Three times in the last couple months, we've had to have our central ac fixed. The first time, it was the fan bracket. The next time, it had apparently came loose. This last time, it was basically the same thing. We were also told that some tape kept getting caught in the fan as well. The heat on the unit worked all winter without quitting. As soon as we run the air, it works for about a week, and quits. The unit itself comes on, but the fan does not and we have no air. Obviously, this is very frustrating. I know next to nothing about this, so how what could be the problem and what's a permanent fix? How do I get to where the fan is and can I do this myself?

 

This might not be the same problem as the first three times. I would replace the capacitor first and see if that solves the problem.

How old is the unit?

 

It was installed prior to me moving in. Probably about 10 months ago. I believe the unit was used but in really good condition. About six months ago, the compressor had to be replaced. Each time it's stopped working, it does the same thing. How can I tell if it is the capacitor?

 

Sometimes the top of the cap pops up but not always. Only other way is to have a meter that reads MFD. Caps are cheat so I would try that first.

 

I re-read your post three times.... is this the outside fan or inside blower ?

 

It's the blower. Last time he said he had to clean out the squirrel cage. The unit comes on but there is no air coming out of the vents at all. When I turn the fan on the thermostat frpm auto to on, it doesn't come on.

 

You can post the make and model number of the furnace/air handler for more detailed information.

There will be an access door to the blower motor area. On a furnace it's a lift up door..... on an air handler it will be bolted on. There will be a small capacitor near the blower motor.

FYI... there is usually a safety switch on the blower door so when it's removed the system is powered down.

 

Pics are good if you can post some. I have an older york air handler that has a 3 legged bracket and bolt hanger system that holds the blower motor. When I first bought the property it had come lose and jammed the blower fan squirrel cage. I put the bolt back in and it ran for a few weeks and came back lose. The threads on the capture nut that the bolt fastened to were stripped out. I had to take the housing apart and drill out the capture nut and install a through bolt with a nylon lock nut. it has been three years now (knock on wood) and it is functioning just like a new unit. You might have a similar problem and a repair guy that is too lazy to fix it right?

 

So sorry. It's been raining here and I haven't been able to get outside. The model number is tcm042f100bf and it is a trane. And yes, it is a used system. I tried to locate the blower motor but was unsuccessful. I found the capacitor. It was under a narrow rectangle panel. There is a larger square panel right next to that. Is that where the blower would be located or am I way off? Either way, I can't get the panel off. So if someone could advise me on how to remove the panel, that would be awesome. I've tried to find a diagram of the unit, but had no luck. If I could just find where the blower is, that would be great. Thanks so much for any help. Like I said, I know absolutely nothing about this but I am good at following instructions!

 

What you have is called a packaged unit where everything is outside.

I'm trying to find the full service manual but the diagram shows the evaporator/blower access door.

 

Thank you so much. Where I was trying to get to was definitely the wrong area. Where it' showing on the diagram, there is some kind of hose that has clamps on it at the bottom of the unit if that area. I have no idea what the part is called so I hope my description helped... When I try to remove door, will it interfere with that part? Also, it looks like the door is bolted down. Should it be fairly easy to get off?

 

Also, what can I do for a permanent fix? This keeps happening, so obviously it's not getting fixed correctly. The unit has no problem coming on, it's just the blower that stops working a few days after it's fixed.

 

I don't know what the issue with the blower is. Loose mounts... possibly stripped mounting holes. Pictures may help. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html

That line coming out of the blower door is the condensate drain line. Should be easy to disconnect if in the way.

 

Not sure if this matters, but I wanted to check my filter to ensure it wasn't dirty, and it's not, but it was damp...

 

Damp isn't good as it won't allow the air to pass thru. Where you running in A/C mode ?
Possibly the condensate is not draining out properly and getting thrown on the filter.

When you pull the access cover off to check the blower.... see if the condensate pan is holding water.... possibly due to a plugged drain line.

 

Yes, a/c mode was on. I had turned the air up a few degrees because it was cool in here. When I turned it back down, the blower wasn't working. That's how it's went every time It's been over 24 hours since it stopped working this time so I'm not even sure ow long the filter has been damp.