[masbirdies]

Went to turn my A/C this weekend (hot living in FL) and I could tell the compressor was not kicking in. The outside unit fan was working properly, however, while I could get the thermostat to turn on the air once, if I switch it off and turned it back to "cool" the emblem showing the air was on would not show.

At the outdoor unit, the fan would work and while running, I could hear a faint buzz or humming sound. When the fan was turned off, I could still hear the sound.

I believe this happened once before when I first moved into the house around 10 years ago. When the service tech came out, he said one of the wires that are tied together came out of the wire nut.

I opened up the panel and looked at the wiring. There are several different colored wires, thin and fat wires (blue, orange, brown, yellow, and red) tied together, however, light brown wire is not tied together to the other brown wire and there is a wire nut on the end of the fatter wire.

Anyone know about these units and if this could be the issue? Seems common sense to me that it is, however, I don't want to blow the thing up. I'm going through a divorce, so if I can fix this myself, I'd be grateful.[

Here's a pic!

 

[Houston204]

The problem is commonly a run capacitor that serves the compressor.
Capacitors can hold a charge for a while after removing power.
The meter to check a capacitor would cost more than a new capacitor.

Brown is a thermister that is not used with most thermostats.
The Baystat239 and 240 thermostats support it...

This is the diagram for the 2 ton thru 3 1/2 ton heat pumps...

 

[masbirdies]

Thanks for the response....

I've noticed now that the heat is not coming on. The thermostat is just flashing "wait" when I move it over to the heating section.

Does that give any additional clues? PS....I have a multi-meter. Does it take an expensive or certain type to work test A/C / Heat Pump condensing units?

It always seems like I have issues with these units after leaving them off for an extended period of time. I've had the unit off for about a month.

 

[masbirdies]

PS...though it's not tripping now....

While the A/C side was not in use, I noticed the circuit breaker labeled "A/C" was tripped. It has not tripped while working through this.

 

[Houston204]

I've noticed now that the heat is not coming on.

The outdoor unit is AC and Heat with heat pumps.

The thermostat is just flashing "wait" when I move it over to the heating section

Does it display this for more than 5 minutes?
What stat do you have? Have you seen your current stat heat and cool your house?

I have a multi-meter. Does it take an expensive or certain type to work test A/C / Heat Pump condensing units?

What meter do you have? Does it measure caps?

While the A/C side was not in use, I noticed the circuit breaker labeled "A/C" was tripped.

This could be caused by a bad run cap (if you are lucky).

Post the model number of your outdoor unit. 5 ton heat pumps sometimes have an odd capacitor wiring.

 

[masbirdies]

Thanks Houston204....

Heading for a vacation. Will respond when I return. I appreciate your help!