Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Robin333888's Avatar
    Robin333888 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jun 9, 2013, 11:16 PM
    AC not working or getting power
    I need help please I am very handy but I am also completely an ac virgin. After some intense Googling I am here. I have a intertherm Package unit AC I cannot seem to find the exact model number by looking at the website I think it has to be one of these models P7RD, Q5RD, P5RF & Q5RF. Sorry. Anyway the AC stopped working yesterday I have never had any issues with it before. I got it second hand it is about ten years old. I remember the power flickering at some point yesterday but that might have been earlier in the day when it was storming. I know it was working after the storm passed, it may be unrelated. I have electronic thermostat made by Hunter inside it says no AC power. I tested the wires going directly into the ac and they have power so the problem has to be inside the air conditioner or with the thermostat that is in the house?? The thermostat in the house seems to be working fine and is about 6 years old, I reset it same issues. I took off the side panels of the ac and all the wires on the inside look good and well connected nothing looks burnt, worn, or melted. The capacitor looks very good on the out side I have no clue how to test it or even if that is where I should go next, The computer said look at it so I did. Lol. I found a video but realized I could spend my whole life looking at videos I needed professional help. I need to know what to test, how to test it, and where it is. I have pictures of everything. I did not take the last panel off that covers the compressor because it was going to rain but it looked good from what I could see. I will attach pictures any help is greatly appreciated I live in Florida. (What does that switch do in the last picture I could find out anything about it, just out of curiosity I didn't think it was related.)
    Attached Images
         
    Grady White's Avatar
    Grady White Posts: 1,417, Reputation: 59
    Ultra Member
     
    #2

    Jun 10, 2013, 05:49 PM
    It's hard to read the wiring diagram but, for starters, look for an automotive type fuse on the circuit board. Do you have a voltmeter & know how to use it?
    Robin333888's Avatar
    Robin333888 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Jun 10, 2013, 07:18 PM
    Sorry I just got home from work I will check for a fuse. I do have a meter and I am just learning how to use it. Thank you for replying!
    Grady White's Avatar
    Grady White Posts: 1,417, Reputation: 59
    Ultra Member
     
    #4

    Jun 11, 2013, 05:14 PM
    Since you are just learning to use the meter, I suggest getting a friend who is comfortable in using one to help you. Inside this piece of equipment there are VERY dangerous voltages which can kill you. A lot of the testing required will involve working with live circuits.
    I'll be glad to help by telling you what voltages to expect where.
    Robin333888's Avatar
    Robin333888 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #5

    Jun 12, 2013, 12:01 AM
    There is not a fuse on the circuit board, I was hoping for a fuse when I opened it up. I do not have anyone to help me I wish I did. I do have an AC guy but cannot call him till Friday (payday). I plan on researching every part you told me to check to find a video to show me how to do it, but I just had no clue what part to start with?
    Grady White's Avatar
    Grady White Posts: 1,417, Reputation: 59
    Ultra Member
     
    #6

    Jun 12, 2013, 05:24 PM
    With your meter set to AC Volts, put one lead on each of the terminals where the large red & black wires connect to the contactor (center of the third picture). You should get aprox. 240 volts.
    Robin333888's Avatar
    Robin333888 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #7

    Jun 16, 2013, 11:19 PM
    I am sorry I did not reply earlier I really appreciate your help. I really want to learn how to use a meter and will definitely work on it. I did not get an email when you replied to this thread it sent me one today. Weird... I figured you thought I was in over my head which I am sure I was, so I waited. I have a really good AC man he fixed it for only $100.00 dollars, awesome!! He replaced the transformer in the unit and the air was blowing hot set on cool (it wasn't signaling some cycle or something over my head) he replaced the inside Thermostat problem fixed. I still was curious what the switch in the last picture does if you know I meant to ask him but I forgot. Thank you again as a woman who like try and fix stuff it is hard to find help.
    Grady White's Avatar
    Grady White Posts: 1,417, Reputation: 59
    Ultra Member
     
    #8

    Jun 17, 2013, 05:04 PM
    Without being able to read the wiring diagram, I have to guess it is a manual reset pressure switch.
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #9

    Jun 17, 2013, 07:12 PM
    Grady, it looks like some sort of dial to me. I have no Idea what it would be for, but it kind of reminds me of a econimizer setting on commercial units (damper open settings, etc.). Most likely there used to be a knob on it and some sort of marking for whatever position the knob was set to? Hard to tell from the pic, but I bet there is a flat spot on that shaft for the knob to fit in only one way. Only reason I think this is because I can see the cam that allows the knob to turn between the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Or am I crazy ( no need to answer that last question, pretty sure I already know the answer!).
    Grady White's Avatar
    Grady White Posts: 1,417, Reputation: 59
    Ultra Member
     
    #10

    Jun 18, 2013, 01:53 PM
    Good thought Dad. You got me thinking (that's dangerous). I'll bet it's for an old outdoor thermostat, used to shut down the compressor when it's below x degrees outdoors or to lock out the strip heat (or some of it) if it's above x degrees.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

2005 Chevy Tahoe Passenger Power Windows and Both Power Seats not Working [ 3 Answers ]

I have a 2005 Chevy Tahoe. The passenger side windows stopped working and both passenger and driver power seats stopped working. All of this happened at the same time. I saw this same problem posted by another user back in January but I didn't see a clear answer. Does anybody know how to fix...

My power outlet is not working? [ 1 Answers ]

I'm ten and I'm trying to find out why both of my kitchen outlets aren't working. I still don't understand electrical talk, so put your words in a way I'd understand. Thanks!

Power saver not working [ 1 Answers ]

On my laptop (Windows XP Pro), all of a sudden my power saver settings don't work. I've tried changing them and it doesn't seem to make a difference. Any suggestions? Thanks

AC not working after power interruption [ 3 Answers ]

I have a Janitrol "Dependable Ninety Two" furnace A/C. Unit is about 3 years old. The power went off briefly yesterday (less than 2 minutes). When it came back on, the fan worked, but compressor didn't. I found one fuse box on the side of the furnace with one T-20 fusetron. I replaced it (wasn't...


View more questions Search