Q&A for How to Install a Capacitor

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What do I do if there is no place on a capacitor for a remote wire hookup? Should it come on when the main fuse is put into place, and what would cause the capacitor to power up, but not the amp?

Community Answer

If there is absolutely no place to wire a remote turn on lead for a capacitor, it has a built in turn on/off function for the cap, which will turn on when you turn on the car and power up everything. If the amp is not turning on, do you have the power wire running from the (+) terminal of the cap to the Power input of the amp?

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Question

Do I need to use a resistor to charge the capacitor, or can I just use the test light?

Community Answer

You can use the test light, but be sure to connect the capacitor in series with the test light.

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Question

If both the amp and cap have a remote wire, do I need to split and connect it to both?

Community Answer

Yes. You will actually just run the remote turn on wire from the amp already hooked up, and then run the turn on to the cap.

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Question

Does it matter if the remote wire goes to the amp or cap first?

Community Answer

No, it does not matter which one the remote wire goes to first. Both will still get 12+ volts of electric current.

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Question

I just hooked up a cap in my car and now I'm hearing strange noises coming out my sub-woofer. What could it be?

Community Answer

Check the grounds on your cap and amp. Make sure everything has its own separate ground.

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Question

How can I tell which side is positive?

Community Answer

The positive side will either be red or have a "+" symbol. The negative side will be black or it will have a "-" symbol.

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Question

Do I need to discharge my capacitor first when replacing my car battery?

Charles Bunton

Community Answer

Play it safe. Always discharge your capacitor. Capacitors can shock. Capacitors can kill.

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