What is this little black box?
 

What is this little black box attached to the Slave Cylinder Bolt?

What is its function?

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6214/1024190ll4.jpg

It's a condenser that's connected (well, supposed to be) to the oil pressure gauge circuit.
It dampens the signal to the gauge so the needle isn't jumping all over the place.

According the my '89 Mazda service manual, it's supposed to be on the bolt that holds the little steel cover over the hole between the motor and the trans.

I know this because when I got my car it wasn't attached and when I put my engine back in after rebuilding it, I looked all through the manual to try and find a diagram showing it until I found it.

One thing to note is I believe there's a plastic connector not too far along the wire that you can disconnect. Take a look around to see if that's hanging anywhere to find the wire.


Grant

wow...just wow...

from the FAQ:

What is this little black box with a single wire and a small metal tab that is mounted near or on the clutch slave cylinder?

It is the Condenser (capacitor) for the Oil Pressure Sender. It is needed to protect the oil pressure gauge from burning out in the event of sender failure, and for smoothing any erratic pluses from the sender.

clokker is the winnar!

Thanks again guys....

Seems mine is broken.

I'll take door number three, Monte!

And behind doooooooor nuuuuuuuummmmmmmbbbber threee, is....................................a 1985 Yugo!

YAY!
Better gas mileage!