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AC Compressor and fan stopped working

Angler

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Both stopped working today, it is a Trane system about 15 years old. Power to and through the relay switch, red and blacks wires are 118v seen in the pic.

Any ideas?

1598575746598.png

trane.jpg
 
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Joe mama

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Okay I will bite, 240v between BLK and red at bottom of relay?
 

Flying_Lavey

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Well that relay is doing nothing anymore. It's for a hard start kit that looks like the cap went bad and was just pulled out instead of replaced.

Betcha you got a non-op fan motor so the compressor internal thermal overload tripped resulted in both not running. If not....

Check your run cap (big on is compressor and small is fan motor) between the C and HERM terminals for the compressor

Check your voltage between both legs of power

Check amp draw immediately after cycling power (see what the in-rush amps are)

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90 Laveycraft

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Think FL is dead on...inop external fan motor/capacitor, compressor has a overload protector that opens when over heated..is compressor smoking hot?
 

Joe mama

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If your getting 120 to ground on each leg and contractor is not pulled in that’s good. If contractor is pulled in one leg can feed through compressor to o5her leg.
 

Angler

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Think FL is dead on...inop external fan motor/capacitor, compressor has a overload protector that opens when over heated..is compressor smoking hot?
wasn't here when it stopped working
 

Flying_Lavey

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wasn't here when it stopped working
It resets and runs after it cools down. If the contactor is pulled in like that and it's burning hot, thermal overload and is a condensing fan issue (doesn't look like, and I doubt there is a fan cycle control in there).

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Shlbyntro

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My guess would be the $500 capacitor if I had a hunch....

 

Flying_Lavey

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If your getting 120 to ground on each leg and contractor is not pulled in that’s good. If contractor is pulled in one leg can feed through compressor to o5her leg.
This is true. 120 on each leg is good but you need to make sure there is 240 to make sure there isn't any circuit issues. The compressor being super hot or not (like cannot keep your hand on top of it) would be the tell tale what the issue likely is.

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90 Laveycraft

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My guess would be the $500 capacitor if I had a hunch....

Lol
 

Angler

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My guess would be the $500 capacitor if I had a hunch....

the fan capacitor?
 

Angler

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Will the fan or compressor, start without each other?
 

Shlbyntro

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the fan capacitor?

One in the same on my unit and yours. On mine, the fan leg of the capacitor went out and even though the compressor leg was still good, the compressor was going into overheat protection because the fan wasn't running.
 

Flying_Lavey

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Will the fan or compressor, start without each other?
Not on 15 year old Trane...if all is working correct..
This.... And, the fan can continue to run without the compressor as long as the thermostat is calling for cooling (contactor pulled in indicates it is calling for cooling).

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Angler

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One in the same on my unit and yours. On mine, the fan leg of the capacitor went out and even though the compressor leg was still good, the compressor was going into overheat protection because the fan wasn't running.
but will the compressor run without the fan if it is cooled down. Like I said, it's been for several hours.
 

Flying_Lavey

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One in the same on my unit and yours. On mine, the fan leg of the capacitor went out and even though the compressor leg was still good, the compressor was going into overheat protection because the fan wasn't running.
Negative ghost rider. His fan run cap has already been changed. As well as the fan motor. It is the same run cap right next to the large combo cap.

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Shlbyntro

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Negative ghost rider. His fan run cap has already been changed. As well as the fan motor. It is the same run cap right next to the large combo cap.

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My bad, didn't see that little tike down there, please disregard :D
 
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90 Laveycraft

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You need a completely cooled down unit as your 110 meter aint gona get it.
Be at the unit after cool down..have someone start it, or push in the contactor and observe...does the compressor only start?
Do both start?

Thinking just call the guy!
 

Angler

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If anyone is near San Dimas, come on by.. 😃
 

90 Laveycraft

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Want a new one...I have 500 at work...
 

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SoCalDave

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My guess would be the $500 capacitor if I had a hunch....

Was just waiting for that post...
 

Angler

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You need a completely cooled down unit as your 110 meter aint gona get it.
Be at the unit after cool down..have someone start it, or push in the contactor and observe...does the compressor only start?
Do both start?

Thinking just call the guy!
The compressor won't run.
 
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90 Laveycraft

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We can only sell to licensed ac contractors w/proper freon certs...
Price will vary dramatically, contractor to contractor.
Go with longevity in trade, reviews, get several bids for replacement.
 

Flying_Lavey

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The compressor won't run.

AL 909 322-9923
Do you have a laser temp gun? If so, gun the top of the compressor and see what temperature it is. 90 Lavey is right, it can take several hours to cool down with no fan running.

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Angler

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That has worked before, but it hasn't run in hours, nothing is hot.
 

Flying_Lavey

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That has worked before, but it hasn't run in hours, nothing is hot.
If nothing is hot then you really need a 240v capable meter to diagnose further.

I'd also check the voltage across the contacts on each leg to make sure the contactor contacts are still good.

Assuming the contacts are still good, the compressor is likely bad from either a burnout or an open winding, likely caused by a failed condenser fan motor.

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90 Laveycraft

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I would replace a 15 year old York(prob 10 -12 Seer), if compressor is out. If simple fix...run it!
Call the guy. Reputable company only....
 

Angler

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I would replace a 15 year old York(prob 10 -12 Seer), if compressor is out. If simple fix...run it!
Call the guy. Reputable company only....
16 seer
Have a buddy that might help pm
I have someone coming out tomorrow. Thanks for all the help guys.

I run my AC from may till October and never turn it off. It works very hard to keep my house 70 degrees in the day and 68 at night.
 
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