Today I tried to cut on my central air and the fan inside came on and just blows regular air. I went outside and neither the compressor nor the fan was on. I took the casing off the unit, after cutting it off, and then cut it back on and the contactor does "pull in" the contacts but nothing else happens. I then checked the starter capacitor, round one with 3 wires, (as I have 2 , 1 for the fan and 1 starter for the compressor). The big round starter capacitor "did not" have a charge on it. Shouldn't it have had a charge on it? I just replaced the contractor 10 months ago and it still looks good and clean and no pitting. Does anyone think it may be this starter capacitor? Would this be a first choice over having to call a pro and have him check the freon level as the interlocks may be keeping both from starting. I had this unit serviced last year and freon was fine. Any help will be greatly appreciated as I am on VA disability and don't have much money. Sorry I loaned my test meter out and can't tell if I have 240 volts on both side of contactor but with it pulling in I would guess it would be O.K. Thanks for any help...

Today I tried to cut on my central air and the fan inside came on and just blows regular air. I went outside and neither the compressor nor the fan was on. i took the casing off the unit, after cutting it off, and then cut it back on and the contactor does "pull in" the contacts but nothing else happens. I then checked the starter capacitor, round one with 3 wires, (as I have 2 , 1 for the fan and 1 starter for the compressor). The big round starter capacitor "did not" have a charge on it. Shouldn't it have had a charge on it? I just replaced the contractor 10 months ago and it still looks good and clean and no pitting. Does anyone think it may be this starter capacitor? Would this be a first choice over having to call a pro and have him check the freon level as the interlocks may be keeping both from starting. I had this unit serviced last year and freon was fine. Any help will be greatly appreciated as I am on VA disability and don't have much money. Sorry I loaned my test meter out and can't tell if I have 240 volts on both side of contactor but with it pulling in I would guess it would be O.K. Thanks for any help....


Get your tester back since you need to make sure you have voltage first!

Go check your breaker, if you have 2 capacitors I don't think both would be bad, the fan or the compressor 1 should run. Inless you have had a fan cycling device installed for cold weather operation then if the compressor did not start neither would the fan.

I went and got my tester and like you said, no power to unit. I think maybe either someone turned my cut-off up-side down to disable it. But after cleaning the compressor cap. Terminals and turning the disconnect back the right way all is well. I might myself had put the disconnect back in upside down to be safe while I was working on the unit, I don't really know now. But anyway, it is back working and my very few dollars are still in my pocket thanks to you. Thanks again, get place to get answers.

P/S... I also thought 1 or the other would run, the compressor or the fan if just 1 of the caps. Was bad. I am not an electrician but did go to school for electronics.