I noticed today that the button on the thermostat isn't turning the fan on by itself. I tried today just to turn on the fan couldn't get it turn on.
Tonight we turn on the AC couldn't get cold air. Fan is blowing through the vents so I go outside to check the AC and the AC fan outside is not turning on compressor is working. Could it be the thermostat capacitor or the fan motor? I turned the fan it turns I didn't reset it I took the breaker out from outside I think I should hit the reset button. I don't know how long thermostat hasn't been letting u turning on the fan by itself A.C.
The AC was working fine last night until today when I tried to turn on the fan something happen and it still won't let me just turn on the fan without the AC
Best Answer
The most common reason for something like this is the capacitor on the compressor (the outside part) has gone out. You can do this yourself, you just need to be extra careful if you decide to do so.
Cut off the power to the compressor
You should have a power disconnect switch feeding your compressor. Turn it off. Use a tester to confirm it's off. You'd be amazed how often disconnects have been bypassed after the fact.
Remove the cover to the side where the capacitor is
You should have one corner that is separated from the open area in the middle. Remove the cover and you should see the capacitor inside (almost always a round cylinder with wires attached). Be aware that the capacitor is still charged even with the power off.
Discharge the capacitor
You probably have a C/Common, a F/fan and a Herm(compressor) terminal. Discharge is recommended. I would suggest using a 100 ohm resistor (not recommended to use a screwdriver here). Touch the common to the herm for a few seconds, then do the same for the fan side.
Remove the capacitor
Take a picture of the wires and then remove the capacitor. The connectors push on to tabs. There's typically a strap to hold the capacitor.
Install the new capacitor
If you can't wait for an online delivery, contact a local HVAC company to see if they'll sell you a capacitor directly. Put the wires back on, scrap it back in and turn the power on.
Your compressor should now work. If not, you might need to consult an HVAC company on what else could be wrong.