What is this? On my '89 245. Auto tranny.

Finger-thick electrical cable set comes to an end at the fender wall, between the battery and the headlight. Has a device on end of cable, about 2x3 inches, about 1/2 inch thick. Screwed to fender wall with what looks like 2 thumb screws, but they aren't holding any longer.

Does this need to be firmly mounted for a good ground? What is it??

If you have the Chrysler ingition system it's the ignition amplifier. If it is be careful disconnecting any of the ignition control elements, as some have single use connectors.

"If you have the Chrysler ingition system it's the ignition amplifier. If it is be careful disconnecting any of the ignition control elements, as some have single use connectors."

I believe you're thinking of the Volvo/Chrysler Ignition Control Unit ('88 240 was its last year), which lives on other side of the car, below the washer tank. The V/C ignition has direct control of the coil (no amplifier).

The EZK Power Stage (amplifier) is on the battery side.
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Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.

Yikes - I thought all from the '89 era had Bosch LH-2.4 elec. ign.
Definitely takes the regular distributor cap, I replaced that already once.
I'll check the printed decal on fender housing.

But I think it's Bosch, and hopefully not with parts swapped around and mixed up by prev. owner and prev. mechanic.

A quick look in the Haynes manual suggests 'California' models continued to be fitted with the EZ-116K ignition system through to 93. If yours originated from there it will also have a different EGR system.

It is the same power stage used US 89-93. No such thing as single use connectors - that was hogwash explanation for v/c ignition controller connector problems solved later with sleeves.

John,
So, this is an ignition amplifier?
Or is it something else??

It does seem to have old heat transfer goop on the back of it.
Definitely could use proper re-mounting.

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/F600019836HUC.JPG

I thought the Bosch one lived a bit further back (other side of the batt), with the other relays etc. I think either needs to be well mounted, the Bosch mounts with heat transfer paste. Don't think the parts are interchangable as the harness differs - maybe an engine swap by PO?

Don't worry until you're sure what it is!

I've got the same thing on my 91, but not on my 85.
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85 240DL 189k; 91 240 169k