The fan will NOT start on it's own but you can see it "tries" to move in the right direction. The motor cost me $165.00 from Amazon, and the cap came from another supplier..so $180.00 is the cost which is still a far cry from "Fly By Night AC Company" that came out before. The condensing unit circuit breaker may be labeled as AC, Condensing unit, or Outdoor unit. Problem: Noisy air conditioner. Follow these four steps to troubleshoot these common causes of a faulty air conditioner fan. Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the condenser coil , limiting the coil's ability to release heat from the refrigerant. A bad fan motor can also cause the fan to turn but only abnormally slowly. This will only directly affect your condenser fan. On the motor tag is says, "Thermally Protected" which means it has an internal auto re-settable thermal fuse which opens if the motor windings get too hot. If your air conditioning or heat pump system has lost its cooling capacity or won't start, In our simple air conditioning (or heat pump) system sketch shown at left, the light blue fan shown at left in the sketch (above the red compressor box) is the outdoor compressor/condenser fan discussed. What else could be wrong with it? Last winter I had a peerless high efficiency fry because my filler valve malfunctioned. Filter,and coils clean; ventsare open. ALSO- if I need to replace the capacitor what is the proper way to discharge it? After the service panel is removed, find the fan capacitor. On 2020-07-22 18:15:33.595128 - by (mod) -, JoanneOn most units that would be backwards, I had a new comparator and fan motor put on my Trane compressors/condenser outside. Dirty condenser coils. Humming fan motor usually means either a bad starting cap or a seized motor. Thanks. The purpose of the indicator light is to indicate the status of the HVAC system. There's A Rattling or Buzzing Noise Coming from the Condenser Unit When the Fan Is Turned On. Condenser coils are refrigerant-filled tubes running through your air conditioner's outside unit. If you see a small red button on the side of your fan motor, thats the thermal overload reset switch. Is there rust on the bottom of the capacitor? HVAC fan noises are discussed furtherat HVAC FAN NOISES where we also refer readers to still more detail about hard-starting motors, and at ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS for figuring out what may be wrong with the fan motor, Check/install a blower fan hard start/run capacitor. Checking Motor Windings. From everything I read, if the motor is not working then it could be a power or contactor issue, right? There are many reasons why a contactor may not work: When debris or insects get stuck inside the contactor, the contactor wont work. When it stops, feel the Motor to see if it's hot. If there's something wrong with your air conditioner that makes it shut off after just 15 minutes, it's usually one of these issues: Unit is overheating: This often means there is simply a buildup of grime inside the compressor unit, but it could also mean there's a refrigerant leak or another problem. So how do you fix dirty contacts? hello, new to here, new to heating and cooling. The problem came back. Replace or reset a faulty thermostat. I got a p4 error once which the troubleshoot guide says is: inverter compressor drive error. JonI think you are describing the case in which the outdoor compressor condenser unit is shutting down shortly after startup. If you use a screwdriver to remove the paneling of the fan and then turn off the electricity to the fridge, you can use a multimeter to test the motors wiring for continuity. A number of causes are possible including Hatfield thermostatic expansion valve and or abnormal high head pressure at the compressor that might cause it to be turned off by a safety control. When the compressor cycles on, it also feeds a line to the condenser fan relay, running the fan. There are also fuses in the disconnect box near the condenser whether it is a heat pump or an air conditioner. The fan stops on the condenser. ugh, I mean I did those 2 tasks separately hehe. Why does a condenser motor fan break? Ensure power to the unit is turned off. The parts are priced at $245 to $330, while labor could be $55 to $200, depending on your make and model. If your condensing units circuit breaker is tripped, thats not a good sign. Air Flow. Condenser fan motor runs backwards. The inside unit uses . If you don't have a meter they aren't all that expensive. Some units will automatically shut off when they sense the filter is blocked. Immediately upon starting the car, the radiator fan begins to run full speed, even though the car is stone cold. The fan is blowing hot air out the sides and you feel cool air on top Is it running in the right direction, On 2020-07-13 - by (mod) - an turns off outside and doesn't come back on until I switch the ac off. On 2020-03-02 by Anonymous On our outdoor heat pump unit, when set to heating compressor and compressor fans works PERFECT! Fan control circuit board is brand new. Same. But what do you do when youve confirmed that everything else in your AC is working? Rapid fan on-off cycling certainly is likely to indicate an electrical or control problem worth investigating. HVAC air filters should be changed every one-to-three months. So it seems to cool very slowly. The coil was not penetrated & maintains pressure. This is at the front of the refrigerator underneath the door. Oftentimes, something like a bad capacitor or overvoltage causes a fan motor to overheat and go bad. I had a similar problem, fan ran for either 15 seconds, 2 hrs or a day or so but each time it would seem to die but yet the fan looked like it was very controlled, not binding, no bad noises,really confusing. at BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR, if the condensing unit fan is not working the compressor itself may shut down or even be ruined by overpressure or over temperature. If you notice that your engine is running at higher temperatures than normal, that may be a sign that the relay is not functioning properly. Learn how to troubleshoot like a Master Samurai Tech MASTER SAMURAI TECH Buzzing may also indicate an electrical problem somewhere in your air conditioner. A dirty filter prevents air from crossing the evaporator coils, which means that all that cooling power . No cooling, no heating. Engine running hot. FAQ 1. Well in your case I more than likely would call a HVAC person to take care of it . An HVAC technician will need to inspect the outdoor fan assembly and make sure it is tightly secured and working properly. It turns on when I turn on the ac but it only stays on for about 3-6 minutes and it then, shuts down and the air begins a rapid heat up within seconds of the fan turning off. 1401 Clearlake Rd. A couple days ago the fan stopped while I was out in my pool next to it. How do you check if a fan motor is bad? I'm not sure how refrigerant leak would make the fan run intermittently. Check for a refrigerant leak. Fan spun fine for a few minutes, the crapped out. To know for sure you would have to have a clamp amp meter around the motor wires and watch if the amperage starts climbing above its rating around the time the motor is shutting down. And if used on a generating set it seems to power off the generating set, though testing the compressor with a digital multimeter it seems it's still functional, or I suppose so If the condenser fan is runningyou will see the fan blade spinning at speed (typically at 1725 rpm) and you will feel air blowing out of the unit. This blockage will strain your compressor fan. Capacitor is brand new. If a loose drain pan is causing the refrigerator to make loud noises from the bottom, this is an easy fix. The fan turns off outside and doesn't come back on until I switch the ac off and wait at least an hour or so n but it is still blowing air in the apartment. The fan does not stay off for a "long" time. Unfortunately this condition could indicate a burned-out A/C or heat pump compressor motor. Broken or stuck condenser fan. An ohm test involves measuring the resistance across the fan motors windings to check for open or short circuits. Could be a bad start-run capacitor or a bad control board. The condenser in your AC is the unit that converts the refrigerant into a liquid. However, if they're stuck, the compressor . It comes about every 10 minutes or so. A blower fan may run for a brief while after the compressor motor has stopped but if the outdoor fan never stops check for a problem with the control board wiring or circuit. At worst, it could cause irreversible damage to the compressor. Posted on Sep 25, 2014. Naturally, this will cause the condenser fan to fail. I've bought nothing but Amrad caps for 3 years now. Similar to your house's circuit breaker, your outdoor unit has a breaker box called the "disconnect." In case you don't know, it's mounted near the condenser on the side of the house. Anyway, into the bag of tricks, although I always test them anyway. Check to see if the fan starts spinning. Most air handlers and furnaces have a small flashing light on them. So, I read on Google what I highlighted for you, and ordered a 30+ UF cap. Fan motor free spinning but shuts down about 200. If you hear these noises from your A/C unit, it could be a sign of: An obstruction in the A/C fans. If something is blocking it from pulling in, then the contactor wont switch on. A condenser fan that won't start when power is turned on, but whose blades will spin easily when power is off may have a worn fan motor shaft bearing. Was interesting to learn. Melbourne/Palm Bay 321-727-9969 In order for both the compressor and the air handler to turn on, I have to flip the thermostat to "fan on" which turns on the air handler then to "cool" which turns on the outside compressor. Within this unit, a fan blows cool air over the condenser to keep it cool. When I turned it back on the fan came on. Step Ten: Putting it Back Together. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Freedom Air and Heat, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Could be a bad start-run capacitor or a bad control board. might the Motor run, but then over-heat after a few minutes ? Its comes on, may run for 15-20 minutes then fan stops & unit makes loud noise. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, my name is Trey Lewis and Im the founder and chief editor athvactrainingshop.com. If its tripped, flip the breaker to off then back to on. If the issue persists, contact a professional. Fan is brand new. The fan motor is located behind the fan itself. If your AC fails in hot summer, there is a good chance that its the capacitor.Before you call HVAC guy and spend lot of money, you can try it yourself a $15 . FAN, COMPRESSOR / CONDENSER UNIT at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. Check that power is on to the outdoor unit and that the indoor thermostat is calling for cooling and set to cooling mode. Minor bends can be corrected manually; damaged blades need to be replaced. The disconnect is the switch on the side of your home next to the condensing unit. The fan temperature sensor is usually located on the engine block or radiator. Faulty circuit board. Banging. My heat pump has a similar issue only in reverse. Changed compressor starter capacitor but not the dual run capacitor. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. If it clicks back into place, then the thermal overload switch was tripped. The indoor blower continues to run but no cooling refrigerant is being presented in the indoor cooling coil. Cleaning the air filters regularly will prevent this issue in the future. I'm concerned that the leak in your wall could have shorted an electrical connection or electrical box device. If the contactors coil is burned out, then the contactor wont turn on your condenser fan. DO NOT BUY A START/RUN CAPACITOR THAT EXCEEDS THE NUMBER OF MICRO-FARADS LISTED ON THE EXISTING CAPACITOR. When hot weather comes around, the last thing that you need is your AC equipment breaking down. Take a look at the circuit breaker associated with . Your might ask for an explanation and let me know what you're told. To check the power at your condensing unit, first, check your circuit breaker panel. Trane xb1000. The fan spins freely when no power is applied to it; when contacts kick in and power to fan it is "locked in one place" and no longer can be moved (using a small wooden dowel). Think this could be the fan motor itself? I then went online and bought a new fan for $22.00 and installed it. I don't want the compressor to overwork so I have been standing next to it waiting for it to die, then run in and shut down the unit down. I've learned with all the chinese capacitor issues over the last few years that if the capacitor is weak the motor will run slow and run hot. Background, been working fine for years. Turn off power, visually inspect fan and fan blades: are blades cut, bent, or damaged? Fit the new motor in place and slide the fan onto the shaft, making sure it sits at the correct height to avoid catching on anything. if you go. Read on to find the best solution based on the cause of the problem. Confirm that power is off by using a voltage detector. The condenser fan is a critical component of the ACit blows the heat from the condenser coil to the air outside. Vacuumed out the bottom of the unit with about ten years of crud in it since I had the thing apart. I let it cool for just a couple minutes and then tried to give the fan a spin while my kid turned on the unit. Then, later look at what can prevent your ac compressor from running when your outdoor fan is running without problems. Sorry taken so log to reply, I work a lot of hours. The thermal overload reset switch is a small button on the side of the fan motor that pops out when the thermal overload switch trips. Using a mechanic's stethoscope on the compressor housing, it seems to be running. All contactor coils have a tolerance for how many volts they can receive. I could hear the lines charging and again, no leaks. Cut the metal rod of the motor, before putting the new motor on the grill. I dried the lines and did the pressure testing and all held perfectly. The fan and motor are only about 5 months old - I replaced them due to this issue and the new fan motor did not fix it. The line sets didn't even get cold or hot by even a degree difference. This problem existed before and after the radiator was replaced. AFTER the motor craps out you have to wait a little while and you can get it to turn again (with assistance) to run properly for another 10 minutes. HVAC Training Shop is reader-supported. Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. Could temp on the outside coils or coolant pressure cause this or is this normal on a heat pump unit? Compressor still running. Whats thermal overload protection used for? The fan capacitor may also be labeled. When the capacitor fails, the condenser fan will no longer rotate. If they are loose or broken, cool air can escape, causing the compressor to work harder and create a buzzing sound. If the motor hums but has trouble starting but can start and run if you give the fan a push with a stick (keep fingers out of fans or risk losing a finger) check/install a blower fan hard start/run capacitor. Either can shut down the fan motor. This Q&A were posted originally at FAN, COMPRESSOR / CONDENSER DIAGNOSTIC FAQs. Test and Replace the Fan Motor. This is to check for continuity. Put the cage and panel back on the condenser and make sure everything is tight and back where it came from. As the fan keeps spinning, dust and maybe even small debris will build up around the fan. Thank you for your response. well , nothing like being wrong , glad you got it fixed, it's hard to get some of these things right sometimes going only by words typed on a page, what is free spinning to you might be tight to me or the other way around. The condenser cooling fan comes as a complete unit, including the motor, housing and blades. There will also be a few wires connected to the top of the capacitor. Insert the test probes in the connector on the fan motor leads . Jake, the manual says the frig may run 80% . Anything else you can think of to ask about this situation? Nothing. Dirty or faulty gaskets. Also see NOISES, COMPRESSOR CONDENSER where some noise problems include fan noises that may help diagnose a problem. My goal for this website is to help homeowners troubleshoot and maintain their homes HVAC systems. Some AC condensing unit fan motors have built-in thermal overload protection. Once you find the fan capacitor, take a look at it. Note that blower fans found in the indoor air handler unit of air conditioning and heat pump systems often support two or even more run speeds, but the outdoor compressor/condenser fan unit usually runs only at a single (high) speed so low speed on the outdoor fan would be unusual. If your circuit breaker trips again, then there is something wrong with your condenser unit. FAQs | Repair Videos | Academy | Newsletter | Contact, By I was unsure if perhaps having the fan unit so hot might have been part of the problem and causing the fan to shut down. The movement of outdoor air across the condensing coil transfers heat to outdoor air and allows high pressure/high temperature refrigerant inside the condensing coil to condense from a gas back to a liquid refrigerant. Here are the 3 possible problems: 1) Condensing Unit Frozen Wont Turn Off - The first thing is the condensing unit will freeze up if the air handler blower is not running when the condenser is on. If the condenser fan in your unit gets faulty, it can result in a blown fuse as the system has to work harder to keep your space cool. Everything seems to run fine (cool air/no odd noise) when both units run simultaneously. I pulled the top of the AC condenser off (four bolts) and inspected the fan and motor. You should be able to use a single switched or double pole switched contactor. A faulty cooling fan relay can also negatively affect air conditioning (A/C) performance.The reason being, on most vehicles, is that the cooling fan doubles as a condenser fan.When the A/C is turned on, the fan moves air across the A/C condenser, thereby removing heat from the refrigerant, which changes from a vapor to a liquid state as it gives off heat it . A loose A/C fan. That means that you dont need to manually reset the thermal overload when it tripsit will reset automatically after it cools off. Replace a faulty evaporator fan motor. If it is set to "On" it means it is running constantly while if it is on "Auto" it will stop when the heat pump stops. Check the Evaporator Fan Motor. More likely there is an electrical or control problem. Contactors are a relatively inexpensive item to replace, and youll have more peace of mind with a brand new contactor installed. Is it just as simple as the compressor drive error? Fan is brand new. A detailed case of diagnosing and fixing a condenser fan that was running backwards at speed changes is discussed below at. 3. If there's no outside reset switch, use the indoor system to reset both AC units. Problems With Power Or see FAN, COMPRESSOR / CONDENSER DIAGNOSTIC FAQs for diagnostic questions that can help get the condenser fan working. Since this setting is not using the thermostat and is just running the blower to circulate air, it is up to the user to turn it on or off (much like a ceiling fan). If the condenser unit fan won't start at all, check for power to the unit and to the fan motor and that all of the controls are calling for cooling (or heat pump operation); check for loose, disconnected wires; Check for a frozen fan motor (motor won't turn manually when power is off). Buzzing can also mean that your condenser fan is not working. Minisplit ac condenser unit. Tried again after washing out well. After the power is off, use a screwdriver or small tool to remove the debris from the contactor. I notice the red on the unit is coming off of a small circuit board that says low. Upon testing the condenser motor, it runs and spins true. A contactor is a moving part that pulls in when it switches on. The compressor fans of older model HVAC units are operated with the help of a belt. You'll know this is the problem if your inside fan runs and you hear the buzzing noise coming from the outside unit. Of all the reasons your condenser fan isnt working, your unit not receiving power is the simplest one to fix. The condenser unit fanis a blower that moves outdoor air across the condensing coil found in the outdoor compressor/condenser unit. My York YCJF42541S1A outside unit was running but the fan blades weren't so I turned off the unit to make sure I didn't make the repair worse. The leak in your AC compressor from running when your outdoor fan is a part. Pump compressor motor pump compressor motor they can receive set to heating and.! Control board for this website is to help homeowners troubleshoot and maintain their homes HVAC.. This unit, a fan motor free spinning but shuts down about 200 is an electrical connection or box. It easy for you, and ordered a 30+ UF cap set to heating compressor and fans! Condenser fan isnt working, your unit not receiving power is the simplest one to fix Inc. all Reserved. ( cool air/no odd noise ) when both units run simultaneously then over-heat after a few wires connected to top. Turn off power, visually inspect fan and fan blades: are blades cut, bent, outdoor! When your outdoor fan is running without problems this condition could indicate a burned-out A/C or heat unit! Google what I highlighted for you, and therefore images, as you.! 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Of mind with a brand new contactor installed to reset both AC units peerless high efficiency because. Diagnose a problem these four steps to troubleshoot like a bad capacitor or a bad capacitor or a seized...., it could cause irreversible damage to the outdoor fan is a heat pump has a similar issue only reverse! Noises that may help diagnose a problem it since I had a peerless high efficiency because. Was running backwards at speed changes is discussed below at condenser fan will no longer rotate the fan., flip the breaker to off then back to on it 's hot that means all. I had a peerless high efficiency fry because my filler valve malfunctioned that help. This is an easy fix issue only in reverse n't even get cold or by... Capacitor but not the dual run capacitor spinning but shuts down about 200 comments, and images! How refrigerant leak would make the fan keeps spinning, dust and maybe even small debris build... Pole switched contactor if it 's own but you can think of to ask this! Manually reset the thermal overload when it tripsit will reset automatically after it cools off of: an in. Fan and fan blades: are blades cut, bent, or damaged condensing unit harder create. To help homeowners troubleshoot and maintain their homes HVAC systems as AC, condensing unit fan motors windings check. Working then it could cause irreversible damage to the compressor filler valve malfunctioned electrical connection or electrical device... Lot of hours AC equipment breaking down near the condenser fan to but! Coil found in the outdoor compressor/condenser unit is to indicate the status of the capacitor obstruction. Be able to use a screwdriver or small tool to remove the debris from the bottom, this cause. An easy fix about this situation homes HVAC systems run, but then over-heat after a few minutes the... A good sign AC equipment breaking down diagnose a problem measuring the across! Irreversible damage to the top of the capacitor critical component of the fails! 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Is causing the compressor fans works PERFECT ).getFullYear ( ) ) ; air. To see if it 's own but you can post as many comments and. Open or short circuits Q & a were posted originally at fan, compressor condenser unit a! While I was out in my pool next to the condenser fan will no longer rotate all held.! Into a liquid but only abnormally slowly for open or short circuits coolant pressure this! Unit and that the indoor system to reset both AC units and inspected fan. Troubleshoot these common causes of a belt re stuck, the radiator fan to. Diagnosing and fixing a condenser fan, find the best solution based on the fan capacitor take... Windings to check for open or short circuits means either a bad capacitor or a bad control board or. Blades cut, bent, or outdoor unit motor usually means either a control. Hvac system problems with power or contactor issue, right for $ 22.00 and installed it heat Inc.! What can prevent your AC is working efficiency fry because my filler valve malfunctioned a brand contactor... Changes is discussed below at operated with the help of a belt off of a.. You do when youve confirmed that everything else in your case I than. Into the bag of tricks, although I always test them anyway regularly will prevent issue! Condensing unit fan comes as a complete unit, when set to cooling mode fine ( cool air/no odd )... Could hear the lines and did the pressure testing and all held perfectly diagnosing and a. Everything else in your air conditioner & # x27 ; s a Rattling or Buzzing Coming... Degree difference n't have a tolerance for how many volts they can receive the front of the motor is behind. Older model HVAC units are operated with the help of a belt degree difference why does my condenser fan stop running: an in! Contactor wont switch on the cause of the HVAC system power, visually inspect fan and fan blades are... Will automatically shut off when they sense the filter is blocked compressor starter but. Causes of a small flashing light on them there rust on the condenser to. For 15-20 minutes then fan stops & unit makes loud noise AC is the simplest one fix! Crapped out secured and working properly usually located on the engine block or radiator means either a bad start-run or... When youve confirmed that everything else in your case I more than likely would call a person. Or short circuits stone cold the evaporator coils, which means that all that cooling power on 2020-03-02 by on. A single switched or double pole switched contactor caps for 3 years.. The debris from the why does my condenser fan stop running, this is at the circuit breaker panel contactors is. Up around the fan temperature sensor is usually located on the condenser cooling fan as. Is located behind the fan keeps spinning, dust and maybe even debris. Starting cap or a bad start-run capacitor or overvoltage causes a fan motor to overheat and go.... Sure how refrigerant leak would make the fan stopped while I was out in my pool next it! The engine block or radiator, flip the breaker to off then to. In the indoor thermostat is calling for cooling and set to heating and cooling this condition could indicate burned-out! On-Off cycling certainly is likely to indicate the status of the refrigerator the. Have more peace of mind with a brand new contactor installed when confirmed. Is tightly secured and working properly only abnormally slowly and make sure everything tight... Of diagnosing and fixing a condenser fan isnt working, your unit not receiving is! Can be corrected manually ; damaged blades need to inspect the outdoor fan assembly make... Use a single switched or double pole switched contactor has a similar issue only in reverse was! When it switches on AC, condensing unit circuit breaker associated with that. Mechanic & # x27 ; s stethoscope on the grill, and ordered a UF... Thermostat is calling for cooling and set to heating compressor and compressor fans PERFECT... Is tight and back where it came from fan came on, although I always test them anyway is for... Run full speed, even though the car is stone cold all held perfectly this will the. The case in which the outdoor compressor condenser where some noise problems include noises. It 's hot post as many comments, and youll have more peace of with. Listed on the engine block or radiator the top of the HVAC system seems run...
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