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re: My a/c condenser fan isn't turning. Bad motor or capacitor likely?
Posted on 6/24/15 at 7:19 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
Posted on 6/24/15 at 7:19 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
If the motor is turning/running and the fan isn't then more than likely it's a capacitor.
Looking at about $250.00 to have fixed.
Looking at about $250.00 to have fixed.
0
Posted on 6/24/15 at 7:20 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
Yes. After removing the capacitor.
Using a plastic handled screwdrivers, touch multiple of the metal leads at the top of the capacitor at the same time.
Using a plastic handled screwdrivers, touch multiple of the metal leads at the top of the capacitor at the same time.
This post was edited on 6/24/15 at 7:46 am
Posted on 6/24/15 at 7:35 am to knight_ryder
quote:
My grandfather was pretty pissed because he quoted him $300.
AC repair and auto repair - vying for the most crooked business title.
Posted on 6/24/15 at 7:37 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
My A/C went out recently at night. It sucked. The next day I had to drop $7k on a new one which sucked even more. 
Posted on 6/24/15 at 8:05 am to cave canem
quote:
1: Is it making a humming sound?
2: Does it turn freely when off (use a stick) or does it stop quickly?
I am having the same issue.
1. Yes, not very loud though. You have to be close to hear it.
2. Turns freely.
Guessing I'll try replacing the capacitor since it's a cheap DIY fix.
Second problem, the second AC unit in the house isn't cooling, but the unit is running and the condenser fan is running. Sometimes it blows cool air, but not consistently. Could this just be a Freon issue? Also, is that something I can do myself?
Posted on 6/24/15 at 8:08 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
I just had to replace my fan motor as well. First tried the capacitor, but it ended up being the motor
Posted on 6/24/15 at 8:15 am to absolute692
Mine fooled me a few months back. There is a 24v control wire that comes from your thermostat that controls the contactor in the junction box on the condenser unit. It will click when engaged and hum, which made me think I had power. Come to find out the breaker was thrown due to a thunderstorm/power surge, etc. Cap's an easy fix if you can find one, just make sure you get the same uf ratings and re-wire correctly. The top of the cap will have writing on it fyi. It's nice to have a good friend in the HVAC business. 
Posted on 6/24/15 at 8:24 am to White Bear
quote:
The top of the cap will have writing on it fyi. It's nice to have a good friend in the HVAC business.
We have used the same guy for 25 years, since I went to school with his son. But honest does not always mean it's more affordable, and if its something easy I'd rather do it. He knows he will be replacing the units when it comes time.
I have already checked the breakers, I am hoping the capacitors still have the legible information on it.
Posted on 6/24/15 at 8:49 am to absolute692
I changed out the capacitor and nothing is happening. The old capacitor is clearly bulged out on the top and bottom. When I restore power, should it fire up immediately once the thermostat is turned on?
Posted on 6/24/15 at 8:53 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
quote:
I changed out the capacitor and nothing is happening. The old capacitor is clearly bulged out on the top and bottom. When I restore power, should it fire up immediately once the thermostat is turned on?
Yes, when power is restored and the thermostat engaged it should fire right up if done correctly.
If your old capacitor was bulged it was 100% bad.
It is possible the fan has gone as well but not likely.
Posted on 6/24/15 at 8:57 am to cave canem
Do i need to replace the panel first? Should i try to cycle my breakers?
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:00 am to absolute692
quote:
I am having the same issue.
1. Yes, not very loud though. You have to be close to hear it.
2. Turns freely.
Guessing I'll try replacing the capacitor since it's a cheap DIY fix.
Second problem, the second AC unit in the house isn't cooling, but the unit is running and the condenser fan is running. Sometimes it blows cool air, but not consistently. Could this just be a Freon issue? Also, is that something I can do myself?
I am not a HVAC pro just a handy handyman but it sounds like unit 1 most likely has a bad capacitor and unit 2 needs freon. I would try cleaning the coils out on the second and see if that helps. If you had the tools to go much farther you would already know how to use them. Not trying to be a wiseass.
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:02 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
Verify that your wiring connections to the new capacitor are correct. If you used the outside breaker for the condenser to kill power, check your A/C breaker on your main house panel to see if it has tripped.
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:03 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
quote:
Do i need to replace the panel first? Should i try to cycle my breakers?
It is possible you have a safety switch on the service panel lid. What is it doing now? Making any sounds at all? If not, check the breakers and service disconnect and make sure thermostat is in range and on the A/C setting. If this fails check your wires against the picture you should have taken.
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:03 am to cave canem
quote:
If you had the tools to go much farther you would already know how to use them. Not trying to be a wiseass.
I agree, 100%. I'm not going to mess with replacing Freon, but I don't mind installing a capacitor.
Thanks for your help.
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:07 am to cave canem
Nothing is starting. Not even the fan on the blower in the attic.
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:08 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
capacitor - just happened to me 2 weeks ago. Cut the power so you don't burn it up since the fan isn't spinning.
This post was edited on 6/24/15 at 9:09 am
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:10 am to cave canem
timely thread, i've been googling solutions to my a/c problem all morning with no luck. i'm going to piggyback on this one and ask:
i have an older a/c. my inside unit is working/blowing fine, keeps the house cool, so there doesn't seem to be a performance issue. but when a fan kicks in right when it starts and then cycles on about every 10 minutes or so, the noise is absurdly loud. it sounded fine about 4 months ago, then it got kind of high pitched, now it's just ridiculously loud, like a rumble.
any ideas what it could be and if i can DIY troubleshoot/fix it?
i have an older a/c. my inside unit is working/blowing fine, keeps the house cool, so there doesn't seem to be a performance issue. but when a fan kicks in right when it starts and then cycles on about every 10 minutes or so, the noise is absurdly loud. it sounded fine about 4 months ago, then it got kind of high pitched, now it's just ridiculously loud, like a rumble.
any ideas what it could be and if i can DIY troubleshoot/fix it?
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:10 am to knight_ryder
quote:
unny you said that because the guy was in and out in 45 mins. My grandfather was pretty pissed because he quoted him $300.
This always reminds me of when my dad went to go get a tooth pulled. He was shocked it cost 90 bucks for something that takes less than a minute after the shots etc. He complained to the dentist and the dentist said "if it is the time you are concerned about, I can take as long as you want pulling the tooth. I just figured you would rather it be as quick and painless as possible. Either way it is 90 bucks."
Posted on 6/24/15 at 9:12 am to LSUSUPERSTAR
quote:
Nothing is starting. Not even the fan on the blower in the attic
Did you check the pan in the attic or wherever your inside unit is? If it is full of water it won't turn on
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