Joined: May 2003
Reputation:
2
dBlast,Aug 24 2008, 10:38 AM Wrote:ZTWsquared,Aug 24 2008, 02:31 AM Wrote:Speaking of warranty ... I've also got a hole in my shifter boot (my cheap, paper thin vinyl shifter boot) ... does anybody remember the name of that guy last year who joined and then offered to make up some leather ones ... anybody buy one?
The Mailman 666
Here is his thread:
leather shift boots thread
I could use a new boot as well.
[right][snapback]270990[/snapback][/right]
I have a set from him and love them!
Posts: 5,027
Threads: 313
Joined: May 2003
Reputation:
21
hardk0re,Aug 24 2008, 10:44 AM Wrote:^^ Ditto..I pm'd him and no reply...
If you remove that black box you will save a bundle on your car insurance!
[right][snapback]270991[/snapback][/right]
No reply to my PM either ... I guess it's true - the mailman never rings twice.
Anyway ... I've got a line on what appears to be the exact same product made in Europe, apparently of very high quality (Italian calfskin leather, double or quadruple stitching, choice of leather colour and stitching colour, shorter height for short shifter, etc)
The price would be a bit more than the mailman charged ... roughly 65 to 70 for a set that includes the shift boot and the e-brake boot, depending on how many, options, and exact shipping charges ... I traded emails with the guy and he's amenable to a group buy ... Vince and Kevin have expressed an interest ... so that's three of us ... anyone else might want to get in on this?
![[Image: shiftboot1.jpg]](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/ztwsquared/shiftboot1.jpg)
![[Image: shiftboot2.jpg]](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/ztwsquared/shiftboot2.jpg)
![[Image: shiftboot3.jpg]](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/ztwsquared/shiftboot3.jpg)
2008 Fusion SEL MTX - DD1 * 2009 Fusion SEL - DD2 * 2007 Focus ZXW - R*I*P * 2004 Focus ZTW CD Silver - sold * 2004 Focus ZTW Black - sold * 2003 Focus ZTW Black - sold * 2001 Focus ZTW Gold - sold * 2000 Focus SE Wagon (ZTW option) - Black - sold * 2000 Focus SE Wagon (ZTW option) - Gold R*I*P
2003 Focus ZX5 infra-red Track Rat - R*I*P
2003 ZX5 CD Silver Track Rat - retired, but still in the driveway
New track rat: 2000 ZX3, Atlantic Blue * JRSC with lots more to come
* New Zetec crate motor - NFG - thanks Topspeed *
|
Hi, Guest
![[Image: ncclogo.jpg]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/Flofocus/ncclogo.jpg)