My unit's fan works fine, but I think the compressor's not coming on. Problem has been intermittent; might be permanent by now. I'd like to check the thermostat and the capacitor, but I don't know the best way to access them. I'd like not to remove the unit from the window, if I can avoid it, because it is very heavy and I don't have anyone to help. Can you direct me? Thanks.

if the fan slowly comes up to speed check the connections on the resister they over heat and melt then check the fan motor itself

In this case you may have one of two things going wrong, Either there isn't enough freon in your a/c unit or you have a bad switch

Well, the answer is yes. I have seen a bad capacitor cause a fan motor to run backwards. BUT..... After replacing the capacitor and WIRING it up the right way, everything should be fine. A lot of aftermarket condenser fan motors are reversible, so it can run counter-clockwise (CCW) or clock-wise (CW). However, most factory fan motors come one directional and on your specific unit, the air should always push out of the top. Running the unit with the fan going backwards will actually some-what do it's job, but damage other components like the compressor because it runs at higher operating pressures than what it is designed for.

Have someone else look at it! That's going to be the best advice I can give you. If they can prove that a capacitor caused the motor to permanently run backwards..... I want to know! Hope this helps and good luck with your unit.

The intermittent sound you're hearing is probably the compressor trying to start. This could be caused by a bad circuit or the compressor motor is seized If the latter is the case, it's time to start shopping for a new AC. As the cost to repair would be almost as much as a new unit depending on the age of your unit. However, compressors usually have a 5 year limited warranty. So check you Owners Manual for details. It may still be in warranty.

Hope this helped you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

Whether its a central air unit or a wall unit, make sure the condensor is clean and air can flow thru it
make sure the condensor fan is running, the condensor fan keeps the compressor from over heating
if the condensor fan stops running the compressor will over heat and trip the circuit breaker. good luck!

How To Test the Compressor Relay The compressor relay's purpose is to start the compressor. A faulty relay can result in the compressor failing to cycle on. The relay is accessed from the lower rear of the refrigerator the relay is located in the terminal box which is located at the side of the compressor.

Before testing a compressor relay, unplug the refrigerator to avoid an electrical shock hazard. Also, if the compressor uses a capacitor, it must be discharged first to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Beneath the terminal cover is found the compressor relay , overload protector and the electrical terminals of the compressor motor.

Remove the compressor relay by pulling it straight off from the compressor.

Pull the wire off of the side terminal of the relay. It is connected with a slip on connector. Firmly pull the connector, do not pull on the wire. You may need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Inspect the connector and terminal for corrosion. If either is corroded they should be cleaned or replaced.
There are two types of relays you may encounter, wire coil and solid state. If the relay has an exposed wound wire coil it can be tested for continuity. Otherwise, the relay is of solid state design and requires specialized equipment for testing.

two things you may try, relocate ambient sensor to colder place, remove it from front bumper, and connect the two wires on refregerant temp sensor located @ rear of compressor, be carefull and observe your a/c system after doing this

condensor fan may nopt be operating if the condensor temp gets up there the compressor will not run

You need a new fan motor and the correct capacitors for your sydtem I think they are 35 or 45 5 cap. Try a hard start kit on compressor. Are you sure you have the cap wired correctly?Russ

Likely a bad motor, when this occurs verify the board is sending voltage to the motor.

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