Ok we have confirmed that our air conditioning unit does have 230 volts going to line side of the contactor and that there is 24 volts to the coil of the contactor.
So why doesn’t your air conditioner work? That is the question. So let’s eagle eye this machine and find out.
During all the next steps, watch for any burnt wires or terminals because there is a good chance this machine may have burning burnt or broken wiring and if you see any just repair them immediately.
No, there is no 230 volts to the load side of contactor. That means it is a bad contactor because we know it has 230 to its line side and its being told to close by the 24 volts at its coil. But, it does not close so it’s bad and needs to be replaced.
Yes, I do have 230 volts to load side of contactor, then we will assume your condenser motor and your compressor both have power but we know they don’t start so let’s check the capacitor.
Turn the power off by pulling the disconnect or turning off breaker.
Take a note of which wires go to which terminals of the capacitor, and then remove all the wires.
With a volt meter set to MFD test your capacitor.
It should test within 10% of its rating. Read the capacitor itself to determine its rating, its labeled by a uf rating (Example: 55+5 uf that means 55 uf between C and H that’s for the compressor but only 5 uf between C and F which is for the condenser motor and test them separate C and H write it down and compare to 55uf then test C and F and compare to 5uf.)
If your cap tests below 10% of its uf rating, then you need to replace it now click the button below.
If your capacitor tests good – then since we know your condenser motor had power, good wiring and a good capacitor. It should be spinning and it is not, so it is no good. You need to grab a new condenser motor a new capacitor and replace them both.
Make sure the new motor is the same hp or bigger also, make sure the amp rating is the same or higher.
remember your compressor is overheated from running without a condenser motor to keep it cool.
(Note: Hopefully the compressor will reset itself by the time you’re done replacing the condenser motor. But, if it does not just cool it with a garden hose then re-test the air conditioner because a compressor can overheat and be cooled then work just fine. As long as the problem that caused it to overheat is fixed, it will restart and work.)