Basically yesterday our air condition seemed like it wasn't working..i shrugged it off as we had the doors open a lot yesterday evening...well today it seems that we aren't getting any cold air out our vents when our air conditioner is 'turned on'(thermostat setting). The blower inside is on...but outside the fan isn't running on the 'compressor'(is this what it is called?). I notice when I turn the thermostat to have the air condition come on that outside i hear a buzz at the compressor but the fan isn't on. Could it be that my fan just went out? I go outside and had work gloves on and felt the cyclinder inside and it was warm..even hot that i couldn't leave my hand on it... We had the air condition on for a day now and finally noticing it. I opened up the metal case covering the wire connections and nothing seems 'burnt' I can't really check the wires going to the cylinder without dismantling a lot more. Could it be the fan just needs a new motor outside to cool the cylinder so it doesn't get so hot? I'm sorta new to this but like all DIY i'm a very quick learner on these things.

Ken

 

Well, I called up my grandpa and told him the situation..I then told him when I push in the connector it buzzes, but i think it was overheated then cause now when i push it the compressor actually kicks in but the fan still is not going..so he says go ahead and get a stick and push the fan to see if it starts by turning the blade....WALLA that did the trick, the fan ran fine...so grandpa points me to the capacitor as the culprit then tells me to pull out the disconnect...and take the small capacitor out and replace it. and so i did and just bought the capacitor on the way back to work(2 and a half hour lunch, at least work wasn't upset) I picked up the capacitor. I'm going to install when i get home after work...i'll let you know how it goes.

Shouts out to Grandpa Borcherding....WOOT WOOT!

Ken

 

Grandpa is a smart man.

 

I am not sure what to do as there seems to be some water that has tracked onto the wires in the furnace/ac. There is a little water under it as well. How do I clean out the tube if it has clogged?
There has always been so much air from the fan it blows the cat around! Now, no fan at all.

I am a little afraid of the possibility of a short, so I don't want to put my hands inside. Should I be concerned about that? Where is the capacitor and how do you replace it? Are they expensive? Where do I find one?
My hubby is a computer guy and not a handyman, so I am on my own here. Any help would be SO appreciated.

Thanks

 

If your problem is that the condensate drain is clogged just follow it to where it dumps out and suck it clean with a wet vac. If your wiring and controls are getting wet shut it down and let it dry very good.

If you are calling for a/c and the indoor blower is not working try switching the stat position for the fan to "on" and see if it comes on then. If it does then replace the stat. If not post back.

 

You go grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Ken,

You and I had the exact same problem at the exact same time! After two nights of 80 degree nights waiting for the HVAC contractor I came to this site. After reading your posts I opened my unit and replaced the capacitor. Worked like a charm. Cost me 11 bucks and a couple hours to find a store, get there, replace the part and screw the sheild back on. Been cool ever since. Thanks Thanks Thanks

 

Looks like I haved the same problem as Justified and Ishancock, but I don't know what a capacitor is and what it looks like. Can someone help explain where in the compressor unit that is? (point me to a website with a diagram...)

It's Saturday, just called the repair man who can make it out on Monday afternoon. But the temp today, Sunday and Monday is set to be in the 90s.

I would greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks.
David