Overview

Air Conditioning System2 - How Your Air Conditioner Works


TroubleShooting

ProblemProbable Cause
Won't Start
  • Breaker
  • Thermostat

Won't Start - Buzzing Sound at AC Unit

  • Bad Capacitor
Furnace fan not turning on
  • Thermostat
  • Breaker
  • Fuse in furnace blown (check wires at AC Unit if blown)
Water running around the outside of the furnace
  • Blocked ac drain at furnace
Fan on AC unit not turning
  • Stuck fan condenser motor
  • Bad condenser fan motor
Not Cooling
  • Freon Leak
  • Bad Condenser


Checking Start Issues

Bypass the Thermostat

With the power on, you can bypass the thermostat by pushing the plunger in to connect the 240v. 

Listen for buzzing, etc...

if it buzzes, check capacitor.

Check Incoming Voltage

Check for 240 VAC on contact points.

Capacitors


  • Start Capacitor (black)
  • Dual Run Capacitor(grey)


Checking the Capacitor

A problem capacitor may shows signs that it is bad by bulging out. Check to see if the capacitor appears misshapen.


The capacitor has a rating on it. Capacity is written as HERMS capacity + FAN capacity.

ex. 35+4uF

Measure the capacity from common to what you are measuring.

ex. Fan measurement should show 4uF and Herms should show 35uF.


Checking the Condenser Fan

Spin the fan with a screwdriver to see if it moves freely. If it doesn't you may need to replace the fan motor. You can also try oiling the fan.


Compressor

Ac Units

Mark's Unit

Sears Model# 875.47270

MD: 3207-1 11A


Notes:

Blue Box: Honeywell r8405b1009 (Fan Controller)


Wall WireThermostat WireTerminalUsage
WhiteWhite
Common
BlackRed
Power
RedBrown
Heat
OrangeYellowYAC
GreenGreenGFan



MarkingWire Color CodeDescription
RRedPower, 24 Vac transformer
RcRedPower from cooling, 24 Vac transformer
RhRedPower from heat, 24 Vac transformer
CBlack/BlueCommon of 24 Vac transformer
WWhitePrimary heat cell relay
EBrownEmergency heat relay
YYellowPrimary cool call relay
Y2YellowSecondary cool call relay
GGreenFan relay
OOrangeChange-over relay to cool relay
BBlueChange-over relay to heat relay
A
Heat and cool active to any relay
L
Emergency heat active lamp
X
System malfunction lamp
P
Defrost control lamp



References