what does this do (pic)

I noticed the other day that the wire had come off this black thing on the passenger side of the wiring harness. I figured it was some sort of ground so I stripped the wires back and touched it to ground. My fan came one for a minute but then the wires got to hot and melted away. Like a retard I stripped it back again to see what would happen. As soon as I touched the wires to ground my car died. I got scared and left it alone. What do I need to do?

maybe a diode??? no idea looks like a black box lol

Is there a part no. or something on it? Might be molded in the plastic.

I like the part about where when it screwed up you did it again.............. :-)

is that not part of the ignition rectifire (sp) system like the coil pack and hei cars had? thats what it looks liek to me. but since yours is coil on plug, it might be different. but just a thought thats what it looks like to me. you could have very well shorted it out.

It's the capacitor to absorb the excess voltage from the alternator and to dampen inteferance with radio.They are like 10 bucks from the Ford warehouse.Yes you need it.

yes its a capacitor. if you dont have it the voltage jumps and cause rfi interferance and you get that annoying hum from the speakers. and it can cause other driveability issues

should be one on each ide. mounts on the top of the timing cover i believe.