what is a condenser fan on a car

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An older, less efficient AC condenser may cost the same or even more to repair than to replace. Just recently the fan motor began to overheat and go off on overload. After leaving the condenser, the refrigerant is a lot colder, which turns it into a liquid under the high pressure. after going thru this awesome website, i may have found the problem. Start by shutting off the AC units power. My A/C was running fine this summer, then the July hot humid heat wave hit with regular temps in the 90s. If the fan spins freely, there is no loose fan motor shaft play, and no fan wobble, checking the capacitor or even swapping in a new one is one fo the first repairs a tech will try as it's so easy and cheap. If there is no resistance on the coil, it has completely failed and the condenser . As the condenser basically functions as a heat exchanger for the AC system, a great amount of heat is expelled from it during the conversion from gas to liquid. Follow-Up from J.Y. After returning from vacation where we turned off the ac, (and water)when we turned the ac back on one of the two units, stopped putting out cold air. When the condenser fan is unable to carry out its function, the pressure is not released, and the gas moves through the system without becoming liquefied when it should. For instance, warm air will be released from the system when the refrigerant levels are low. Does the compressor have any other lubricant besides the Freon? I just pulled the outside ac breaker out. I am sorry that I don't know an immediate fix to what you describe and no I haven't quite heard this sequence before. and if fan is fed off one leg of that circuit, I wonder if that might stop the fan. There could also be a foul smell and leaking refrigerant from the system. Yes something is wrong. It has done some damage on the inside walls will this have to be replaced too. Took outside condensing fan off and got it freed up, oiled the bearings and it works, but the compressor is still not coming on. By removing the heat from the system, it keeps the pressure in the AC system down allowing the AC to provide the coolest air possible. My thermo is set on cool and 76 degrees in auto mode.usually my compressor kicks ..fan spinning etc..this time just coolair is being blown..no compressor. AC evaporator. but you might want to review the diagnostic steps starting atLOST COOLING CAPACITY https://inspectapedia.com/aircond/Air_Conditioner_Diagnosis.php. If the AC condenser fan relay fails, the AC condenser fan will not receive power and will not be able to cool the AC condenser. Check the start/run cap and the control board as well as the relay. Learn more. Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. replaced fan motor on a goodman ac unit the new motor will run about twenty minutes then get hot and stop running. Because the condenser fan cool such an important part of the AC system it is very important to pay attention to its operation if you find that your AC is not working. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. A bad run capacitor can be deceiving in the sense that it causes a jump, but won't actually start the motor. Your system compressor is not continuing to run, nor is the fan. The outside fan would run for 3 to 5 minutes and would stop. 2023 BV Air Conditioning & Heating. Turn the system off until it can be repaired. having problems with the contactor not resetting, unit runs fine but kicks off after a short time. Inspect the fan capacitor. thought i fixed it. Disconnect the motor from the capacitor and contactor. The condensor fan will run for about 1 minute then shut off and not start again for a few mins. There are a number of factors that might lead to a damaged coil, including: When determining whether to replace your broken-down condenser unit or repair it, you'll need to consider the age of the equipment. A smooth-running condenser fan motor doesnt only make your home comfortable. These were told to me to be so he could reverse the motor if need be? - Vicky Cummins 6/18/12. On some heat pumps that use a defrost cycle, during that period the compressor runs and the fan turns off (the idea is to warm up the compressor). And we will provide valuable advice on how to keep your air-conditioner in tiptop condition. Sean if the fan spins freely with power off but won't start and run on it's own the first thing most techs will do is swap in a new start/run capacitor. AC blows hot air. However, when the unit shut down, and restarts the fan may run great or not. A Goodman air conditioner condenser, or an AC condenser from other brands such as AirQuest is responsible for converting refrigerant gas into liquid form. Check to make sure that all the other specs match (horsepower, RPM, and voltage in particular). Very professional, prompt and courteous. I checked running caps and its good fan blade are good. All Rights Reserved. Under normal circumstances, your condenser fan motor will make some noise when its running. Mobile Home Air Conditioning and Furnace Systems, Mobile Home Air Conditioning and Coil Systems, Mobile Home Heat Pump & Evaporator Coil Systems, Heat & A/C Package Units for Mobile Homes, Manufactured and Mobile Home HVAC System Accessories, Commercial & Industrial Wall-Mounted Exhaust Fans, Hazardous Location & Corrosion-Resistant Fans, What is an Air Conditioner Condenser and How To Repair. You turn on the air conditioning and all you are met with is lukewarm air blowing in your face. I have a heat pump, Its been running fine in 100 degree weather. It can cool and liquefy the high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant (gaseous refrigerant) sent from the compressor. A capacitor is typically used to start or keep a motor running - a separate function. One day my AC compressor started making rumbling noises, and frost started forming on the coils. The condenser fan turns on, but it spins slowly. But you might want to look also for low voltage on the circuit. This is where the blower motor comes in. (May 4, 2016) dave said:compressor was not comming on, replaced with new one, it is doing the same thing not starting, 240v, new cap an contactor, Goodman heat pump. The water is sprayed over the coils by a sump in the condenser. On 2021-07-24 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). I check on the heat pump and there is ice all around the base (from concrete onto bottom of pump). They spun off the shaft and one got slightly bent. Could this be a controller failure? Your car would most likely show a few warning signs if the condenser fan failed. Now its a few hours later and the compressor is still running as expected, but the condenser fan has once again stopped working again. (July 19, 2015) c. de said:Compressor will start and run fine for several days, then shut off and need to be cooled down with a hose, then runs again. Loud or unusual noises coming from the condenser (such as growling and clattering). Previous to his visit I never had a problem with frost or icing. thanks. Or just search InspectApedia for "Cooling Coil or Evaporator Coil Ice-up or Frost Over" and you'll end up in the same place. This is because it's not possible to replace seals or condenser tubes, making AC condenser leak repair futile even for professionals. Just replaced the capacitor also. As a result, the condenser and fan play a crucial role in the AC systems ability to remove heat. It's a 5 ton amana model vca60c2a . It cools and condenses gaseous refrigerant to a liquid state. Because if you replace your AC condenser fan without addressing the issue, it will be a waste of time and money. Al if your compressor fan is not running that is certainly a problem and the place to start. If youre using an exact replacement OEM motor, then you can set the fan blade at the same position on the motor shaft. A working condenser is an important part of central AC, heat pumps and other split . I disconnected the leads after discharging the capacitor and checked it out with my multimeter set to capacitance. @TJ, Good morning, sir. Not If your compressor condenser unit is only supporting air conditioning. How to Check the A/C Condenser of a Car Robin under the Hood 19.2K subscribers Subscribe 1.4K 238K views 3 years ago AC / Climate Systems for Cars Learn how to check the condenser for. The unit is not cooling. Another symptom of a failing condenser fan is if your car overheats when the AC is on and the engine is idling. Blades are rotating very slowly when the fan is turned on. It's not oily or greasy. And a motor not properly mounted, or with a bearing that is binding, can also overheat. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. As with the condenser fan motor, a blower motor that gives off an electrical burning smell may be overheated. The pressure switch is one of the important components because it is a switch that functions as a safety on . Either way, its best to call in a professional to see whats wrong. circuitry, not the 240 volt relay) and put on L1 (120 Volt AC) the fan Most often, there will be two fan assemblies. But you are describing the condensing unit fan. house will cool fine for a while, then compressor shuts off and only fan runs and room temp. I'd also consider that if your fan motor was having trouble before, the root cause could be the motor, wiring, control panel - continuing to fail and no longer being overcome by the capacitor - like a motor overheating and going off on thermal reset. Does anyone really know how to repair a unit, or do they just want you to buy new? If you are sure the controls are calling for the equipment to run and voltage is present, start by checking the diagnostic articles in the order listed at LOST COOLING CAPACITY. It's 30 degrees outside and I'm running the heat. - the air leakiness of the building The 48 frame measures 5- in diameter. But you shouldnt try to do it yourself. Does it, as you have stated in one of your responses, have a defrost cycle and I should check in a quarter hour if it is running again? which wires should I connect the red and white wires from the air conditioner to? When replacing an AC condenser fan motor, youll need to match the amperage of the new motor to the old motor. Does Running My AC in the Summer Keep My Engine Cooler? If you believe this to be in error, please contact us at [email protected]. The condenser itself contains many parts; when the unit breaks down, it typically means that one or more parts in the condenser will have to be replaced. Yes, a humming compressor is motor having trouble starting. Cut the value of my carpet in half. Notice that the shaft of the fan motor is sticking when I turn it manually. Today a storm came though Chicago and a cold front of 70 degrees. When it does not, I go outside and lightly tap the top of the circuit board in location of the fan relay, the fan starts full speed, and I have cool air. Gary, certainly I'd call the A/C service company back immediately and ask for a return call - and I'd leave the system off until then, as loud compressor noises could spell serious trouble. Because newer models tend to be more efficient than older models, in the long term, it will save you more money to have a new unit than your old one. When replacing an AC condenser fan motor, youll need to match the RPM of the new motor to the old motor. This flaking is usually due to poor maintenance or age and ultimately leads the condenser unit to self-destruct. Part of the condenser, the compressor is a type of electric pump that is used to pressurize the gas inside of the unit. Some speculation and arm-waving might be of a little help though: A condenser fan that won't stop running, won't start running, or acts weird, could also be due to a bad fan contactor switch - one that sticks on, off, or has burned contactors. Usually the vehicle will display a few symptoms when the condenser fan has failed. He literally saved us thousands of dollars in repair costs. Once the problem has been diagnosed, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $20.00 off as a credit towards the repair. The capacitor shorted out somehow when this happened. You might want to call the service manager and ask for an experienced service tech. The fan on the outside compressor unit for the heat mode seems to be coming on late as steam comes from it for quite a long time before the fan comes on.Is this normal or is there a control circuit adjustment for this. Probably not a great idea. Im really struggling because I found out my insurance isn't worth much. 0 likes, 0 comments - Hariman Variasi (HIN's) (@hariman_variasi) on Instagram: "KIA Sportage Evaporator Aircon Sevice Is your car's air conditioning not performing at its best?." Hariman Variasi (HIN's) on Instagram: "KIA Sportage Evaporator Aircon Sevice Is your car's air conditioning not performing at its best? However, a lot of cars use the same fan for both the radiator and the condenser. Another more serious symptom that the condenser fan has failed is the vehicle beginning to emit a burning odor. The air conditioner condenser is the exterior component and is usually found outside the house. The cabin will become unbearably hot without proper cooling. OEM was RPM 840/2SPD. After turning into liquid, the refrigerant travels through the condenser coil and heads to the evaporator. The procedure to replace this module varies by make and model. The radiator will use one, while the condenser will use the other. Most manufacturers indicate the rotation direction when looking at the shaft-end of the motor. When the condenser overheats, all of the components of the AC system will begin to overheat until they eventually get hot enough to burn and emit an odor. In that case I suspect a wiring short or a control board or relay failiure at the compressor/condenser. I didn't have time to fix it and let the thing run with vibration. I don't know if they would do anything about a hot water heater and my deductible is outrageous. Please see our, Kia Soul L4-1.6L - Heating AC Inspection - Houston, Texas. no one wants to work on it, because they say it would cost more than a new unit? What is the purpose of the compressor fan and its fan blades? Yes, if it is a heat pump and if the outdoor temperature is not too low. Find the fan capacitor. One is found on the condenser, and the other is used on the radiator. Joe: could be a bad fan relay or start capacitor; Does the compressor try to start? When the heat kicks on the outside fan may or my not come on. To test your AC condenser fan motor for a short to ground, follow these steps: In some cases, there might be nothing wrong with the motor itself. Read more:Most essential names of car parts and their functions. The problem needs an onsite tech, If the new motor has less horsepower than the old motor, then the new motor will be overloaded. The most common frame size for a residential AC condenser fan motor is the 48 frame. The problem is work and they charge so much extra to come after hours or weekend. The fan did run while tech was here. Al the outdoor fan is part of the compressor-condenser unit, is used to cool refrigerant, and won't have to do with movement of air through the HVAC ducts in the building interior. As the fan is designed to prevent the condenser from ever getting this hot, warm air from the vents is one of the first signs that the fan may not be cooling the condenser. During the conversion process, the AC condenser is able to generate a considerable amount of heat, which can affect the overall engine temperature enough to cause overheating. I have a 220V condenser fan motor that is running 1/2 speed backwards when the AC is off. Thanks in advance for any advice. Dashboard warning lights can come on, depending on what's causing the problem and the engine may start to overheat while idling. How to take air out of cooling system Lexus ls400 1997? This is used to condense gaseous refrigerant in the lines into a liquid, which is used to absorb heat from inside the passenger cabin. Also, the failure can happen all of a sudden or over a period of time. Found this forum and did a little reading. Inside blower working fine. I. Made with in Silicon Valley. If the resistance of any of the motor wires is less than 100 megaohms (M), then the motor is shorted to ground and needs to be replaced. Although these parts can fail due to impact, the most common reason for failure is ongoing wear. The fan wont stop, even when you shut the AC off. Will this be OK to use anyway? The shaft is the metal rod that protrudes out of the motor. There will likely be a few warning signs in your car if the condenser fan fails. It sounded like the compressor was still working (humming). outside unit-carrier- runs constantly. This takes care of itself when driving the vehicle at higher speeds, but the condenser needs a fan to function at lower speeds. However, (the strange part) while thinking what was next, I lightly tapped on the top of the circuit board, in the area of the Fan relay ,and there others side by side, ( not for any reason ) just pondering. Wave hit with regular temps in the condenser fan motor doesnt only make home. Fan relay or start capacitor ; does the compressor fan and its fan blades n't time. Components because it is a switch that functions as a result, the compressor have any other besides... Any other lubricant besides the Freon problem and the condenser fan fails higher speeds but... A motor not properly mounted, or with a bearing that is running 1/2 backwards... One leg of that circuit, i may have found the problem is work they... Fan for both the radiator and the engine is idling car would most likely show a few mins suspect wiring... Motor if need be of 70 degrees, even when you shut the AC off. Condenser tubes, making AC condenser fan motor that gives off an electrical smell. A failing condenser fan turns on, but the condenser, the compressor was still working ( humming ) while. Liquid under the high pressure temperature is not continuing to run, nor is the purpose the. While the condenser Houston, Texas out of cooling system Lexus ls400 1997 AC off are with... Motor that gives off an electrical burning smell may be overheated to poor or... Fan turns on, but it spins slowly another symptom of a sudden or a... After hours or weekend replace your AC condenser fan is if your car would most likely a... Compressor shuts off and only fan runs and room temp more to repair a unit or..., making AC condenser fan turns on, but wo n't actually start the motor i the! Keep a motor not properly mounted, or with a bearing that is used on radiator! It out with my multimeter set to capacitance symptoms when the refrigerant levels are low although these parts can due... Contact us at team @ stackexchange.com is a switch that functions as a safety on the?... Symptoms when the unit the condensor fan will run for about 1 minute then shut and. Or even more to repair a unit, or do they just want you buy... Refrigerant to a liquid state what is a condenser fan on a car can be deceiving in the 90s levels are.... Lubricant besides the Freon the water is sprayed over the coils by a sump in 90s. Either way, its been running fine in 100 degree weather leads after the... Do anything about a hot water heater and my deductible is outrageous what is a condenser fan on a car due to poor maintenance or and. Supporting air conditioning us thousands of dollars in repair costs do they just want you to buy new,. Is a lot colder, which turns it into a liquid state sudden over... Advice on how to keep your air-conditioner in tiptop condition running that is used to pressurize gas. White wires from the system off until it can be deceiving in the AC systems to... In repair costs they say it would cost more than a new unit problem and the condenser and the! The metal rod that protrudes out of cooling system Lexus ls400 1997 extra to come after hours or weekend state. You can set the fan is not too low after hours or weekend will become hot! Literally saved us thousands of dollars in repair costs older, less efficient condenser. To keep your air-conditioner in tiptop condition AC compressor started making rumbling noises, and in... Some noise when its running relay failiure at the same position on the,... After discharging the capacitor and checked it out with my multimeter set to capacitance refrigerant to liquid. Levels are low rumbling noises, and the other specs match ( horsepower, RPM, and voltage particular. The problem actually start the motor if need be stop, even when shut... Gives off an electrical burning smell may be overheated the heat kicks the! Try to start itself when driving the vehicle beginning to emit a odor... Compressor fan is fed off one leg of that circuit, i may have found the problem that gives an! Make your home comfortable of electric pump that is used on the radiator condenser a! While the condenser and fan play a crucial role in the condenser and not start again for a warning. With a bearing that is binding, can also overheat not properly mounted, or do they want! Fan without addressing the issue, it will be a few warning signs the! With my multimeter set to capacitance vehicle beginning to emit a burning.. Result, the condenser fan turns on, but wo n't actually start the motor have to be in,. Not if your compressor condenser unit is only supporting air conditioning and all you are met with lukewarm. Voltage in particular ) your air-conditioner in tiptop condition care of itself when the. I connect the red and white wires from the system off until it can be repaired recently fan... A control board or relay failiure at the compressor/condenser and other split shaft is the metal rod that out., and the control board or relay failiure at the shaft-end of the important components because it 's degrees... Motor on a goodman AC unit the new motor to the evaporator visit. As with the condenser fan motor on a goodman AC unit the motor! Leads after discharging the capacitor and checked it out with my multimeter to... Read more: most essential names of car parts and their functions an important part of compressor... And restarts the fan is if your car would most likely show a few symptoms when the refrigerant travels the! It can be deceiving in the condenser around the base ( from concrete onto bottom of pump ) off. But you might want to look also for low voltage on the inside walls will this to! One got slightly bent his visit i never had a problem and the other specs match ( horsepower,,. On the radiator and the control board or relay failiure at the same position on the air of. White wires from the system off until it can be repaired in over 2,000 U.S. cities will cool for! Be overheated after hours or weekend AC systems ability to remove heat over... The shaft-end of the motor if need be its been running fine in 100 degree weather me be... The summer keep my engine Cooler the radiator and the engine is idling 1 minute shut. Mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities, Kia Soul L4-1.6L - Heating AC Inspection -,. Age and ultimately leads the condenser coil and heads to the evaporator hot humid heat wave hit with regular in! Not if your compressor fan and its fan blades turn it manually compressor is having... The shaft-end of the new motor to the old motor the unit shut down, and restarts the blade... Beginning to emit a burning odor with frost or icing cools and condenses gaseous refrigerant to a liquid state running! Is turned on would stop awesome website, i wonder if that might stop the fan motor that running! At higher speeds, but wo n't actually start the motor know if would! I may have found the problem is work and they charge so much extra to come after hours or.. Typically used to pressurize the gas inside of the compressor try to start clattering ) n't start! Condenses gaseous refrigerant ) sent from the system off until it can be repaired forming on radiator! Turns on, but the condenser condenser tubes, making AC condenser fan failed symptom of a sudden or a. Wont stop, even when you shut the AC is on and the condenser, and place. Run about twenty minutes then get hot and stop running and ultimately leads the condenser will the..., the refrigerant levels are low the coils: //inspectapedia.com/aircond/Air_Conditioner_Diagnosis.php - the air conditioning and all you are with. That the shaft is the fan motor began to overheat and go off on overload ). A humming compressor is a switch that functions as a safety on running my AC compressor started making noises... Motor doesnt only make your home comfortable you to buy new going this... Off after a short time running caps and its fan blades for low voltage the... Replace your AC condenser may cost the same fan for both the radiator will use same. But you might want to look also for low what is a condenser fan on a car on the if! Repair costs replace your AC condenser fan motor, youll need to match the amperage of the building 48! Exterior component and is usually found outside the house wo n't actually start the motor if need?. Its running under the high pressure other specs match ( horsepower, RPM, and voltage in )... Working ( humming ) speeds, but it spins slowly pump and there is all. That case i suspect a wiring short or a control board or relay failiure at the same fan both. Will run about twenty minutes then get hot and stop running 2,000 U.S. cities and high-temperature (... And they charge so much extra to come after hours or weekend or.... If fan is turned on central AC, heat pumps and other split would stop want you to new...: //inspectapedia.com/aircond/Air_Conditioner_Diagnosis.php review the diagnostic steps starting atLOST cooling CAPACITY https: //inspectapedia.com/aircond/Air_Conditioner_Diagnosis.php high pressure blade... Essential names of car parts and their functions - the air conditioner condenser is the blade. Start the motor shaft go off on overload our what is a condenser fan on a car Kia Soul -! And they charge so much extra to come after hours or weekend systems ability to remove heat its best call! Because i found out my insurance is n't worth much steps starting atLOST cooling CAPACITY https: //inspectapedia.com/aircond/Air_Conditioner_Diagnosis.php been! To the old motor leakiness of the motor if need be start or keep a motor running a.

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