Compressor problem? My outdoor unit comes on with the fan blowing just fine. Then I hear a buzzing sound for about 2-3 seconds which I believe is the compressor trying to come on. (Incidentally, a couple of lights inside the house seem to dim at the same time that the buzzing sound occurs.) The buzzing sound reoccurs every couple minutes while the outdoor unit fan and the indoor blower both continue to run. I have shut down both the outdoor and indoor units for a couple hours and tried restarting but to no avail. I took the cover off the back part of the outside unit where the compressor sits and it was disgusting inside. I cleaned it out, but it is by no means spotless. Is my compressor shot?

The buzz is the compressor failing to start.The blue or purple wire from the compressor goes to herm on the capacitor. If it's wired right and does not stare the compressor is bad.

Air conditioner compressor will not start. When power is applied to the air conditioning outdoor unit the fan starts, but you hear a sound like the compressor is trying to start, "UGGG"..., for about 5 to 10 seconds and then all you hear is the outdoor condenser fan run. The compressor is locked and will not start. What is happening is the compressor is trying to start, but because the compressor motor is locked it tries to start for a few seconds and then because of the high amperage being drawn goes off on internal overload. The internal overload protects the compressor windings from overheating and burning up. I see this many times during the start of the air conditioning season. Some compressors just have a hard time starting after sitting all winter long. Many times I can get the compressor started again without having to buy a new compressor by using the device known as a "Super-Boost." I keep two or three of these on the truck. They have saved many of my customers from having to buy new compressor

Problem #1:Outdoor condensing fan motor has stopped running. This problem could be caused by a bad motor run capacitor. If your motor capacitor is not the problem, then more than likely you need a new motor. Is the fan blade tight, stiff or hard to turn? If the fan blade is hard to turn then you probably need a new motor. Problem #2: Air conditioner compressor will not start. When power is applied to the air conditioning outdoor unit the fan starts, but you hear a sound like the compressor is trying to start, "UGGG"..., for about 5 to 10 seconds and then all you hear is the outdoor condenser fan run. The compressor is locked and will not start. What is happening is the compressor is trying to start, but because the compressor motor is locked it tries to start for a few seconds and then because of the high amperage being drawn goes off on internal overload. The internal overload protects the compressor windings from overheating and burning up. I see this many times during the start of the air conditioning season. Some compressors just have a hard time starting after sitting all winter long. Some compressors are locked up so bad that I can not start them and must tell my customer that they need a new compressor . Many times I can get the compressor started again without having to buy a new compressor or new air conditioning system by using the device known as a "Super-Boost." I keep two or three of these on the truck. They have saved many of my customers from having to buy new air conditioning compressor. Another good device is called a "5-2-1" kit.

Problem #1:Outdoor condensing fan motor has stopped running. This problem could be caused by a bad motor run capacitor. If your motor capacitor is not the problem, then more than likely you need a new motor. Is the fan blade tight, stiff or hard to turn? If the fan blade is hard to turn then you probably need a new motor. Problem #2: Air conditioner compressor will not start. When power is applied to the air conditioning outdoor unit the fan starts, but you hear a sound like the compressor is trying to start, "UGGG"..., for about 5 to 10 seconds and then all you hear is the outdoor condenser fan run. The compressor is locked and will not start. What is happening is the compressor is trying to start, but because the compressor motor is locked it tries to start for a few seconds and then because of the high amperage being drawn goes off on internal overload. The internal overload protects the compressor windings from overheating and burning up. I see this many times during the start of the air conditioning season. Some compressors just have a hard time starting after sitting all winter long. Some compressors are locked up so bad that I can not start them and must tell my customer that they need a new compressor . Many times I can get the compressor started again without having to buy a new compressor or new air conditioning system by using the device that is called, "Super-Boost." I keep two or three of these on the truck. They have saved many of my customers from having to buy new air conditioning systems

Hi, so you have a central air split system, with the gas furnace in the attic and the condenser outdoors. Unless you had a service tech out and told you your system was shot, you more then likely just have a problem with the outdoor unit. Yes, it may be a freon problem and it needs a charge, or some minor problem in one of the electrical circuits not bringing on the compressor so there would be no cooling. $6,000 sounds about right for a complete system, but I don't believe at all that's what you need. If you are familar with electrical, or you are able to go to the outdoor unit to see if you can hear the compressor running, and the outdoor fan is on, this is the place to start. Look it over, turn the unit on and make sure the blower is coming on in the attic. If so, make sure the outdoor unit is up and running. You can take off a panel and hear the compressor to see if it is on. If so, its very possible it is just low on freon. You will have 2- copper lines coming out of this unit. Place your hand on the large line and see if it is nice and cold and even wet, condensation. The smaller line will be much warmer, even hot if its running ok. If you find that the compressor is on and the line is warm, sounds like it may just be a leak and you should call and get a tech out to check this for you. It may be many things, but check to make sure that what I have told you is ok, and keep me posted. Until we find out what is going on, don't let them tell you you need to install a complete system. I am sure you were just checking. Please give me the model and serial number, and name of the outdoor unit if you would be so kind. And the age and over all condition that you think it may be in, like the last time it was serviced. I will wait to hear back from you, so we can get this up and running.
Sincerely,
Shastalaker7
A/C, Heating, & Refrigeration Contractor.

you may have a bad start capacitor or windings. You really need to call for a service technician in your area to diagnose the problem. Doing it your self can lead to personal injury or cost you a lot more money to fix.

sounds like the compressor is seized.

my friend it sounds like you have a bad motor the compressor will lock out either on hi pressure or internal overload start with the outdoor motor good luck

Check the start capacitor. You may be able to see visual deformaty, otherwise, use a meter. The buzzing is most likely the contactors closing which uses a seperate 24v supply..

The compressor is not coming on and some part of that unit has failed. Do you hear any clicking sounds along with the buzzing sound? Recommend that you shut the unit down (remove power from it) until a service tech can listen to it try to start up.

The power company-installed load management system is probably a red hearing. That system will either fully turn off the unit or allow it to turn on/start up.