What's Wrong with my Outside AC Unit?

Question

Hello, we have a central AC unit. In the outside unit, the fan runs very slow. The AC service companies here all wants $60-100 inspection fee, so I talked to my neighbor. My neighbor has some background in repairing home appliances, he said the motor or the capacitor maybe bad. I bought and replaced with a new motor and a new capacitor. However, the AC motor still runs at very slow speed.

Can anyone offer some help?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Recheck the connections on the dual capacitor. Re check and make sure all wires are on the correct terminals. on the dual capacitor.. one of the terminals is a common leg for each of the compressor and the fan.

The compressor is the larger MFD reading. And the fan is the smaller. look at the wiring diagram on the door panel to make sure. Also check your voltage that the name plate says it should be by using a volt meter.

look to see that the contactor is pulling its contact full in and that the voltage is proper on the (load) side of the contactor. You may have a loose connection or burned wire somewhere.

Answer 2

Not sure but it sounds like the motor is starving for power

Have someone check wiring and house fuse  

Answer 3

Is it cooling the house?, some of these units have a variable speed fan,If its doing the job, leave it alone. If it isn't cooling enough, Then you have a problem in your control circuit, and will need a pro to troubleshoot it.  

Answer 4

Its hot just like you are. Its summer you know. Just thought you might need a little giggle. Air conditioning is great until it breaks, geez its expensive. Good luck.

Answer 5

Sounds like it may not have been the capacitor or motor.

Voltage and amperage readings are essential for troubleshooting.

Replacing parts that other people suggest could be expensive as you already have found.

A grounded compressor winding can cause what your experiencing but this is a problem that can only be corrected by replacing the compressor or the entire unit.

Usually the entire unit if there is no warranty left (normally at least 5 years).

$60.00 is not a bad price for a correct diagnosis.

Edit: Disconnect the wires to your compressor to see if this effects the fan speed.