Carrier stopped cooling...compressor fan running


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Old 09-07-14, 04:31 PM
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Carrier stopped cooling...compressor fan running

Had an electrical storm come through and the power flickered a little and now the Carrier Performance series AC is not working. Blower/air handler is running, outside fan on compressor is running, but the compressor is absolutely NOT running....

Is there a lockout or reset on this unit or some way I can avoid a service call? Ive killed the power to the the air handler and compressor for 5-10 minutes, and that didn't do it. What else can it be?
 
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Old 09-07-14, 04:43 PM
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Leave the power to the outside condensor off for 1/2 hour. Power it back up.
Either the compressor will come on, not come on or sit there and hum.
 
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Old 09-07-14, 04:48 PM
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A lot of times electrical storms will cause all kinds of erratic issues with hvac systems. It is difficult to determine without doing a series of checks with a multimeter to see if you have an issue with the voltages required to properly operate the system. Do you have a multimeter you can use to do the tests? Also, what type of disconnect do you have near the condenser; fused or non-fused? A non-fused will have a "plug" that you pull straight out ato turn off the power to the condenser.
 
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Old 09-07-14, 05:59 PM
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The OP stated the condensor fan is working which means the disconnect should be ok.
It may end up being a capacitor issue or burned wiring on the compressor.
 
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Old 09-07-14, 06:37 PM
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The OP stated the condensor fan is working which means the disconnect should be ok.
The reason I asked if it is a fused disconnect because if a fuse blew on one leg it will only provide 1/2 the required voltage to operate properly. I didn't catch that the fan was still operating.
 

Last edited by firedawgsatx; 09-07-14 at 06:55 PM.
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Old 09-07-14, 06:48 PM
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I turned off the thermostat for about 10 mins and not luck. So, I turned it off again and let it sit for 30-60 mins while I called about service. I turned it back to 'cool' just for grins...and its working. What in the world is that about?

The unit is less than a year old. But at any rate, its currently running. not sure what happens when it shuts off...maybe it won't come on again. Air handler, compressor or thermostat must have some sort of lock out for power surges or finicky power to protect it maybe?
 
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Old 09-07-14, 06:56 PM
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If the condensor fan was running before and the compressor wasn't then the compressor was out on overload. That could be caused by it trying to recycle too fast or the start of a capacitor issue. If the condensor fan doesn't run properly then the compressor can also shut down on high heat/overload.
 

Last edited by PJmax; 09-07-14 at 07:39 PM. Reason: typo
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Old 09-07-14, 07:12 PM
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If it was lightning related (and it probably was since my DVR had a lock up and required a reset), then who knows what happened.

Ill keep an eye on it. Hopefully she stays running!
 
 

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