We have a heat pump and it is only 4 and 1/2 years old. Tonight the fan on the outside would not turn. I took a stick and pushed the blades and then it started turning but then it quit again. It continued to make a clicking sound like something was trying to come on when the fan was running. It is not cooling at all. The inside fan is running but not the outside. We turned the breaker off to the outside unit. What could be the problem?

Thanks,
Pam

Sounds like the starting capacitor in the fan isn't working.The capacitor is turned off by a cintrifical sw in the motor at 75% of motor RPM. By turning the fan with a stick you are doing the job of the capacitor. The compartment on the side of the motor holds the capacitor. If you take off the cover you can test it, but isn't really a DIY type job. If you take it to a contractor I'm sure they could help you out.