Tried to start our Carrier Tech2000SS 38TUA036310 for the first time and the compressor won't run. The furnace fan is set to be "on" (not auto) and it runs. Also, the outside unit fan is running, so I'm guessing it's getting the proper signal from the thermostat. I measured 240VAC at the contactor (but unfortunately didn't confirm that there is a 24V signal from the thermostat). The unit is about 16 years old and ran well last year. I don't know if it has been serviced in the past, we've only been here a few years and haven't done anything to it. 1. I plan on replacing the contactor and capacitor, more or less as preventative maintenance. Is there anything else that I can/should do? 2. There are two capacitors, one much larger than the other, but the local parts dealer says that Carrier only shows the larger one, and they don't know why the smaller one is there - they say it's not required, yet it's there for some reason (cable tied to the larger one). Is it possibly to give a further boost to help start the compressor motor? Since they only have the larger one, am I better off installing just the larger one, or putting the smaller one back into the circuit as well? The smaller one (if memory serves me) is connected to the contactor and the larger capacitor, if that helps.

first- thanks to all who responded to my question on HARD START KIT. for now, i am staying with what i got- i.e. no additional kit (on 3 ton) as the units were being installed, a new fact surfaced that these units have NO CRANKCASE HEATERS (available as optional accessory)- my older units did. searched the forum- it says needed only in very cold areas. so the question is - is NJ considered very cold? here is what i have- 2-ton AS, silver 14 (regular A/C, not a heatpump) 3-ton - as above location- MORRIS, NJ so...to heat or not? thanks