PWM output issues

So I am working on getting my car VSS PWM signal inputed into my redBOARD via PWM PIN5.

When I have nothing connected to pin5 I get a 0 reading, but when I connect a lead(the lead only) to PIN5 I get random readings of 50 thru 54. Also, I get higher random readings when I connect the PWM(VSS) non-energized lead to PIN5, which is around 80-100.

[When I connect the VSS and engage it I see a difference, i.e. a reading that is in addition to the random readings.

// Digital speedometer
// VSS on car connects to pin 5
 
const int hardwareCounterPin = 5;
const int samplePeriod = 1000; //in milliseconds
const float pulsesPerMile = 4000; // this is pulses per mile for Toyota. Other cars are different.
const float convertMph = pulsesPerMile/3600;
unsigned int count;
float mph;
unsigned int imph;
int roundedMph;
int previousMph;
int prevCount;
 

 
void setup() {

  TCCR1B = 0; //Configure hardware counter 
  TCNT1 = 0;  // Reset hardware counter to zero
   Serial.begin(9600);
}
 
void loop() {
 
  //////////////////////////////////////////////////
  // This uses the hardware pulse counter on the Arduino. //
  // Currently it collects samples for one second.              //
  //////////////////////////////////////////////////
  bitSet(TCCR1B, CS12); // start counting pulses
  bitSet(TCCR1B, CS11); // Clock on rising edge
  delay(samplePeriod); // Allow pulse counter to collect for samplePeriod
  TCCR1B = 0; // stop counting
  count = TCNT1; // Store the hardware counter in a variable
  TCNT1 = 0;     // Reset hardware counter to zero
  mph = (count/convertMph)*10; // Convert pulse count into mph.
  imph = (unsigned int) mph; // Cast to integer. 10x allows retaining 10th of mph resolution.
 
  int x = imph / 10;
  int y = imph % 10;
  
  // Round to whole mile per hour
  if(y >= 5){
    roundedMph = x + 1;
  }else{
    roundedMph = x;
  }
  
  //If mph is less than 1mph just show 0mph.
  //Readings of 0.9mph or lower are some what erratic and can
  //occasionally be triggered by electrical noise.
  if(x == 0){
    roundedMph = 0;
  }
 
  // Don't display mph readings that are more than 50 mph higher than the 
  // previous reading because it is probably a spurious reading.
  // Accelerating 50mph in one second is rocketship fast so it is probably
  // not real.
  if((roundedMph - previousMph) > 50){
    Serial.print("Previous MPH = ");
    Serial.println(previousMph);
  }else{
    Serial.print("Rounded MPH = ");
    Serial.println(roundedMph);
    
  }
  previousMph = roundedMph; // Set previousMph for use in next loop.
}

The lead is acting like an antenna.

Right, but Im using the leads that were supplied with the redBOARD kit. Is the PWM input to the bord that sensitive? It should be only reading transitions, and I cant imagine a transmitting PWM signal in my house tripping the board.