Hi! My outside Lennox A/C unit (approx. 4 years old) is not coming on. The fan will run, if we start it manually (spin it ourselves) and will continue to run of its own accord. But the motor(?) or compressor or condenser or something in there will not turn on, it tries, but to no avail. Also, we just replaced the capicitor in June... don't know if that makes any difference or not... If anyone has any ideas on what may be wrong, or some helpful tips on how to fix it, it would be greatly appreciated! I lost my job 2 months ago and we're struggling a bit financially right now... DIY help is appreciated! Thanks! :)

Recheck the capacitor you replaced especially for wiring defects (burnt wires). Then start with a eletric meter and check all circuits till you find the inoperative one.

Okay. So possibly a blown circuit? Just out of curiousity, how much $$ are we looking at to get it operable again? Thanks for your help. :)

Just out of curiousity, how much $$ are we looking at to get it operable again?

I would have NO idea because it really depends upon what is the problem. It is possible the compressor went out and that could cost 1000.00's. I hope not but it just goes to show you that a estimate for repairs is not a guessing game. I also understand your financial situation and hope it is something simple and cheap to fix.

Good luck.

Okay, thanks. Hubby went and checked all of the wires and capacitor, and all was good.. I think you're right, I think it's the compressor or something major, which stinks! We live in Texas, it's still hot here for another 2 months or so! Thank you again for all your help.

If it was a bad compressor the fan would come on on its own and the compressor wouldn't, or the unit would throw the breaker immediately, if you don't see any burnt wires its is probably the capacitor again

That I can handle.. a couple hundred bucks compared to a couple thousand.. thanks you. Here's hoping! :)

One thing to check is that if a wire burnt off a compressor post at the compressor terminals and is grounding out the compressor will not run but the fan will try to run while seeking a ground. Its just a thought but worth checking out.

My hubby sat out there for a long time last night checking all the wires and such making sure there were not any bad wires or bad connections. Everything was where it was supposed to be and in good condition. Thanks for your input though, much appreciated! :)

Did he check under the electrical cap on the compressor (only three wires)?

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Originally Posted by wheatnbarley24

If it was a bad compressor the fan would come on on its own and the compressor wouldnt, or the unit would throw the breaker immediatly, if you dont see any burnt wires its is probably the capacitor again

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I agree, it sounds like you have a bad capacitor. How do you know its OK? Have you had it checked. It is also possible that you have a bad breaker, causing you to get only 120, instead of 240. Very unlikely that your compressor and fan go bad at the same time. But I have seen weirder things. I don't know what technitions charge there, but they should be able to diagnose the problem within minutes. Although you will have to pay the minimum charge

My outside Lennox A/C unit is not coming on. The fan will turn for 10-30 seconds and then there is no more turning. I put in a new relay and it still does the same as before I changed the relay. What do I test or change next?

Kenny_mac,
Please start a new thread with your question. Piggybacking on another thread, even if the equipment & problem seems similar, creates confusion. Thank You