How To Jumpstart your AC Fan yourself In 2 Seconds If It's Not Spinning HVAC DIY
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- Here's how to get your HVAC fan to spin again while you wait for your repalcement Run capacitor in the mail. Check the writing on your broken run capacitor for the correct size when ordering the new one. Save your self hudreds $$$$$$$$, you are welcome.
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Try cleaning your condenser coil.... every blown capacitor I've been on in 22 years as hvac service technician was a dirty coil..... if it continues make sure the capacitor is actually the correct one for the condenser motor.. "jump starting" the fan motor actually can damage the motor.. it will go out on thermal overload or burn the windings in the motor.. which in turn could cost you more if you damage the motor. It's called a RUN capacitor....... it's working when the motor is running....
Wilddave64. Huh? The only correlation I can think of (Faulty capacitor and dirty coil) is old age
@@Froggability The compressor works harder with a dirty coil. That coil is dirty.
This comment should be on top. I agree with you 100%
@@chris-ot4og its burning up the fan side not the compressor. If the coil is dirty its just not letting the heat out not putting any more strain on the motor.
What you are replacing is a dual run capacitor which takes care of your fan motor and your hermetic compressor. That other black one on the bottom is known as a hard start kit, which assists your dual run capacitor in starting your compressor only.
They make them for motors also.
Great Video.....
My comments:
1. Your fan connection, take it off and crimp it lightly to fit tighter. Loose connections get hot.
2. Your Hard-Start relay box should be mounted with the unit orientated with mounting screw on top. It might have an arrow showing this also.
3. Discharging a capacitor with a resistor is safer than a screwdriver and doesn't potentially harm the capacitor with a rapid discharge. Many TH-cam video's on how to do that.
I am just a home do-it-yourself guy too, I appreciate your helping to educate people. Nice Job !
The black capacitor you refer to at 3:40 is actually a 'start' capacitor for the compressor and has no physical connection to the condensor fan motor. The little black box to the right side of it is a 'potential' relay. That relay is responsible for putting the start capacitor into the compressors 'start' circuit for a pre-determined time period during starting, allowing a little extra boost to the start winding. That relay operates off of CEMF (Counter Electro Motive Force) that is generated between the C (Common) and S (Start) windings of the compressor during starting. Thus the name 'Potential' relay.
Both your compressor and condensor fan motors are 'PSC' motors, i.e. Permanent Split Capacitor motors which require a 'run' capacitor in the circuit between the 'start' winding and the 'run' winding to ensure proper amperage flow while running. Damage to the motor will occur when running with a 'shorted' or 'open' run capacitor....however they will usually run for a period before failing.....but they (PSC motors) WILL fail.
I'm a big fan of DIY'ers, so kudos to you for figuring out your issue, and remember the more you know the better off you are, so keep learning sir. Ya done good.
thanks good comments-- one of the good guys
I had an hvac guy come out and RIP the start capacitor out saying it was unnecessary and then he left. I replaced my main capacitor but still having issues with it making those noises even at my breaker box. Should I add a new start one back in like before? Does it help with fan kicking on..
@@Nightneo2000 the capacitor he removed may have been a "booster capacitor" type of repair part that some people use to do a weekend repair. I don't use them myself.
Also, I would check the capacitor with the "capacitance" test function on any reputable multimeter. This way you can find a capacitor that is outside tolerances or is shorted or open without having to guess.
A capacitor "check" can be performed with an ohmmeter as well but won't give you the actual capacitance.
Finally, and most importantly, you should check for power with a good indicator before you touch anything inside. You pulled the disconnect but sometimes they are "jumped" or miswired - sometimes they get jumped around the fuses trying to "solve" a problem so you should never trust, always verify. I'm a Journeyman Inside Wireman since 2000, hopefully this helps
Aaron Wolfenbarger , ok, so if the motor does not turn on after spinning it, then replace the motor. Hire a licensed HVAC contractor to help you with this. *Do not attempt to bypass anything on your A/C* . Bypassing could lead to a more costly repair.
HeroCaleb.com
@Aaron Wolfenbarger Sounds like it's stuck in defrost your fan will not run in defrost and your reversing valve will be in cool position.
Recommend taking a photo of the wiring before you remove them
Make sure you get an exact replacement since this is a dual run capacitor it powers both the fan and compressor.
As mentioned by others, coil cleaning and checking the refrigerant level is critical to a smooth operating and long life of the system
Also don't forget to replace your indoor air filter
From an HVAC guy
pen mightygun it must then have two capacitors one for the fan and the other for the compressor
Just changed mine and it works great, The old capacitor was bloated out on top, My York Air conditioner just had one capacitor The new one was $26 with 2 day shipping on Amazon. The video was very helpful , I remember getting shocked by a capacitor in an old TV set I was taking apart back in the 1970's
2 minutes in and you’re already a lifesaver. I wondered if I could just push the fan with a paint stick to get it going and you proved it. Thanks!
Awesome Sauce.👍
Thanks for not putting annoying background music.
Hi actually make music for TH-cam videos and when people don’t use them then I don’t work and I have no money. So please use TH-cam background music and make it really loud to where we can’t hear the instructions. That way I can get major credit for it.
🤣😂🤣😂😂THANK YOU, THANK YOU. This is the first time my AC fan stop work. We are in a HEAT WAVE for a week now in California. Sept. 2022 . I try your trick and it work. Now I know it's the Run Capacitor that need replacing.
No sweat...👍
Thanks for the video, you just saved me what would most likely have been a repair bill costing hundreds of dollars and I got my AC running for $14. Again, Thank You!
This _can_ work, but don't be discouraged if your fan starts, but you don't get cool air. The run capacitor is to start both the fan, and the compressor. You can push start the fan, but often both sides of the capacitor fail at the same time.
This is exactly what happened to me. I already knew about the push-start trick, and it DID start the fan. However, both sides of the run capacitor had failed (which I later confirmed with a multi-meter). If that's the case, the compressor won't run.
Also, that buzzing sound is a 24VAC electro magnet from your thermostat. It's not the compressor turning on. This is what brings power to the whole air conditioner. The buzzing sound is just the switch vibrating against itself. If it's extremely loud, it may indicate it needs to be replaced. (This is also a very inexpensive part)
So what was your fix?
@@vincec727 Replace the run capacitor. If you're doing this, just make sure you're buying one that fits, and is rated properly to be as good or better than the old one.
Thank you so much for posting this. This is where I'm at right now.
You’re a genius!!!! God bless you!!! I was traveling soon , can’t get the guy to fix it! Can’t get the part to fix it myself and can’t even pack because the house was 90F degrees!!! God bless you!!!
Appreciate it, glad to help.👍
I think you did a great job making this video. However have been said that there are a few things you need to address. 1) take a clamp meter that can measure the MFDS on the capacitor especially the new capacitor that your attempting to install to make sure you have the correct MFDS. 2) with your clamp meter you should measure the AMPS on the condenser fan motor or FLA to see if you have the proper amp that the data plate on your condenser recommends also check your condenser motor for any oil leak and or heat marks from the bearing which look like rust on the outer casing of the condenser fan motor these are just early sign of the motor itself about to fail. 3) or just call a HVAC professional tech...
You see there is a process that need to be taken for a thorough inspection because there is a reason why an capacitor would fail and it’s very import to you should address that source of the issue with your viewers. Anyways good luck
Matthew Mccullough. Better still: use a capacitance tester. It's very hard to tell by clamp, when a cap has degraded for example by 20%. People who don't sweat for hours wondering what's wrong and usually think the gas is wrong
Try this formula out ( 2652xamps) divide by voltage = MFD my multi clamp never failed me with this formula you will be on the money
Matthew Mccullough. That's interesting thank you! I Googled: Voltage across the cap right? I'll try that next time compare the readings, good "in situ" test
No check voltage across the contactor. Good luck Nathan
Thank voy so much for your video.i forgot to mention that last night around 11 my ac was just blowing fan air...I went outside and usted a wooden chop stick to turn the fan,as you mentioned in your video.it worked!!!! I live in texas and it is extremely hot.your video helped me and my two children have cold air.i did not know what we would do.thank you .thank you. Thank you.
Glad that I was able to help. 😀Thanks for watching.
@@Megalodon1 I just watched you video. Thank you as it is Friday night and cannot contact anyone until Monday. Or receive a replacement for several days. The question I have is will I need to kick start the fan after each running cycle?
You will have to kick start it after each running cycle unless you set the temperature extremely low so it won't kick off for much longer period of time. Thanks for watching and good luck.👍
Just made my AC turn back on, thank you much. Great help. 95 degree now at 6pm in tx.
Glad I could help!!
Got home to upstairs being 87 degrees, sadly no shop carries 60/5 440v capacitor so it is currently july 3rd Friday and im not seeing it until Sunday because of 4th of july
Bro it's still. 95 degrees lol
I know this was posted 5 years ago,but it sure helped me today,thx man!!!!!!
Awesome, happy to help👍
Thank you for posting. Your video saved me tons of money and got me and my family back up and running in this 112 degree weather...thanks!!
You are welcome, you see all these negative comments from all the HVAC people who don't like the truth exposed because it costs them $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ every time people like you watch this video.
You are welcome, you see all these negative comments from all the HVAC people who don't like the truth exposed because it costs them $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ every time people like you watch this video.
@@Megalodon1 Nah, they have PLENTY of work to keep them fat. They're just showing off. The thing that troubles me is that technicians come out and do the work but they don't have any state license, so I wish California licensed these untrained guys. Plumbers and electricians too in California.
Thank you, thank you. My cap decided to call it quits on a holiday weekend, and I know that the service guy would have charged me hundreds to get it fixed, assuming I could get a service guy out. I took a dozen pictures of how the old one was connected. I removed it and took it to an appliance store where they matched it to a new one. The whole procedure set me back $37.00. After a successful installation, I went on Amazon and ordered another one for $12. Hopefully I don't lose it before it's time to change it out.
Thank you for your $ucce$$ story.👍
THANK YOU for the tip to jump start the fan!!! I was looking through TH-cam to find out how to get my A/C going (on a Friday night, of course!!!) ~ and don't have a capacitor to FIX it right now ... it's been almost 100* here, AND we have wildfires burning "nearby" ... so outside is horrible!! I'm so grateful to have learned how to get the fan going, so I could have cool until I can AFFORD to have someone help me on Monday (normal business hours, NOT weekend rates)!!!! Thanks again!!!
Call, a professional. Wiring is not a hobby. Call a service tech or a master electrician.What he did is not right it can easily burn up the compressor!!!!!!!!
The capacitor is actually a starting capacitor,as schematically it is in series with the start winding only, in these applications.Their function is to provide a phase shift in one set of stator windings(basically,electromagnets) so the armature(fan blade) developes enough torque to start rotatation.As he demonstrated,providing this force manually will get the fan running if the run circuit is unbroken.
You have saved me 400 dollars. Thank you from Australia.
You're welcome.👍
Thanks for showing me how to "jump start" it. I have two units and have an extra capacitor for each. But the jumpstart idea will work for someone that does not have an extra capacitor. P.S. No, I won't loan mine out.
If you can change the capacitor you can change your fan. Great video 👍
I change my dual run capacitor every 5 years at the cooler months before start of Summer, capacitor costs $15 - $20.. Better than paying $200+ for HVAC service call & without any AC downtime. In the AZ 115F summer heat this component does not last for extended period.
in Florida 90 degrees. spun fan with paint stirrer. thanks you saved me.
Thank you for this video! Spun the fan manually and it kept running. The new capacitor was $6 from the manufacturer (also had a higher mfd number than the one that was installed previously).
No sweat.👍
Now that the fan is working, watch a video on how to clean a condenser. Being dirty is hard on a system. Tighten up that loose connection too.
Same situation will happen soon. I certainly recommend to clean the condenser. Otherwise, you lost your capacitor.
Great DIY video! Simple and to the point. BTW, I paid $275 for a service call the first time mine went out. Changed the last one myself tho!
I’ve watched a bunch of these vids. Good job. The one thing that concerns me is what you said about this being the third time you’ve replaced the capacitor in three years. That makes me think that you have some other issue going on. From what I’ve read, these capacitors should last several or more years. Keep up the good work.
They’re cheap though. So maybe $40 to $50 bucks in some cases for all 3
Change that contactor while you're at it! Looking at that left side contact on it could also be the reason you're eating capacitors
@Mario Gomez it’s the black box to right of the dual run capacitor he is changing out. When the system is energized the contacts pull together and a complete circuit is established sending power to your unit. After time the contacts wear and start arcing. He also failed to mention that each capacitor can differ from unit to unit. You have to ensure to purchase the right size capacitor for your unit. He also erroneously identified the black capacitor below the capacitor he replaced as the motor capacitor which is incorrect. The capacitor he replaced is a dual run capacitor, it assists both the compressor (Hermès) and fan to operate. The black unit at the bottom is a hard start unit which also assists the compressor at start up.
Maybe the fact the cable is loose on the capicator for the fan is your problem
Try tightening the connection
My breaker is popping every 5 or so mins
I have the condensers fan onto comes on at night it works great but in the heat problems
yeah few connectors are loose
Talk about a way to temp rig the fan to run, have the same issue, but mine is definitely the fan motor start cap. Overheating, my temp fix started out with removing, put in the freezer for 10-15 min. Put it back in and the fan started. However, the OSA has been around 100° on a daily basis, so, I took a Gatorade bottle, filled it with ice, clipped on the start cap into the ice water well below the entry wires points, kept adding ice every few hours, fan and cooling running like a charm. Of course, this is temp till I get a new cap, the unit fan is wobbling on the shaft, creating additional amps on the line and cap, units 17+ years old totally rusted out, ready to go.
In so many years, never found a charged capacitor, they are permanently connected to motor winding and self discharge. The caps I fear most are DC inverter, but heck I'd never use a screwdriver, i use my tester gentle discharge.
2/ never teach a newbie to spin start a fan: they think they fixed it and walk away? Next time it stops it doesn't restart. Possibly result in cooked fan motor, or compressor. Costing vastly more than a capacitor.
If the unit has partial failure you're best to turn it off entirely. Harden up for 2 days you won't die. Thankfully modern units are self protecting and will shut down entirely
You must not have a menopausal wife! Just run the thermostat down to 60 degrees, and enjoy the cool until you locate the capacitor.
I think TH-cam tutorials are great...saves us money hireing a Tech...I learned alot thru TH-cam than stated to buy my tools fr HVAC I work on my homes AC's and make extra cash repairing the neighbors AC issues.
Great information....really useful. I recently had my air handling unit replaced in my attic and the owner of the company that did the work ran off the job after shorting the wiring in our electrical distribution panel and drilling through the ice cabling in our gutter. Panels were held in place with one screw, my attic was left in a mess and the ceiling leading into the attic was chipped and made filthy. These air conditioning clowns are a public menace and I would never allow any of them into my home again.
service guys are okay but you need to know something so you don't get screwed by some of these know all service typees who make fun of home owners who don't want be taken advantage of when it is hot
Our Air Handler is in the attic.
So our AC Maintenance Co. sends a service tech out, that is so obese... he can't fit through the attic access to service the unit.
marshalllhiepler lol
You got another "like" from a very warm August 2021 here on LI. BTW my A/C service company charges $300 plus tax to replace a dual run capacitor.
you are the best and thanks for the lesson. I did the same to my unit yesterday and it does the job, works well and cool. Happy and thanks again.
Awesome 👍
You all just salty cause he didn't call you to fix it. On other note yes the condenser coil is little dirty little cleaning goes a long way. I would also put on a new hard start kit as well. Good luck
Well said Sir, appreciate the support.👍
🤔🤭😄😂😆😄🤨🤫
bro you a life saver. especially the trick with the stick. I just had to do that! thank you
So glad to help brotherman!!! No sweat, literally.👍
Seems like every time your thermostat reaches temp, you'd have to go outside each time and spin the fan. If you slept for hours with the motor buzzing, it could burn it up
Leave the fan on the "on" position instead of auto. When the compressor turns off, the fan will usually just spin at a lower speed.
Excellent point. Manually spinning the fan should only serve as a test, not a temporary solution.
@@umeng2002That fan "on" would be for the inside blower. It wouldn't keep the condenser fan continuously running.
@@RA1-1 True, I must have been thinking about the blower. I did that myself when the A/C guy needed a few days to order a new blower fan.
The motor isnt buzzing or running at all if it stops. Thats the compressor you hear.
I'm glad no one bypassed the hot legs on your disconnect, and you should be too. ALWAYS use a volt meter to test before you touch!
larry hughes with this guy being such a hack I'm surprised it wasn't.
xexmey people like this are bound to have a "shocking" surprise!
larry hughes if the capacitor is blow, you don't need test nothing
Henry Montoya that went right over your head, didn't it?
Bro thanks so much about how to kick start the Fan never knows about that but I always have a extra capacitor.Thanks again.
Good video. If you don't manually spin the fan soon enough- the compressor will go out on internal overload.
If you tighten up that loose ass connector on your fan wire you likely won't be replacing the cap again for a good long while
where
One of the best intros on TH-cam.
Thanks Kev 😀
Double check power source source remove jewelry it's hard to remove when it's hot specially a ring I learned that from working on cars even 12 volts gets mad quick
You are awesome my friend, don't pay attention to the bad comments these idiots are posting they are just mad cause they haven't been on a service call in days cause people like you and I and everyone else we like to figure things out first before calling these morons and take our money . I work at a power plant so I think I know a little something about AC units
I do recommend.
- wash down the walls on your outside unit
It could save you from over amping/ over working the unit saving you some dough.
Good day to you sir !
Changing the thermostat battery worked for me!
3rd time and 90% of the time the cap is the issue?...What's the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome. There's a reason the cap is failing so much. Those caps are designed to run 24/7 for 2,500 days on average. A cap a year doesn't fall into the category that it's the capacitor at all. Just a symptom of the problem.
We love this videos. Follow this advice and guarantee yourself a few hundred to a few thousand in repairs later.
He said he lived there for 3 year's and change it 3 times, it's your fan burning capacitor out.that black cap looks like a hard start
It’s not called a hard start it’s a start capacitor for the compressor
Has nothing to do with the fan motor. It may or may not be from the factory not all have them. It’s accompanied by a relay that cuts it in and out for the compressor.
Yes he has a problem in that system causing so many cap failures.
Thanks a lot broh.. My fkn capasitor went out around 9pm.. No stores open at this time... No way to get the part.. And it work by jumpstarting it.. Like you said.. 👍
F'ya, glad I could help.💪👊👍
Alejandro Gonzalez. Until the unit cycles off half an hour later. Then it sits there "seized" and cooks itself and gotta buy a whole new fan motor. Not to mention possible damage to compressor
I hope you crimped that wire that keep falling off🧨 great video good camera work keep up the good work thanks.🙏🏻
Bro!!! not bad for DIY, but
leaving that disconnect cover open while the disconnects out is very dangerous you have live hot electricity exposed and there is a lot that could possibly go wrong. Also you should have tightened the connections for the cap with some needle nose pliers and then give them the test with a soft tug. Your wires kept coming loose off of the tabs and will shorten the life of that capacitor do two little shorts happening.
Yes the Visual Diagnosis on your part was correct, but you did kind of luck out and you should have definitely shown how to use a meter and test the capacitor.
Also pulling the disconnect out is not a guarantee that the voltage is disconnected. Sometimes the metal of the disconnect breaks off and Still Remains in the disconnect bridging some electricity. Even hitting the breakers sometimes it's not a guarantee if the electricians or HVAC guy's mislabeled the breakers always use the meter to test voltage and if you don't know how to do that you better learn
@ Guitar Gangsta well said sir.... however I fear logic and common sense falls on deaf ears with this video
Guys like this are great for our business . Keep changing that cap out . Lol !
The bushings go out too...spin the fan with the power off and if it turns free it is not the bushings. Make sure you are getting 220 to the motor.
Great stuff! Thanks man. I would fix that loose connection.
wow you the MAN hahaha i was just thinking to change the caps but didn't know which one now i know THANKS
I live in Las Vegas with 115 degree days in the summer. My AC unit runs about 10 to 11 months out of the year and I just replaced one of my capacitors after 10 years and my other unit is still running strong. Sounds like something is wrong if you are changing them every 3 years
I think his capacitor blows or over heats due to the dirty coils. You can't see through them. A simple rinse with garden hose will fix that.
@@dariomanna5784 soapy water and garsen hoes geez thats a dirty coils
The other capacitor your referring to at the bottom of the control cabinet is a start cap for the compressor not the condenser fan
Dude, you saved me like 1300.00 what can I say, but thank you so much.
Wow he saves me in the future also never knows about kick start the FAN
You just saved me a ton of money! Thank you!!
My pleasure, I can even save you even more of you subscribe to my channel for free because I will most likely post more real world situations on how to fix things yourself that go out around your home. Thanks so much for your feedback and watching.👍
Anyone watching this video please be advised that the start kit at the bottom is only for the compressor not the fan motor. Also if you have to keep replacing the capacitor every year please call a professional to do a thorough check of your unit.
It's almost certainly that coils are dirty, and the thing is running hot. Heat kills electrolytic capacitors, and run capacitors are all electrolytic. They contain a fluid in them (the electrolyte) that's negatively affected by heat. Simply cleaning the coils with a hose and some AC cleaner spray would fix the issue. No need for a pro.
@@stevesether Very good advice, Steve. Cleaning the compressor unit's coils once a year before the weather gets hot will do wonders for extending the life of your A/C unit and minimizing surprise summertime breakdowns.
Can’t say I’m entirely surprised this guy has been “zapped” lmao
I have a better idea. Keep your condenser clean and have a couple run caps on hand. They are easily purchased the same day from a supply house like Grainger's. Why would you order a nickel dime item from ebay when the part is also available from any electric motor supply house. You don't need a license to buy a run cap! Why ebay?
Melvin292 for the record, the shops in my area which is the District of Columbia Metropolitan Area, won't sell any HVAC related materials to anyone without and HVAC license. It's criminal I had the ECM motor for the compressor fan fail and while it took me 10 minutes to pull it out of the housing it's taking me 3 days to find somebody simply willing to sell me a replacement.
@@joeyabrams7080 try digikey . com
@@Breadbored. Digi-Key sells electronic components. This is a capacitor for a motor, and really specifically for an AC unit.
While yes, they ARE both capactirors, and even electrolytic capacitors, the rating of an electronic component capacitor is normally in micro-farads, and a run capacitor is in milli-farads. So about 1000 times more capacitance. Also, run capacitors have two poles with differing capacitance. One of the fan, and one for the compressor.
I did check, and I couldn't find they sold anything like a capacitor for an AC unit.
Thanks for sharing. I did mine yesterday, same problem
Thank god for TH-cam ac repair guy wanted to get me for 450 dollars to replace the capacitor here in California
One more tip from an EE, DON'T brace yourself with your other hand on the unit when you check the capacitor. This creates a path right through your heart, if you did get shocked, right where you DON'T want it to go. As for the start capacitor overheating the motor if you spin start it (someone said below)...I doubt it, but am not positive...sitting stationary without starting, though, is likely another story, the culprit in his overheated motor, or a run capacitor problem (not a motor guy). The run capacitor could cause motor problems though. I have this same problem and will check connections carefully, clean them, and possibly find a start cap with a higher voltage rating. In military design, we overrate electrolytic caps 60% on voltage (remember also that peak voltage is 1.4 RMS, so 220 RMS is like 310V peak, with derating use 500V at same uFd capacitance the original capacitor was marked. This helps with longevity, if it will fit, as it will be much larger (1/2CV squared, probably about 4X volume, possibly need to mount it elsewhere). Hope this helps. Apply all the same legal caveats on danger you read elsewhere!
Saved me hundreds of dollars by listening to u
It makes me happy when hard working people are not being taken advantage of. Thanks for watching 👍
Its amazing that thing cools at all. I've never seen one so dirty!
What about your boyfriend, he's dirtier than that, david.
Youre mean
Be carful when discharging a capacitor as some have an internal fuse and when you short it out the fuse will blow and a good capacitor will be rendered useless.
Toone Boone
when I want to learn how to do something I always watch 5 or 6 or more videos and you will probably learn something different from each vid. and maybe something that will save you an injury or death.
Ok
If you’ve replaced the cap 3 times in 3 years, something is causing this and you should have it checked out before the condenser fan motor seizes up
Caps should last much longer you need to find the reason they fail and or keep a spare on hand clean contactor points and coils it will be more efficient with better air flow
Thanks for the video , for 15 bucks I fix my unit . I found a mouse nest inside . 👊😊
That's awesome, glad to hear that you saved a ton of $$$$$$$$. Thanks for watching 👍
I had a similar problem. My outside unit was buzzing and not running. I called my buddy who is an A/C tech, he said that it is probably the capacitor. I ran across this video while trying to find out how to test the capacitor. So, I asked my buddy about it. He said, all it will do is run the fan. So, I gave it a try and it low and behold all it did was run the fan. The compressor didn't run. All this is, is a test to see if the fan still runs indicating the capacitor is likely dead. I actually sent him a picture of the capacitor and he could tell by looking at it that it was bad. Dielectric had leaked out. It was also swollen. Best to find a good tech and have them do the work. Too much current in that unit and if you don't understand the circuitry, you could hurt or killed. The savings aren't worth the risk.
Great video. Thanks.
Sure thing.👍
Thank you enjoyed and learned alot from your video
Glad to hear I could help, thank you for your feedback.👍
I'm gonna save hundreds of dollars by letting the apartment manager fix it.
I find it laughably ironic how this video fails it's purpose, which is to help people save money by showing quick fixes they can do themselves. Good intentions I suppose.... However, here in the real world this video is VERY much succeeding in doing quite the opposite of helping people.... This video and others like it are actually generating MORE service calls which WILL require an HVAC tech to come out and perform a MAJOR and COSTLY repair. Inevitably, every single day a few DIY people with broken AC`s will search on youtube for videos intended to "SAVE" them money. Please keep these DIY videos coming though because I'm loving them! Very entertaining to watch. I like the one where you (might have been a different clueless DIY person) teach people to close off all of the supply vents except for in the rooms that you spend most of your time....Absolute Genius! 🤔......😁...😅..😂.🤣 -Tim from Florida (15 yrs a HVAC Tech)
Thank you for helping!
@@pete1200 No problem.
Yep. We just paid an A/C tech $230.00 parts & labor to replace ours. Exact same thing. Of course, i didn’t know about “discharging” so, that’s why we pay. For expertise & knowledge.
The black component is a Hard Start Kit for your compressor. You should tighten the connector to the fan side of the capacitor; and clean the coil. I noticed you have your dryer discharge hose blowing on you condenser coil; blowing lint directly on it. Move it to a different location. Looks like you need a new contactor also. Sorry to nitpick you; but 3 capacitors in 3 years is a result of other issues. It should last at least 10 years.
Thank you Sir, really appreciate your professional advise/observation.👍
with out having having a meter too read the micro ferrads of the cap not a good way to diagnos , you could possibly have a voltage drop across the contactor and it could also be that it takes too many amps to run that fan motor and if so youll continue to by caps . two things kill motors heat and moisture. and what happens when your not around with the stick tstat satisfies four minutes later compressor starts up no fan, comp over heats from too much head pressure goes out on thermal over load , on some tranes they go to a hard lock out however not all and then you have to buy a compressor. my advice check amps check RLAand if higher change motor and cap.
Clean you're condenser coil that's why the run cap keeps swelling
Thanks man! You safe me tonight.
Couple of quick questions and comments. We're in Vegas.. on Sept 11th, still 100 w lots of humidity this week. Sat eve came home kicked ac down a bit as always back it off a bit when we leave... was blowing less than cool air.. went outside noticed fan was humming not spinning.
Question : if the fan motor moves, even though it doesn't spin freely.. it's tight but not locked or completely frozen... is that a sign of bad motor? I don't know if it should spin easily and freely when given a nudge with a stick.
Having said that... while just trying to test the spin with it off it seems to of freed up the fan motor because now it spins and blows strongly and is cooling the house. It's also cycling on and off and spinning without having to do anything else.
COMMENTS - I realize this guys not a certified tech... he's clear with his disclaimer and people need to have common sense. I'm in no way a techie and I absolutely always, when I have the funds, contact a pro. That's my point... I watched this video and would only use the advise to hopefully "get me by or buy some time" because we are broke at the time. Lots of car expenses and life has burned our accounts... so this kind of advice can be a life saver but people need to also use common sense.
The guy I use to do AC was going to come today, I called him yesterday Sunday, then I hung up my girlfriend says.. I dont think we'll have any money till Wed, 3 days.. in Vegas at 100 with a dog inside.. even closed up with windows shut in a nice mobile home with fans on all day, it was 96 inside. Mobile homes have terrible insulation and ours isnt an old metal home either.
Anyway.. this video is helpful thanks I appreciate it. To others.. I don't think most people would stop after just watching this video..I would consult with other similar videos before making a final decision or even attempting to repair the capacitor or anything else... bottom line is the AC guy will still make his money once we actually can afford to pay him because he can't loose money when we have none.
If this simple start didn't work we'd just be stuck a few more days.. thankfully our motor is spinning and auto starting on it's own now.. hopefully will continue to do so for a while times are very tight for us.
Jimmy Vegas yes that motor is toast. A motor in working order only needs a slight push to make the blade spin at least one rotation
thanks sr
No problem, thanks for watching.
If you are replacing run capacitors that often, I'd suspect that there are other issues going on. I replaced my capacitor and motor over ten years ago and just recently had a problem.
nice video! I am having the same issue and it seems like this will fix the issue but I like learning more than necessary so I am still reading about capacitors.
You said you replaced it 3 times in 3 years. From what I understand, if the capacitor is not big enough, low mfd, it burns itself out prematurely. And it burns the motor if it is too big( higher than needed mfd). So maybe you should go one size up?
Can someone please chime in to make sure this is correct? All the info would be appreciated!
Fans spinning in the wrong direction... may work temporarily but stresses out the system.
If that cap. is going bad every year, you have other problems up in there. Maybe cleaning the unit would lower the heat and keep the cap. alive.
it was made in china i find the ones made in mexico or US last much longer
Thanks for sharing the video man,very helpful..
My pleasure Sir...👍
Wow replace your start assist relay and start capacitor too. Make sure your start relay is pointing in the direction of the arrow. Your start capacitor really should not be on its side either. The contactor looks pitted and burnt on your points. At least on the RUN side. I'd replace it. Also I noted your spiney fin coils are filthy. Get some foaming cleaner (none acid) and liberally spray the coil cleaning on your fins from the inside which means you're going to need to remove your top (fan assembly). Check your electrical connections, all of them and make sure they're good and tight you should not be losing your run capacitor every year or so.
Thank a million!
Let me get this strait... You replace the cap every year?? SUM TING WONG SMH
ROFL....you mean it is not normal to replace the capacitor every year?
I think you spun your fan in the wrong direction. The air should be coming out - I think your fan was spinning in the opposite direction. Am I wrong?
If you use a meter and measure your cap, you can KNOW if it's bad or not instead of just being a parts changer and hoping that you were guessing right. The times you guess wrong cost you more than you save buy spending 30 seconds verifying that you were right. Please stop telling people caps can't kill you. 400 volts under the right conditions can definitely pass .1 amps current across your heart and kill you. I'm really sorry this post comes out as all negative. You open yourself up to the criticisms when you act in good faith and make a video trying to help others. Your kindness is appreciated but in order to help you and others, people will criticize or "critique" your video. But the criticism doesn't come across as well intentioned as it is meant. Learn every day and stay safe!
Great Video !!! Thanks a Million !!!!
I have the exact same problem, spinning with a stick will not start the fan. I followed the rest of your steps but the capacitor is not bulging. I give up.. God bless you for your video. I Know It took trouble to make.
You're my hero! Push-start worked!