The outdoor unit is getting power. I double checked the fuses to make sure they were still good. The fan is not coming on when the thermostat is calling for it, but I am able to turn the fan manually. I don't know if I should be checking a capacitor or a contactor? Are those both located in the small box mounted on the house or in the actual unit itself? Any information would be helpful. The techs want over $200 to come out. Ugh.

Does anything happen at outdoor unit?(compresser come on, fan come on) Do you hear a bussing sound at unit. Contactor and capacitor are located in unit itself. Take off access panel to electrical controls and you will se the contacter. Check for voltage here. Or you can manually push in contactor and see if unit starts. Let us know what you find. Good luck.

The unit makes a small noise as if it is trying to start but it just can't get what it needs. I opened the small box mounted on the house (where the fuses were) but that is not where the capacitor is correct? I will go take the top off the unit and see if I can find it. Thank you!

Sorry, one other quick note... the fan does not turn when it should be. The compressor, I don't believe I can hear that either.

Sounds like you do have a blown capasitor. Lokk to see if the wires are burnt on it or if the top is swollen

http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/377701/1688670/0/1132835703/AC_Capacitor.jpg

Give me 30 or so minutes to run down and take the grate off the top and see what I can find.
Thank you for the guidance. I will post when I get back in.

The small noise you here is probably the contactor buzzing, this is normal. I agree with Josh that you most likely have a bad cap. If you can take a pic of the inside electrical on unit, we can help you determine what your problem most likely is.

No need to take grate off. There should be a removeable panel where the power enters the unit, this is where all of your eletrical controls will be located.

Good to know and thank you for the picture. That was very helpful to know what I'm looking for.

Okay, I found the capacitor. It looks in good shape. No obvious black spark marks or anything that looks blown. I made sure all the connectors were on tightly and then put the panel back on, turn the power back on and came back in the house and turned the thermostat on and went out to see what happened. The unit made a rickety sound then went quiet. Then it made one slight buzz sound and that was it. There is still air coming into the house from but I'm pretty sure it is just air from outside.

And the top of the capasitor was not swollen or hoved up? It should be flat. Do you have a volt meter??

Ohhh... That is a good question. I will go check. This is great. I'm learning. (Sound like a nerd, but oh well!)

If it is not swollen, then we can check some other stuff. Do you have a volt meter?

I will go check the top. It will take me 5 or so minutes. Volt Meter meaning OHM/OMH? Yes. Something else, no.

Yeah the top is a little blow up... not a ton, but definitely NOT flat.

Then this is defentally your problem, any slight swelling at all means it is blown.

So, do I need to discharge it just in case before removing? Can I buy this at a local HomeDepot?

Yes turn the power out and short across the terminals with a good screwdriver. Then make sure to mark what wire goes where. You will have a common fan and a herm

I dought home depot will have it, graingers, or any hvac company will carry them. What size is it a 35/5?

I don't know what you mean by a "common fan and herm"
Do I discharge it while it is in the unit?
Can I buy this at a HomeDepot?

No I dought it will be at home depot, yes you discharge it to be sure while in the unit. Make sure to turn the power off first. On top you will have 3 wires one on herm, one on fan, and one or two on common. The wires must go back in the correct places. The top should read herm, fan, and C

Thank you! You have been so helpful. I'm a crazy girl that likes to try to fix things. LoL. I will try this out and email if I have more questions. Thank you again.

Your welcome look me up here or my email is [email protected] That capasitor should be around $38 or so. Just so you don't get over charged.