Trane XE1000: Fan on outside compressor unit runs backwards, even with thermostat switch set to 'off'. Doesn't stop until circuit breaker is switched off. IF A/C is turned on, fan will reverse to proper direction but runs at reduced speed. Just started a few days ago. Any ideas??
Thanks,
Dan
Outside Air Conditioner Unit: Fan Spinning in Reverse Recently I replaced the contact relay and the capacitor (dual capacitor) on my 2.5 ton Payne outside unit. I thought that I wired everything on to the new capacitor correctly by following the wiring on the old capacitor. However, when turning on the unit, the fan on the outside unit spun counterclockwise. The unit was Sucking In Air rather than blowing it out, which is bad for the unit. Solution: Originally on my unit the Brown Fan wire went to the Fan position on the old capacitor. The other Light Colored Yellow Fan wire went to the Common position on the old capacitor. However, wiring it the same way on the new capacitor reversed the rotation of the fan, thereby causing the unit to **** In Air. By reversing the Fan Wires on the new capacitor, the fan spun clockwise and the air was blowing out of the unit. On the new capacitor the Light Colored Yellow Fan wire was this time connected to the Fan position of the new capacitor and the Brown Fan wire was connected to the Common position of the new capacitor. Note: If your compressor has a delay in starting, you may want to consider adding a hard start capacitor. This has two Black wires that are wired to the Compressor position of the capacitor and the Common position of the capacitor. Wiring order does not matter. Crabman
Posted on Jun 01, 2012
My Gibson seemed to have that 'free energy' aspect too. Except it always spun counter-clock-wise (how it should), but did not increase in speed when the AC turned on. Turns out there was a short from the lines leading from the capacitor to the fan. The cables were not threaded properly under the lid and fan, so the lid sawed one of the cables, cut all except for one strand and dug it into another wire. Turns out the 'free energy' was just the circuit being completed by the peeled wire. My short was easy to spot, but if the circuit is completed somewhere inside the fan motor it will take a lot more work finding.
Posted on Jul 02, 2010
Most likely a bad motor or bad capacitor. I would check the capacitor first as this is probably a $20 fix. The fact that it runs in the correct direction but at a reduced speed really leans hard to the capacitor.
Good Luck and hope this resolves things for you. Let me know.
Posted on May 10, 2009
Dan,
It now seems that the t'stat is wired wrong. Please get back to me and I will do my best to get it going for you.
WendysTech
Even with everything turned off, power still exsists at the outdoor unit as most are wired in such a way that 1 leg of power goes through the unit to keep compressor warm. This prevents freon from being drawn out side during cold seasons but a/c is still being used as structure is still somewhat warm.
Sorry I could not be of more help.
×
DANHARK-
My Trane XB1000 is doing the same thing, it spins conterclockwise when the a/c is on and clockwise when it is off. It also does not seems to be going at full speed, it seems fast but not real fast if that makes any sense.
How much did your repair (replace the fan motor)cost if you don't mind me asking?
Thanks.
Posted on Jul 12, 2009
Jun 28, 2017 | Bryant Heating & Cooling
Oct 12, 2014 | Heating & Cooling
Aug 16, 2014 | Heating & Cooling
Nov 19, 2017 | Heating & Cooling
Sep 08, 2012 | Heating & Cooling
Jul 24, 2010 | Heating & Cooling
Jun 17, 2010 | Heating & Cooling
Feb 06, 2010 | Heating & Cooling
Jun 12, 2009 | Honeywell Programmable Thermostat Heater
5,246 people viewed this question
Usually answered in minutes!
Thanks for the help, folks! I just installed new capacitor, but no change. Motor still runs backward even if heat is selected on thermostat. No apparent wire problems and compressor relay at condenser unit moves freely. WHat next??
Fan motor is completely sealed, so can't see anything. It's a GE D14407P01, if that helps. Spins freely, has about 1/4" play along thrust axis.
Latest update: replaced thermostat - now fan runs backward if heat is selected, doesn't run otherwise. If A/C is selected, compressor runs, but no fan.
Rechecked t-stat wiring, OK. turned furnace circuit breaker off, then on, and all was well inheat mode, went through a normal heat cycle ok. Switched to cooling, fan came on at proper time but at reduced speed. when cooling shut down, fan runs in reverse again and can only be stopped by tripping A/C circuit breaker. Resetting furnace CB didn't help this time. Is this a problem with the control board at the furnace??
Nobody has worked on the system for several years, which was when I changed the start/run cap because the fan wouldn't run, and all was fine until 5 days ago. We've had lots of stormy weather for the last month, but I can't confirm lightning or surge damage as no other equipment in house seems affected. Just a thought....
Finally broke down and called A/C tech. Turned out to be the fan motor, as originally surmised. I'd still like to know why there's power out to the unit with everything turned off.
Thanks for the help!!!
Great!!
I, too, would like to know how that motor was running "on its own". Maybe you should keep the old one -- it might reveal a secret source of free energy.
It sounds like the tstat is properly connected since you didn't replace it until this symptom appeared -- the old tstat worked properly at one time -- correct?
Given that, I would suspect the controller. Sounds like a crossed wire since the controller is just a bunch of connections among the tstat, a 24VAC transformer, and relays. Has anyone worked on the controller lately?
If I understand correctly, the A/C compressor fan outside runs when the thermostat is set to heat? This should not be happening -- there should be no current going to that motor unless the thermostat is in cool mode. Am I getting this right?
I checked for the motor on the internet to get specs -- couldn't find it.
Charlie
Does this motor have a centrifugal start switch? Do you see a little gizmo inside the motor on the shaft -- like some electrical contacts with springs on them?
Probably a bad start/run capacitor.
Do you want to troubleshoot and try to fix?
×