[tarynv]

I have a Nordyne heat pump unit. In heat or cool mode, the unit runs but the outside fan only runs for about 30 seconds and then shuts off. It will start again in 30 seconds and continues the on and off cycle. The rest of the unit continues running.



Does this sound like I might need to replace the fan motor or should I be looking at the capacitor? I'm thinking that since the fan still turns that it may be the capacitor.


Thanks for any help.

 

[yuri]

It could be a faulty capacitor.

If it looks bulged out at the top then usually it is kaput.

Otherwise you would need a meter that reads capacitance and then discharge it and test it's strength.

They are cheap to buy so you may want to save yer $$ on a meter and just replace it.

 

[roughneck]

Do you have a head pressure control?
Doesn’t sound like normal behavior for either a failing motor or capacitor. But you can use a meter and diagnose the issue.
Is the motor getting constant power when it’s cycling?

 

[tarynv]

I have no idea about the constant pressure. Is the meter something I can get at Lowe's?

 

[roughneck]

Yes, but if you get one you’ll have to have some basic electrical knowledge and be ok working with live high voltage.

 

[tarynv]

Thank you. I'll delegate the high voltage part to my husband. lol