Central air cond air handler doesn't come on but compressor does.

There is such a thing as a start and a run capacitor, but I would bet that you'll have one or the other. If you have both, they'll most likely be in a single package with 3 leads.

Good luck,
WallyH

Hi Wally - I just got around to replacing the capacitor yesterday morning. Initially I thought that solved the problem because when I came down from the attic, the blower came on.. Of cource it was the morning, and the attic hadn't heated up yet. 1 hour later I tried the blower but it didn't come on. Interestingly enough, when I went back up to the attic; I think its a relay or transformer (the wires from the T-stat and other wires connected to it and it was 3-4 inches to the right of the capacitor) was really hot, abnormally hot. Above this relay/transformer was a smaller circuit board looking devise with a few wires connected to it also. Any way, I have that relay/transformer out and will replace it. I'll keep you posted.

I'm still really interested in how this turns out! Good luck.

I'll definitely let you know. As I look at what I've recently removed, I'm thinking it's a transformer. It has a fair amount of weight to it. I'd say 5-6 ounces at least. Anyway, I'll go to Grainger on Monday and get this particular part. Also worth noting... The green T-stat wire that is on this transformer or what ever it is, had electric tape for the last 3 inches leading up to the contact. When I replace this part, I'm going to take off that electric tape to see why it's there.

Sounds like you may have a couple of control problems....maybe a fan switch going bad or even a limit switch that is opening in the heat of the attic. Shouldn't happen, but some of these problems are so intermittent that troubleshooting can be a real problem. Unfortunately the best way to locate the problem is when it fail.....in the midst of a sweltering attic. If you leave the fan switch in "on" will the fan run constantly or will it still cycle off?

A capicitor for blower shouldn`t cost $5, is worth trying,I get them for less than $2,just make sure you kill the power and ground out the terminals before handleing,

Wow! Where do you get motor start/run capacitors this cheap? I may have a new favorite store!

Buy them by the dozen,Johnstone Supply

Misso - Yes, if I push the fan mode, not auto, the fan/air handler comes on and stays on as long as I do it in the morning..7:00 AM or so before the attic heats up. If I wait until 10:00 AM or so, the air handler won't come on. If I leave it in auto and push the cool button, the outside compressor goes on but the air handler in the attic does not. Interestingly, once it's on, it will run for days cycling on and off after reaching the set tempature even with the heat of the attic. The key is turning it on before it's too hot in the attic. I was at several HVAC places today, and most couldn't get this transformer part and some couldn't sell to me because I wasn't a contractor. However several said that either the transformer works or it doesn't. So I guess I can rule out the transformer. This York central air cond is cool only. We have baseboard heat. I'm wondering if the compressor outside has any say on if the air handler comes on or not. That is in an area that get's little sun first thing in the morning but then gets blasted by the sun until 12:00 or so. Well maybe some connections of this transformer were loose and when I put it back in everything will work.

WM - I replaced the capacitor but no dice.