Original message
| Yalahadan
 |  "Relay/Contactor Problem?"
, posted Wed 13 Aug 18:39  
A couple of months ago my a/c outside unit's fan and condenser wouldn't come on. I would tap on the capacitor and then it would start. After about 10 times doing this, the unit started working w/o doing the tapping. Now, 2 months later, the unit stopped working again and tapping doesn't help. However, I pressed in on the contactor and the fan and capacitor comes on and cool air blows thoughout house. The problem is I have to keep the contactor pressed which is impossible (holding the contact in with a stick) because once you let loose, the unit stops. Is this a contactor, relay switch or capacitor problem? Thanks in advance to all.
Dan
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Replies:
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| sinead26ohara
| "Re(1):Relay/Contactor Problem?" , posted Sun 31 Aug 23:43
Using a multi-meter, check to see if you have 24 volts AC to the outdoor contactor. If not then there is a wiring fault on the low-voltage side to the outdoor unit. It could be that the spade-clips are worn. If you have 24 volt AC to the contactor then replace the contactor.
Sinead O'Hara
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| "Re(1):Relay/Contactor Problem?" , posted Wed 13 Aug 20:17
Does the indoor fan run continously, or does it only come on when the a/c is turned on?
If the thermostat fan mode is set to auto, and the a/c is turned on the indoor fan should start. This lets us know the 24V circuit is good.
Take a look at the small wire that comes from the furnace and goes to the a/c. If the 2 wires connect directly to the contactor coil you don't have to worry about other switches that may be open. You should have a multimeter and verify wether you have 24V outside.
www.hvactechgroup.com
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| | Yalahadan
| "Re(2):Relay/Contactor Problem?" , posted Thu 14 Aug 12:56:
Thanks for the speedy response. The indoor fan does not run continously and only comes on when a/c is turned to auto or fan on mode. It is 24v because that is noted on the unit. I will check the voltage. If 24v would it then be the contactor?
[this message was edited by Yalahadan on Thu 14 Aug 17:14] |
| | timdecker
| "Re(3):Relay/Contactor Problem?" , posted Thu 14 Aug 17:37
Yes, contactor needs to be replaced. You may notice signs of pitted areas on the contactor. This occurs many times due to ants or bugs blocking the circuit for your 24v contol.
Greetings from Houston TX the AC capitol of the world!
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