The purpose of a capacitor is to build up charge slowly, and release a larger charge suddenly, under very specific conditions. The specific conditions are determined by the exact model of capacitor.
A direct connection at a point where a capacitor once was won't do the job. It'll both provide too much power (compared to zero) and too little (compared to the burst of extra power on release).
Shorting a spot where a capacitor once was will almost certainly damage other components.
If you're sure there was a capacitor there, and can find out which one, then you want to install (solder in) a fresh capacitor of the exact same make and model.