I'm sure this has been asked and answered, but going to try. I've searched and read and learned a lot here, but had the following question.

I have a 10+ Coleman outside AC unit on a split propane furnace system. It's been running like a champ and cools the house great. The AC quit working last year and I replaced the contact on the unit. That ended up not being the problem as the door came open at the computer board. I shut it (pressing in the switch) and unit worked fine. Now the unit won't come on.

Fan spins freely when I spin it. I push the contact in and compressor and fan comes on. I release and so does the contact. I press the contact back in after a minute, and the fan comes on but not the compressor. I wait an hour and try again, and both come on, but same problem of it not holding. Thermostat appears to be working as blower fan comes on and off while changing temp on dial.

From what I think I've been reading, the Capacitor needs replacing?

Sorry for all the reading. I just wanted to provide enough info rather than asking 'it won't work, how do I fix it' .

Thanks for any experienced opinions!

Does not sound me me like your capacitor is the problem at all. Sounds more like the 24 volt signal is not making it to the outside unit to make contactor close. Might have a break in the wire, could be chewed through, or might have a grounded wire somewhere.

Would not suggest pushing contact off and on continuously. This could damage the compressor. Needs a few minutes between starts. They suggest five.

Thanks, I'll start tracing wires.

The fuse on the board isn't blown and can't find anything of that nature on the board. I don't know how to check voltages, etc so looks like I'll be calling someone to check it out.

Thanks siberianair, I appreciate your assistance!

Update:

Checked wires at unit, took loose and reconnected, no fix.

Fuses already checked as manual connecting let compressor and fan come on fine.

Traced wires for thermo from unit to board, no chewn or frayed parts that I could find.

Took loose the thermo wires from unit to board to thermostat and reconnected with a fresh connection.

AC is working super again. Guess after all these years, a slight build up on the connectors occurred.

Thanks for the help here. Saved me a few bucks and got to learn a little more about my system.

Wish I could edit my last post.. .

Anyhow, hope folks here requesting help appreciate the people responding to them. There appears to be professionals here that make a living of this and they are providing free information, information they usually get paid for to support their families.

Hats off to you guys/gals lending a hand to help others.

Thank you for the compliment...

If you wound not mind maybe you give rate my answer that was helpful to you. Ratings help those of us who try to help you out. Thanks...