My compressor runs for 3 seconds - then shuts down for 3 minutes - then runs for 3 seconds

Possibly a tstat issue. Run system until satisfied, once satisfied indoor fan shuts down compressor still runs remove tstat face plate and see if compressor shuts down. Another issue could be a sticking contactor for compressor. With a meter you could check at the contactor to see if you lose your 24volts for cooling but contactor remains pulled in.

When cu shuts down does the contactor release?When compressor shuts off are you still getting 24 all the way to contactor?? If system shuts down with contactor pulled in it's a high voltage issue. If contactor lets go then you know it's a low voltage issue. Possible short, check tstat wire for rodent damage. Tighten high voltage wires in disconnect, be safe!!

If there is a capacitor running the compressor, replace it. if that does not solve the problem, suspect the compressor failing.

This is called short cycling. It sounds like the compressor is getting hot and opening a bi-metal overload, which shuts the compressor off. The compressor cools, because it is not running and the bi-metal contacts close allowing the compressor to start again. This will repeat itself and is usually due to low refrigerant, which usually means there is a leak in the normally sealed refrigerant lines. The refrigerant cools the compressor windings and if it is low it cannot do that, hence the shutting off of teh compressor, cooling down process and restarting of your compressor. Short cycling will ultimately ruin the compressor.

If this has helped you please give me a rating worthy of my diagnosis.

im not sure what tstat you have? if you still have your tstat book it well tell you how to set it up. may be it was not programed when installed. i hope that helps

Those symptoms you describe indicate a compressor that is "short cycling", if it is indeed starting and running for those 3 minutes. Is the evaporator cold for those three minutes as well? Many times people think its running, then shutting off, when in fact it is only trying to start. Without proper tools you cant test compressor, but it might be worth finding out from a repair service if its the compressor or the compressor starter, the latter of which is much much less expensive.

Assuming the other motors on the cabinet are running, you've narrowed your problem down to 2 things, the compressor itself, or the start device has failed. Without the proper tools you wont be able to test the compressor first. My advice, go to repair clinic . com, see what a starter will cost you, if you can find a repairman to check your compressor for cheaper than what it costs to buy starter, well there you go. Either way, if its the compressor thats bad, you wont want to spend the money to replace, unless you have a built in worth several thousand, or physical constraints of kitchen prevent you from buying new fridge.

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Hi, You have a heat-pump, this I do no. The reason it is shutting down from how you have explained it to me, is the compressor is shutting down due to high pressure and it is going off on the internal overload. When the compressor cools down, it starts back up and runs again. As for the large line getting warm, this is normal for a heat-pump as in the summer this line will be cold. The reversing valve changes over the flow of freon and the flow goes in the other direction. Back to you're problem. The service tech is bleeding off freon because he is apparently showing with his gauges it is over charged? This will cause it to draw to many amps and shut off. Has this compressor been changed out recently? Or maybe freon added due to a leak? He is doing it because he is thinking it is over charged. It may be some if it runs for a few hours after it is bled off. Did you notice if he clamped his meter around a compressor wire to check the running load amps? If so, that's what he is doing. I would say this unit had work done on it recently or correct me if I am wrong. The condenser fan motor should not shut off with the compressor, it should run all the time even if compressor shuts off on internal overload, believe me!! The fan is wired separate from compressor. The only time this fan shuts off when heat is on, is when it goes into defrost, and compressor keeps running. For the compressor to run for only 30 seconds and shut off, and then back on in 3 min, on for 5 seconds and off again, sounds to me this unit is short cycling due to being under charged. It is strange it runs after he bleeds freon off for a 1/2 a day. As far as the fan shutting down to, and I would like you to get back to me, if the compressor was changed at some point, the fan wiring was connected to the contactor load side, so it shuts down when compressor shuts down. One fan lead is on the wrong terminal of the contactor. If this is the original compressor, this could have happened at the factory, I have seen this before. The tech should have seen this!! Going on and off this fast, would not cause the compressor to get hot enough to kick off and cool fast enough to come back on that fast! Sounds like low pressure. I don't like to knock other techs work, but this unit is not being checked properly. Without me being there to install my gauges and amprobe, all I can do is tell you he is wrong with his solution, way off. Heat-Pumps are much more tempermental then a split a/c only.What to do is call them back out and request a different service tech, or the service manager. This will be no charge to you! You should be reimbursed for the last call. E.P.A. allows us to only loose minimus amounts of freon installing our gauges also. It is forbidden to bleed it into the air. He could be fined $25,000 the 1st time!! It also sounds as though you have a problem in the defrost board that would cause this. Please call them back out and don't feel bad about it. This is you're right! Tell them about the fan also as if it is going off on high pressure which I think not, the fan would stay on. I know this is long but I want you to understand what is going on. I do this for a living and know whats up! I am a Licensed contractor in this field. Please keep me posted. I will be waiting to hear back.
Sincerely,
Shastalaker7

I have a Craftsman 2hp/12 gallon Air compressor that does basicly the same thing, will start, run for about 3 seconds and stop. I replaced the pressure switch but still have the problem. Any suggestions?

Is the compressor too hot to touch when it shuts down? This would indicate a low charge

Seems to me you have a faulty cold control. (behind the temp control).Not too expensive , about 40 bucks.