My ac fan will spin sometimes but then stops. When I turn it off for a while it comes back on. What can I do.?

Question

My ac fan will spin sometimes but then stops. When I turn it off for a while it comes back on. What can I do.?

Answer 1

The motor could be over amping, then overheating, then shutting down. It may have a bad run capacitor which is a separate component that serves to assist low torque fan motors, such as yours, to get up and running. If that is it, it is a 2 min fix, Depending on the horse power it may be either a 7.5 microfarad or a 10 micorfarad, which is a run capacitors rating.

If after the run cap is replaced, and the motor still cuts out, then the motor is bad. I wouldn't recommend you replace it though, call someone to take care of it for you.

Note: this is rare, but a fan motor can also RUN INTERMITTENTLY  due to a defective "peanut" relay, or a bad relay on a circuit board. If you hear any chattering coming from the component control compartment when the fan is just starting, then that could be a relay problem. Observe what happens when you turn on the fan from the "FAN SWITCH" only, at the thermostat. Be sure to leave the mode selector switch in the OFF POSITION!



If the fan starts smoothly and runs quietly for a while then shuts off, then it's most likely the run cap or motor itself.

Good luck

Answer 2

Sounds like a faulty compressor. Or, your ac is just cooling off between on phases. You should have a qualified HVAC tech to look at it. You may be able to get free estimates. Just invite 3 over to give you the free estimate and determine which from those three is the most accurate.

Answer 3

No matter if it's the inside blower or outside fan,I would definitely change it out.