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View Full Version : Central air won't come on


bross331
Jun 28, 2008, 05:13 PM
When I turn the thermostat on all I get is a occasional buzz like it is trying to kick on and I can feel the fan motor and tell it is getting power. If I turn the fan with my hand it will keep going but the compressor does not come on

westnlas
Jun 28, 2008, 05:25 PM
You probably need to remove the cover and see if the contactor is operating properly. Be very careful not to touch any of the wires or components. Electricity can be fatal!! If the contactor points are closing properly, I would guess the capacitor may be bad. The fan motor should have a label that indicates which capicator is needed. Again, before removing or touching any wires, be sure the power to the unit is OFF!! Check it with a circuit tester before touching any wires. The capacitor contacts must each be grounded to the unit frame after the power is off to release the stored charge. It can still shock you after the power is off!! If you are the least bit unsure of anything I've said, call a service tech to check the unit. The money spent on a service call is not worth getting injured or killed!!

bstanley
Jun 29, 2008, 05:12 AM
I had the same problem last summer. I called a HVAC guy. I watched him take the cover off the compressor (outside unit). With the cover off, he pointed out the capacitor and it was very obvious that it was shot. It had bulges on the top of it as if someone had lit off a firecracker in it.