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Outside compressor fan wont shut off sometimes after it rains on 5 yr old Rheem

Outside compressor fan wont shut off sometimes after it rains on 5 yr old Rheem


  #1  
Old 09-06-15, 07:34 AM
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Outside compressor fan wont shut off sometimes after it rains on 5 yr old Rheem

Ive had this issue for some time but it only happens after heavy rain indicating moisture is the culprit. Once inside temp reaches desired level, system shuts down like normal but outside fan (not compressor) keeps running continuously! Then, when temp rises and thermostat tells system to turn back on, inside air handler turns on like normal but outside compressor does not even though the comp fan is still running! Only way to get compressor to work is to cut elec power and flip breaker switch to unit which resets it apparently. Then all works normally until system cycles off and outside fan stays stuck on again. This will last 24 to 48 hours then issue will go away. Could this be a faulty contactor??? Thanks for any thoughts please. Mike
 
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Old 09-06-15, 09:16 AM
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Sounds like the compressor might be tripping on overloads.
 
  #3  
Old 09-06-15, 09:26 AM
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Welcome to the forums.

When the system stops calling for air you'll need to check the status of the contactor. It's pretty rare for just the condensor fan to be running without the compressor.

Is this a heat pump system ? What is the model number for the outside unit ?
 
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Old 09-06-15, 12:36 PM
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No, it's not a heat pump system. Model # is RARL -048JEZ. How would I check status of the contactor? There's a segment digital display inside the circuit box which displays status codes. When the system is running normally it shows a small c. When its on standby it shows a 0. When the issue occurs and fan is stuck on (compressor off ) it just shows a - ( small dash ). Chart on box says - = " ICC mis-operation " and to check ICC compressor relay.
 
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Old 09-06-15, 12:45 PM
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Again, want to stress this only happens during and after heavy rain lasting maybe a day after which problem goes away by itself and system works normally again. Getting alot of rain lately so expect this to continue
 
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Old 09-06-15, 12:50 PM
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You have a communicating compressor. It's a little different setup than your typical garden variety condensor. That unit has an ICC (integrated compressor control) board. That board contains an additional relay (K3) that controls the condensor fan. That relay may be sticking. I don't know enough about that board to help you with it directly.

My forum partner, Houston, may be able to shed more light on the problem.
Does it look like the board is getting wet ?

Your condensors manual.

resource/gemaire/is/content/Watscocom/product_1375969835299_en_ii.pdf?fmt=pdf
 
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Old 09-07-15, 07:38 AM
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No visible signs of moisture getting to the board but one of the larger holes where the primary wires feed thru underneath in the box certainly could allow for humidity to easily pass. Should be some kind of grommet there imo.I stuffed some foam in there as its fairly close to the k3 relay. Do those relays get replaced typically when bad or just the whole board? Any thoughts from Houston would be appreciated. Thanks
 
 

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