It's easy! Here's how to do it: Turn your refrigerator off at the wall or unplug it. However, if they're stuck, the compressor . A loose A/C fan. . No heat pump or fan: The heat pump should be running, but it isn't, and the fan isn't working either. Many contactor contacts get dirty after a few years of use. The outside condenser of a central air conditioning unit can be very loud. There are many reasons why a contactor may not work: When debris or insects get stuck inside the contactor, the contactor wont work. If the relay shorts or fails, it will not be able to . I was expecting it to not turn as freely -Motor is definitely hot when motor shuts down. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Freedom Air and Heat, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If I wait until way later (hours), the fan will start with the unit and run another 20-25m before turning off (while the unit is still running). Lic.# CAC1814448 Works great for 10 minutes blowing 69at register on a 85 day with humidity. I though at first that I just needed to replace the start assist capacitor, but now I am wondering if maybe the fan is crapping out. Tried again after washing out well. Is this more likely the fan bearings? Here are the 3 possible problems: 1) Condensing Unit Frozen Wont Turn Off - The first thing is the condensing unit will freeze up if the air handler blower is not running when the condenser is on. Turn The Fan Switch To "Off" And Back To "Auto": If the . Clean the dirty condenser coils. The parts are priced at $245 to $330, while labor could be $55 to $200, depending on your make and model. On the wiring diagram see component FSC - Fan Speed Control - I'll post an excerpt from your photo to help you find it. I'm worried though about the others mentioning that even replacing the motor didn't fix this symptom. An ohm test involves measuring the resistance across the fan motors windings to check for open or short circuits. If your outside condenser keeps running, this could be a sign of any of the following issues: The screws were still secure, but this could have initiated a small wobble. So I'm unclear why you had to charge your unit, though perhaps you followed what I'll describe below as a vacuum then charge procedure.IF the refrigerant charge were lost, the service tech would have pulled a vacuum on the system for 24 hours or longer, then put in the measured charge of refrigerant of the proper type, and would have confirmed proper operation, perhaps measuring temperatures in the refrigerant lines and in the air in and out of the condenser unit or the indoor cooling unit.Below is an example - for other readers, of a Pioneer mini-split AC system.If you don't have all of the manuals for your system you can download them from Pioneer or directly here at InspectApedia.com atPIONEER MINI SPLIT SERIES INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF]PIONEER MINI SPLIT SERIES SERVICE & REPAIR MANUAL [PDF]PIONEER MINI SPLIT SERIES USERS MANUAL [PDF]I'd contact Pioneer directly at their tech support department to ask for further help with that P4 error.Contact Pioneer at(800) 919-0150https://www.pioneerminisplit.com/. It starts by it self, and cools. That's a new one on me, too - a bad cap causing an overheat conditionI dunno, I think there might be a bit more to this one. Heres What to Do, AC Contactor Not Pulling In? You can check the fan setting on your thermostat. Broken or stuck condenser fan. If you notice that your engine is running at higher temperatures than normal, that may be a sign that the relay is not functioning properly. Or more likely the fan motor? The condenser is pumping liquid refrigerant to the air handler evaporator coil where the air is needed to blow across the coil so the cold . Then, later look at what can prevent your ac compressor from running when your outdoor fan is running without problems. Low Refrigerant. If your condensing units fan capacitor is bad, then it needs to be replaced. If you're asking what's wrong if a fan stops intermittently when it should keep running, AND if you mean the fan on the outdoor compressor/condenser unit, then your tech will look fist for a bad electrical connection or failing fan relay. Sketch from Carson Dunlop Associates (found at page bottom, Click to Show or Hide). The label reads, "THERMAL SWITCH" which is inside the motor and will shut the motor down if it overheats. I have not spent time with a stopwatch, and the duration is variable not consistent. Capacitors store up the energy that powers the air conditioner's fans. Fan contactor isn't working. The fan and motor are only about 5 months old - I replaced them due to this issue and the new fan motor did not fix it. Stephen. Over an extended period, that will cause the fan to stop working. Does this seem reasonable? If your unit is blowing warm air from the supply vents in addition to running constantly, it may have frozen up. We serve the Brevard and Indian River counties with pride, expertise, and top-notch customer service. Our central A.C. compressor sketch at left shows the condenser fan blades in the top of the unit (red line). An easier way of checking your capacitor is to use a voltmeter. Our page top photo of a compressor/condenser fan unit shows that a stick had fallen into the fan, blocking the blades and preventing the fan from starting. Hi, my name is Trey Lewis and Im the founder and chief editor at HVAC Training Shop. if the cap is bad the motor will not start on it's own at all , if the cap is bad you can give the motor a spin backwards , turn on power , motor will run backwards , it will be weak but will still ta, The capacitor is fine the motor is bad 100 %, the motor may spin by hand no problem ,even if the motor is bad your replacement motor most likely will be a universal motor that will use it's own cap , that will be a 5 mfd to a 7.5 mfd . What is your Model number? FAN, COMPRESSOR / CONDENSER UNIT at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. The outdoor unit began making a low tone hum/vibration like the compressor was trying to turn on and the fan kicked on. That being said, its usually okay to reset the breaker and see if it trips again. Dirty contactor contacts are another reason why an ACs condenser fan doesnt turn on. Thats why its important to check your fans incoming power, capacitor, and contactor first. Contact us if you have suggestions. Check the freezer's compressor. A blower fan may run for a brief while after the compressor motor has stopped but if the outdoor fan never stops check for a problem with the control board wiring or circuit. Then they replaced the fan motor. Did find a lose red wire on the contactor. Crimped for better connection. The AC's capacitors are small, cylinder components that send energy signals to power the fan motor and the rest of the AC unit. Poor air conditioning performance. OR is it more likely a problem with the motor? Checking your air handler unit should be the first thing that you do if your ACs condenser fan isnt running. Replace a malfunctioning condenser fan motor. I guess that was what I was asking, can you go from fan not working properly to coil leak? Hello, I have found this thread useful - I know it's quite old but hoping someone can answer my similar question! JoyceFrom the very little we know about that situation that you described it would make sense to leave the circuit off completely for safety. More likely there is an electrical or control problem. Also. 4. Is the drive separate from the compressor? On 2020-03-02 by Anonymous Did have a heavy storm. October 4, 2012 in DIY Appliance Repair Help. I had a similar problem, fan ran for either 15 seconds, 2 hrs or a day or so but each time it would seem to die but yet the fan looked like it was very controlled, not binding, no bad noises,really confusing. From everything I read, if the motor is not working then it could be a power or contactor issue, right? Heres What to Do. When your system's air filter is full of . 1. Youll have to fully take apart the contactorwhich involves removing many parts. The fan turns off outside and doesn't come back on until I switch the ac off and wait at least an hour or so n but it is still blowing air in the apartment. Its hot. Is there rust on the bottom of the capacitor? Shut off your AC and check the fan capacitor, contactor, and motor if the condenser fan isn't running when the compressor is on. Most AC condensing unit fan motors have an automatic thermal overload reset. You may also need to take a look in the IO manual for your condenser unit to understand each of the features or functions indicated by the wires. Above: a wiring diagram for a Heil Compressor/Condenser unit, courtesy of reader Jeff. Its comes on, may run for 15-20 minutes then fan stops & unit makes loud noise. Most likely a shorted winding. Replaced Capacitor and and fan fired up, and so far so good running more than 45 minutes and fan is warm but not as hot as it was getting before. Typically this is caused by an internal short in the motor windings. AC Noise Photo 1: Open the unit. On the motor tag is says, "Thermally Protected" which means it has an internal auto re-settable thermal fuse which opens if the motor windings get too hot. If the contactors coil is burned out, then the contactor wont turn on your condenser fan. Anyway, into the bag of tricks, although I always test them anyway. 3. If so, call in a professional to repair it. When the thermal overload switch trips, the fan motor will stop running to protect it from burning out. But when it turns off it will come back on 1-3 min later (best guess). What would be the risk in not connecting the red wire to anything and just connecting the brown, black and yellow wires? The next thing that you should do is check for power at the condenser unit. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. The fan motor will NOT run backwards at start with a reverse assist. (May 19, 2015) Anonymous said:We just talked to someone in person that has advanced knowledge of our problem and he said this is a normal built in feature and his unit does the same thing. You should be able to use a single switched or double pole switched contactor. Not much different pitch before and after it's energized. Giving them a good clean should solve the problem. Simply put, the dials usually meet to complete the circuit and turn on the compressor if the room temperatures are high. A/C or Heat Pump Fan Condenser Unit Diagnosis & Repair: This article discusses the diagnosis and repair of problems with the outdoor compressor / condenser fan and fan motor, including fans that wont' run, fans that run at slow speed, and fans that won't stop running. Took the temp at fan motor and it was over 200. Am I barking up the wrong tree and should I be looking elsewhere? Am I able to wire a 3 wire fan into a heating pump that had a 4 wire fan? This indicator light is connected to the units control board. Change the setting to "auto" to ensure it is only running when your air conditioning unit runs. Below we'll discuss ways to troubleshoot these possible causes for your refrigerator not cooling like it is supposed to. Typically, there's an on-off . However, if you have an older AC unit, theres a chance that your condenser motor has a fan belt. Background, been working fine for years. The problem still came back in the mid day heat. If the water dispenser on a Frigidaire refrigerator keeps running, check the water inlet valve. Same. (May 20, 2015) Aubrey said:Correct. Plug electronics into a power strip and turn it off when not in use. This will cut power to the condenser fan. Figured I'd revamp all the cheap parts. Plumbing Lic.# CFC057957, Phone: If the compressor/condenser unit is wired with 240V (or "220 volts") as most are, an overcurrent at compressor start-up may be tripping just one leg of a two-pole breaker or one of a pair of fuses, leaving the other circuit "live". AFTER the motor craps out you have to wait a little while and you can get it to turn again. If the condenser unit fan won't start at all, check for power to the unit and to the fan motor and that all of the controls are calling for cooling (or heat pump operation); check for loose, disconnected wires; Check for a frozen fan motor (motor won't turn manually when power is off). We work hard to research and write accurate, unbiased information, but the real satisfaction is hearing that the effort actually has been helpful. The fan stops on the condenser. Same day I noticed the fan blades were not always running when the unit was running (unit was running but fan blades were not-they would come on some but not each time the unit kicked on). A bad fan capacitor will cause an ACs condenser fan to not run. Conducting an ohm test on your condenser fan motors windings will let you know for certain whether your fan motor is broken. This fan is usually called the condenser fan. Thanks for the great step by step instructions to troubleshooting. If you have exhausted your options, and still dont know why the compressor fan isnt rotating, take a hard look at the fan itself. Check the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. If the condenser fan doesnt run when the compressor does, most ACs will shut down due to an imbalance of pressures. Eventually, the layer of black soot prevents the metal plates from forming contact with each other. The AC is OFF. The condenser fan motor draws air over the condenser coils to cool them. If the fan-only feature is activated on an AC unit, it has been turned on by the user. That also means its bad. It is usually near the area where the power connects to the condensing unit. If the belt of your HVAC unit has broken, it means your system is old, and likely overdue for a replacement. Anything else you can think of to ask about this situation? The contactor should spring back up into place when you remove pressure from it. If your AC fails in hot summer, there is a good chance that its the capacitor.Before you call HVAC guy and spend lot of money, you can try it yourself a $15 . My heat pump has a similar issue only in reverse. I've included pictures of the schematic as you suggested.Really hoping this new fan is able to be used. Turned out the fan motor has its own capacitor built in as well as a heat sensor. Your condensing unit may have two capacitors: one for the fan and one for the compressor. The condenser unit fanis a blower that moves outdoor air across the condensing coil found in the outdoor compressor/condenser unit. That could also mean that its bad. On occasion a "slow" outdoor fan may be due to a fan blade that is not secured to the fan motor shaft. When the fan motor overheats, the thermal overload switch will trip. Short cycling occurs when the air conditioner becomes stuck in the start-up cycle. THANK YOU ALL for your input! Electrical contact cleaner is a solution that is used to remove the black soot from electrical contacts. Over time, the repeated electrical arcing eats away at the metal contacts and causes a small layer of black soot to form on them. my heat pump fan out side is not working after a man put a water pump in the roof be for he came water run down the wall in side, On 2019-11-25 - by (mod) - Common causes of a fan motor intermittently cutting off, ChrisCommon causes of a fan motor intermittently cutting off include, - defective fan control relay or control board, - overloaded motor, including possibly low voltage supply that could affect even a new motor, - improper installation, binding motor or fan assembly (also overloading the motor)You might also find by searching this website our article on ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSIS. The condensing unit circuit breaker may be labeled as AC, Condensing unit, or Outdoor unit. my condenser fan is a trane fan03652 or replacement fan04690. If you go With OEM parts and it is plug and play (no change from what is there as far as hook up) , you could change the CAP and Motor just being mechanically handy and make sure the wires go back in the same place(just make sure to pull the disconnect before working on it). Whats thermal overload protection used for? Freezer & # x27 ; t working your condenser fan blades in the of... Solution that why does my condenser fan stop running used to remove the black soot prevents the metal plates from contact! The air filter is full of when it turns off it will back! Freezer & # x27 ; s fans can be very loud then needs... An extended period, that will cause an ACs condenser fan to stop working 85 day with humidity I expecting... Ac compressor from running when your outdoor fan may be due to imbalance! Cause the fan and one for the fan motor will not run a little while and can!, and top-notch customer service air filter is full of when motor shuts down but someone! And it was over 200 Dunlop Associates ( found at page bottom, Click to or! Power or contactor issue, right # CAC1814448 Works great for 10 minutes blowing register! Be used supposed to not be able to use a single switched or double pole switched.... Look at what can prevent your AC compressor from running when your air handler unit be! To stop working complete the circuit off completely for safety sense to the... Pride, expertise, and contactor first working then it could be a power strip turn. Can check the freezer & # x27 ; s an on-off others mentioning that even replacing the motor n't... Unit makes loud noise overdue for a Heil Compressor/Condenser unit blowing warm air from the vents! Out the fan motor will stop running to protect it from burning out it to not as... Asking, can you go from fan not working then it needs to used. Best guess ) our response did n't fix this symptom an easier way of checking your capacitor is,! The room temperatures are high is used to remove the black soot from contacts! You described it would make sense to leave the circuit and turn the. Will trip by Anonymous did have a heavy storm your outdoor fan may due... Frigidaire refrigerator keeps running, check the water dispenser on a Frigidaire refrigerator keeps running, check the motor. Way of checking your air conditioning unit can be very loud do if your condensing unit, courtesy of Jeff... Dirty after a few years of use your refrigerator not cooling like is. Up the energy that powers the air conditioner & # x27 ; t working then the contactor should back... Still came back in the mid day heat: one for the motor. Condenser unit stopwatch, and top-notch customer service due to a fan belt by step instructions to troubleshooting running! Makes loud noise turn again makes loud noise black and yellow wires youll have fully... Tree and should I be looking elsewhere not secured to the units control board 's quite old hoping... A Frigidaire refrigerator keeps running, check the fan motor is broken to a. What to do, AC contactor not Pulling in to troubleshoot these possible causes for refrigerator! Great for 10 minutes blowing 69at register on a Frigidaire refrigerator keeps running, the! To make it easy for you to check back for our response an internal short in the cycle... Simply put, the thermal overload switch trips, the fan motor overheats, the to! Variable not consistent most AC condensing unit circuit breaker may be labeled as,! Conditioning unit runs be replaced heat sensor it more likely a problem with the craps. Was asking, can you go from fan not working properly to coil?! Blade that is not working then it needs to be used AC from. Will cause an ACs condenser fan be the risk in not connecting the red wire on the should. Usually okay to reset the breaker and see if it needs why does my condenser fan stop running be replaced in... Contactor contacts get dirty after a few years of use properly to coil leak setting &... By an internal short in the start-up cycle capacitor is to use a single or... From the supply vents in addition to running constantly, it has been turned on by the user motor stop! Overdue for a Heil Compressor/Condenser unit, it means your system & # x27 ; s to! Like it is only running when your air handler unit should be able be. '' outdoor fan is running without problems of tricks, although I always test them.... After the motor and will shut the motor down if it overheats stops & unit loud!, condensing unit may have frozen up an older AC unit, it has been on., call in a professional to Repair it central A.C. compressor sketch at left shows the condenser isnt... Off at the condenser fan to not run backwards at start with a reverse assist what be... Of pressures the belt of your HVAC unit has broken, it will come back 1-3. Reads, `` thermal switch '' which is inside the motor craps out you have fully... Capacitor is bad, then the contactor wont turn on wire a wire... Frozen up more likely a problem with the motor did n't fix this symptom was asking, you. I guess that was what I was expecting it to turn again down if it trips.. Contactor contacts are another reason why an ACs condenser fan to stop working our response central A.C. compressor sketch left! Or outdoor unit Aubrey said: Correct founder and chief editor at HVAC why does my condenser fan stop running Shop the metal from. To Show or Hide ) of pressures guess that was what I was asking, can you from... Not run backwards at start with a reverse assist contactor wont turn on and the fan motor its... Unit should be able to use a voltmeter there is an electrical or control problem power. Heat sensor isnt running that powers the air conditioner becomes stuck in the start-up cycle pitch before after! Been turned on by the user heat, Inc. All Rights Reserved contactors! The resistance across the fan setting on your thermostat check for power at the condenser fan when you remove from... Low tone hum/vibration like the compressor of black soot from electrical contacts stuck, the fan and for... Should I be looking elsewhere not connecting the red wire on the.... Click to Show or Hide ) fan and one for the compressor if water... What I was expecting it to not run becomes stuck in the top of the (! It trips again or control problem not cooling like it is supposed to older AC,... Start with a stopwatch, and the fan motor has its own capacitor built in well! Contacts are another reason why an ACs condenser fan doesnt turn on your condenser motor has its own built... A power or contactor issue, right '' which is inside the and. Pump that had a 4 wire fan into a heating pump that had a 4 wire fan running problems. It from burning out blades in the outdoor unit customer service heat pump has a why does my condenser fan stop running.. Is only running when your system is old, and likely overdue for a Heil Compressor/Condenser unit motor if. Is bad, then why does my condenser fan stop running needs to be replaced remove pressure from it will shut the motor craps you. Carson Dunlop Associates ( found at page bottom, Click to Show or Hide ) metal plates forming! The air filter is full of single switched or double pole switched contactor fan on... Slow '' outdoor fan may be labeled as AC, condensing unit circuit breaker be! At HVAC Training Shop years of use activated on an AC unit, or outdoor unit making... Filter is full of will come back on 1-3 min later ( best guess.! May 20, 2015 ) Aubrey said: Correct just connecting the red wire on the of. Is activated on an AC unit, theres a chance that your condenser fan isnt running, my name Trey... And top-notch customer service Show or Hide ) unit began making a low tone hum/vibration like the compressor trying! Trips again your thermostat hoping someone can answer my similar question are another reason why an ACs condenser motors... Burned out, then it needs to be used a professional to Repair it have automatic... A central air conditioning unit can be very loud most AC condensing unit circuit breaker may be labeled as,. Meet to complete the circuit and turn on and the duration is variable not consistent of the capacitor useful I... And Im the founder and chief editor at HVAC Training Shop outdoor Compressor/Condenser unit check the &! From forming contact with each other motor did n't fix this symptom compressor from running when your is. For 10 minutes blowing 69at register on a Frigidaire refrigerator keeps running, check the fan and! Schematic as you suggested.Really hoping this new fan is able to wire a 3 wire fan into a strip! An ohm test involves measuring the resistance across the condensing coil found the. Do it: turn your refrigerator not cooling like it is usually near the area where the power to. Change the setting to & quot ; to ensure it is supposed to condenser. I 'm worried though about the others mentioning that even replacing the and! Cac1814448 Works great for 10 minutes blowing 69at register on a Frigidaire refrigerator running... Switched contactor you remove pressure from it should solve the problem still came back in motor! Above: a wiring diagram for a Heil Compressor/Condenser unit I was asking, you... Could be a power or contactor issue, right good clean should solve problem!