Air Conditioner Not Cooling

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Air conditioner not cooling are ordered
from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the
top of the page.

Related Videos

 How It Works
 Disassembly
 Part Testing

Most Frequent Causes for Air conditioner not cooling

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.

Where is my model number?

Cause 1 Air Filter

If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the air conditioner. This greatly
reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the
evaporator coils will frost over. To remove debris from the air filter, try cleaning the filter. If it is
not possible to clean the air filter, replace it.

Parts
Cause 2 Condenser Coils are Dirty

The condenser coils dissipate the heat as the refrigerant passes through the coils. If the condenser
coils are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat as effectively. As debris builds up on the
coils, the air conditioner will become less efficient, causing the air conditioner to work harder to
cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the air conditioner will not be able to maintain the
proper temperature, and the compressor will run continuously in an attempt to cool the room.
Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty. If the condenser coils are dirty, clean
them.

Cause 3 Compressor

The compressor might be defective. However, this is not usually the case. Before replacing the
compressor, be sure to check more commonly defective components—particularly the overload
protector and the compressor capacitor. If the compressor is defective, it should only be replaced
by a licensed technician.

Parts
Cause 4 Thermostat
The thermostat monitors the temperature of the air. When the air temperature rises above a set
point, the thermostat activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor. If the
thermostat is defective, the thermostat may not cool properly. To determine if the thermostat is
defective, set the air conditioner to cooling and then use a multimeter to test the thermostat for
continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity while the air conditioner is set to cooling,
replace the thermostat. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will
have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)

Parts
Cause 5 Thermistor

The thermistor is a sensor connected to the control board that detects the temperature of the air.
The resistance value of the thermistor changes in conjunction with the air temperature. If the air
temperature rises, the resistance value will decrease. To determine if the thermistor is at fault,
use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermistor does not have continuity, or if the
resistance of the thermistor does not change with a change in temperature, replace the thermistor.
(To find specific temperature and resistance values, try checking your user’s manual.)

Parts
Cause 6 Control Board

The control board regulates the voltage to the compressor motor and the fan motor. If the control
board fails, other components will not function properly or will not work at all. Control boards
are often misdiagnosed; make you sure check more commonly defective parts before replacing
the control board. If you are certain that all of the other components are working properly,
replace the control board.

Parts
Cause 7 Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat is a sensor which monitors the temperature of the air and
activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor when the air temperature drops
below a set point. If the thermostat isn’t working, the air conditioner will cool continuously or
won’t cool at all. To determine if the temperature control thermostat is defective, use a
multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it. (Note:
Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminals. Refer to
your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)

Parts
Cause 8 Temperature Control Board

If the temperature control board is defective, the fan motor and compressor will not get power.
Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure you check other air conditioner parts before
replacing the temperature control board. If you are certain that all of the other components are
working properly, replace the control board.
Parts
Cause 9 Run Capacitor

The run capacitor is connected to the compressor with electrical leads. If the run capacitor burns
out, the compressor will not run. To determine if the run capacitor is burned out, test the
capacitor using a multimeter. If the capacitor does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts

ir Conditioner Fan Not Working

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Air conditioner fan not working are
ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items
at the top of the page.

Related Videos

 How It Works
 Disassembly
 Part Testing

Most Frequent Causes for Air conditioner fan not working

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.

Where is my model number?

Cause 1 Dual Shaft Fan Motor

The dual shaft fan motor (or circulation fan motor) might be defective. The circulation fan motor
has two fan blades: one on either side of the motor. On one side, the fan blade draws in outside
air over the condensing coil to dissipate the heat. On the other side, the fan blade directs the air
over the evaporator coil. The dual shaft fan motor has bearings that can loosen or bind over time.
To determine if the motor bearings are defective, wiggle the motor shaft. If the motor shaft is
loose, or if it won’t turn at all, replace the fan motor.

Parts
Cause 2 Fan Motor

Try turning the blade by hand. If the blade does not turn freely, this indicates that the motor
bearings are worn out. If the motor bearings are worn out, replace the motor. If the blade turns
freely, test the incoming power to the fan motor. If power is getting to the fan motor, but the
motor won’t run, this also indicates that the motor is defective and should be replaced.
Parts
Cause 3 Relay Board

The relay board provides voltage to many components of the air conditioner, including the fan
motor. If the relay board isn’t working properly, the fan might not run. Relay boards are often
misdiagnosed; before replacing the board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts
—particularly the fan motor capacitor and the fan motor itself. If you are certain that all of the
other components are working properly, replace the relay board.

Parts
Cause 4 Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat has electrical contacts that burn out over time. If the
electrical contacts are burned out, the thermostat won’t work properly The fan motor should
always be running when the compressor is on. If the compressor is running, but the fan motor is
not running, the fan motor or the fan motor capacitor are likely at fault. If both the compressor
and the fan motor won’t run, use a multimeter to test the temperature control thermostat for
continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it. (Note: Some thermostats may
also control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s
wiring diagram for more information.)

Parts
Cause 5 Thermostat

The thermostat monitors the temperature of the air. When the air temperature rises above a set
point, the thermostat activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor. If the
thermostat is defective, it may prevent the fan from working. To determine if the thermostat is
defective, set the air conditioner to cooling and then use a multimeter to test the thermostat for
continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity while the air conditioner is set to cooling,
replace the thermostat. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will
have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)

Parts
Cause 6 Main Control Board

The main control board provides voltage to all of the air conditioner’s components. If there is a
problem with the control board, it might stop providing power to the fan motor. Control boards
are often misdiagnosed; make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing
the main control board. If you are certain that all of the other components are working properly,
replace the main control board.

Parts
Cause 7 Thermistor

The thermistor is a sensor connected to the control board that detects the temperature of the air.
If the thermistor is faulty, it may prevent the fan from running. To determine if the thermistor is
at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermistor does not have continuity,
replace it.

Parts
Cause 8 Blower Motor

The blower motor may be burned out or worn out. First, check the fan blades. If the blades don’t
spin freely, replace the blower motor. Second, make sure that power is getting to the blower
motor. If the blower motor is getting power but the motor still won’t run, replace it. It is not
possible to repair the blower motor; if it is defective, you must replace it.

Parts
Cause 9 Capacitor

The capacitor is attached to the compressor by electrical leads. If the capacitor burns out, the fan
won’t run. To determine whether the capacitor is burned out, use a multimeter to test it for
continuity. If the capacitor does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 10 Rotary Switch

The rotary switch turns to activate the fan motor. Over time, the electrical contacts inside the
switch can become pitted, preventing them from conducting electricity. To determine if the
rotary switch is conducting electricity, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity
according to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram. If the rotary switch does not have continuity,
replace it.

Parts
Cause 11 Selector Switch

The selector switch directs voltage to the fan. To determine if the selector switch is at fault, try
making selections on the air conditioner’s control board. If the fan runs intermittently after you
press a button, replace the selector switch. Additionally, if there is any arcing or smoke coming
from the selector switch, replace it.

Parts

Air Conditioner Compressor Won't Run

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Air conditioner compressor won't run
are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the
items at the top of the page.
Related Videos

 How It Works
 Disassembly
 Part Testing

Most Frequent Causes for Air conditioner compressor won't run

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.

Where is my model number?

Cause 1 Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat has electrical contacts inside that burn out over time. It is
possible for the thermostat to still turn on the fan motor but not the compressor motor.

Parts
Cause 2 Temperature Control Board

The temperature control board provides voltage to the fan motor and compressor. If the control
board is defective, it may stop providing voltage to the compressor. Control boards are often
misdiagnosed. Before replacing the temperature control board, make sure you check more
commonly defective parts—particularly the compressor overload, capacitor and the compressor
itself. If you are certain that all of the other components are working properly, replace the
temperature control board.

Parts
Cause 3 Thermostat

The thermostat monitors the temperature of the air. When the air temperature rises above a set
point, the thermostat activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor. If the
thermostat is defective, it may prevent the compressor from running. If you determine that the
compressor is at fault, replace it.

Parts
Cause 4 Overload

The overload protects the compressor from burning out if it draws too much current. Over time,
the overload can burn out. To determine if the overload is burned out, use a multimeter to test the
overload for continuity. If the overload does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 5 Compressor
The compressor itself might be defective. However, this is not usually the case. Before replacing
the compressor, be sure to check more commonly defective components—particularly the
overload protector and the compressor capacitor. If the compressor is defective, it should only be
replaced by a licensed technician.

Parts
Cause 6 Thermistor

The thermistor is a sensor connected to the control board that detects the temperature of the
outside air. If the thermistor does not have continuity, it can prevent the compressor from
running. To determine if the thermistor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the
thermistor does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 7 Relay Board

The relay board provides voltage to many of the components of the air conditioner. If the board
is defective, it can stop sending voltage to the compressor. Relay boards are often misdiagnosed;
before replacing the board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts—particularly
the overload protector, the compressor capacitor, and the compressor itself. If you are certain that
all of the other components are working properly, replace the relay board.

Parts
Cause 8 Main Control Board

The main control board provides voltage to all of the components of the air conditioner. If there
is a problem with the main control board, it might not send voltage to the compressor. However,
this is rarely the case. Before replacing the board, make sure you check more commonly
defective components—particularly the overload protector, compressor capacitor, and the
compressor itself. If you are certain that all of the other components are working properly,
replace the main control board.

Parts
Cause 9 Capacitor

The capacitor is attached to the compressor by electrical leads. If the capacitor burns out, the
compressor won’t run. To determine whether the capacitor is burned out, use a multimeter to test
it for continuity. If the capacitor does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 10 Selector Switch

The selector switch directs voltage to the compressor. If the selector switch is defective, the
compressor won’t run. First, check the capacitor, overload, and the compressor itself. If none of
these parts are defective, the selector switch might be at fault. If the compressor runs
intermittently when you press the selector buttons or rotate the switch knob, replace the selector
switch.

Parts

ir Conditioner Won't Turn Off

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Air conditioner won't turn off are
ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items
at the top of the page.

Related Videos

 How It Works
 Disassembly
 Part Testing

Most Frequent Causes for Air conditioner won't turn off

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.

Where is my model number?

Cause 1 Condenser Coils are Dirty

The condenser coils dissipate the heat as the refrigerant passes through the coils. If the condenser
coils are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat as effectively. As debris builds up on the
coils, the air conditioner will become less efficient, causing the air conditioner to work harder to
cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the air conditioner will not be able to maintain the
proper temperature, and the compressor will run continuously in an attempt to cool the room.
Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty. If the condenser coils are dirty, clean
them.

Cause 2 Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat provides voltage to the fan motor and compressor. If the
thermostat has shorted out, it might send continuous voltage to the compressor and cause the
compressor to run all the time. To determine if the thermostat is shorted out, use a multimeter to
test it for continuity. If the thermostat has continuity all the time, this indicates that it is shorted
out and should be replaced. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result,
will have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)
Parts
Cause 3 Thermostat

The thermostat monitors the temperature of the air. When the air temperature rises above a set
point, the thermostat activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor. If the
thermostat is defective, it may cause the compressor to run continuously. To determine if the
thermostat is defective, set the air conditioner to cooling and then use a multimeter to test the
thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity while the air conditioner is
set to cooling, replace the thermostat. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as
a result, will have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more
information.)

Parts
Cause 4 Thermistor

The thermistor is a sensor which detects the room air temperature. It is connected to the control
board. If the thermistor is defective it will not have continuity when it should. If this happens the
compressor runs all the time.

Parts
Cause 5 Relay Board

The relay board provides voltage to many of the air conditioner components, including the fan
motor and compressor. If there is a problem with the relay board, it might provide continuous
voltage to the compressor. However, this is almost never the case. Before you replace the relay
board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts. If you are certain that all of the
other components are working properly, replace the relay board.

Parts
Cause 6 Temperature Control Board

The temperature control board provides voltage to the fan motor and compressor. If there is a
problem with the control board, it might not stop providing power to the compressor. However,
this is almost never the case. Before you replace the temperature control board, make sure you
check more commonly defective parts. If you are certain that all of the other components are
working properly, replace the temperature control board.

Parts
Cause 7 Main Control Board

The main control board provides voltage to all of the components of the air conditioner. If there
is a problem with the control board, it might not stop providing power to the compressor. Before
you replace the main control board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts. If you
are certain that all of the other components are working properly, replace the main control board.

Parts
Air Conditioner is Loud or Noisy
The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Air conditioner is loud or noisy are
ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items
at the top of the page.

Related Videos

 How It Works
 Disassembly
 Part Testing

Most Frequent Causes for Air conditioner is loud or noisy

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.

Where is my model number?

Cause 1 Compressor

When the compressor is wearing out, it generates more noise than usual. When this happens, it is
not necessary to replace the compressor—compressors often last for years after they become
noisy. However, if you would prefer to have a new compressor, have a licensed professional
replace it.

Parts
Cause 2 Dual Shaft Fan Motor

The fan motor or dual shaft fan motor has bearings which are usually permanently lubricated.
However, over several years, the lubrication will break down, causing the motor to become
noisy. If this happens, replace the dual shaft fan motor.

Parts
Cause 3 Fan Blade

Air conditioners have a fan blade in the front and a fan blade in the rear. Check both fan blades
for damage. If a fan blade is damaged, or is rubbing against the fan housing, replace it.

Parts
Cause 4 Fan Motor
The fan blades might be scraping against the blower housing. Air conditioners have a fan blade
in the front and a fan blade in the rear. Check both fan blades to ensure that they are not rubbing
against the housing. If the blades aren’t rubbing against the housing and the fan motor is still
noisy, check the fan motor bearings for wear. If the bearings are worn, replace the fan motor.

Parts
Cause 5 Blower Wheel

Wiggle the blower wheel to see if it wobbles on the motor shaft. If the blower wheel is loose, try
tightening or replacing the screw. If blower wheel still isn’t stable, replace the blower wheel
altogether.

Parts
Cause 6 Blower Motor

One or more of the fan blades might be scraping against the housing. Air conditioners have a fan
blade in the front and a fan blade in the rear. Check both fan blades to ensure that they are not
rubbing against the housing. If the blades aren’t rubbing against the housing and the fan motor is
still noisy, check the blower motor bearings for wear. If the bearings are worn, replace the
blower motor.

Parts

Air Conditioner Leaking Water

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Air conditioner leaking water are
ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items
at the top of the page.

Related Videos

 How It Works
 Disassembly
 Part Testing

Most Frequent Causes for Air conditioner leaking water

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.

Where is my model number?

Cause 1 Leaning Too Far Forward
If the window or through-wall air conditioner is leaking water from the front, this indicates that
the air conditioner is leaning too far forward. The air conditioner is designed to expel the
condensate water from the back of the unit. Because of this, the air conditioner must be installed
so that it leans back on a 1-2 degree angle.

Air Conditioner Remote Control Not

Working
The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Air conditioner remote control not
working are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting
with the items at the top of the page.

Related Videos

 How It Works
 Disassembly
 Part Testing

Most Frequent Causes for Air conditioner remote control not working

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.

Where is my model number?

Cause 1 Remote Control

First, try replacing the batteries in the remote control. If installing fresh batteries doesn’t solve
the problem and you can still operate the air conditioner manually, the remote control might be
defective. If you think the remote control is defective, replace it.

Parts
Cause 2 Main Control Board

The main control board has an infrared receiver that receives signals from the remote. If the
infrared receiver is not working, the remote control will not be able to communicate with the
control board. If you suspect the main control board is defective, replace it.

Parts
Air Conditioner Coils Freezing
The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Air conditioner coils freezing are
ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items
at the top of the page.

Related Videos

 How It Works
 Disassembly
 Part Testing

Most Frequent Causes for Air conditioner coils freezing

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.

Where is my model number?

Cause 1 Dirty Air Filter

If the air filter becomes clogged with dirt, it restricts airflow over the evaporator coils. If the
airflow is reduced, the evaporator coils get too cold, which then causes the humidity in the room
to condense on the coils and freeze. As frost accumulates on the coils, the frost restricts the
airflow even more. Eventually, the entire evaporator coil assembly will frost over, causing the
airflow to be completely restricted. If the air filter is dirty, replace it.

Cause 2 Sealed System Leak

If the air conditioner coils are freezing in only one area, there may be a sealed system (or
refrigerant) leak. This is normally a very expensive repair. Repairs to the sealed system must
only be performed by a licensed technician.