AC Contactor Not Pulling In - 10 Reasons Why

Is your AC contactor not pulling in the plunger? Is the contactor coil not getting 24v? In this video I go over 10 possible reasons why your contactor may not be pulling in. If you want more info or other troubleshooting videos similar to this one, check out my AC Fixing Playlist:
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➡️ How to Install a Contactor:
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#wordofadvicetv #furnace #heating #hvac #airconditioner #airconditioning

[@bigal6308]

Great video and tips! My AC compressor fan stopped working so I replaced the start capacitor since it is an inexpensive part and the existing capacitor was over 10 years old and the top was rusty. While I was in there I cleaned up the wires and checked for any damaged wires, but everything looked good. The fan still didn't work. I spun the fan manually with a wooden dowel to make sure it spun freely, and it seemed fine. I depressed the plunger on the ac contactor and the fan started with no problem. I went back to your wonderful library of HVAC videos to find more info about the AC contactor which suggested to watch this video. Glad I did! You mentioned replacing the batteries in the thermostat even though the display is working AND there was no low battery indicator. Sure enough, I replaced the batteries and the AC compressor fan turned on! I've got a better understanding of my HVAC system, I've got a new start capacitor so shouldn't have to worry about it for another decade, I cleaned up the wiring, and I now know that a pair of fresh batteries can make the difference! Thanks for your great how-to videos!

[@spoolin55psi]

I work a for hotel we have over 300 units on property from 2 ton to 7 ton this playlist has saved my boss lots of money and got me a promotion

[@silentknight3320]

Same here resort hotel with 100 units!!

[@pinballrick6031]

I'm really hoping you see this comment. I moved into my home 13 years ago. The first thing I had to do was call an HVAC guy out to charge the system because it wasn't cooling. Over the past 13 years I've replaced the A/C capacitor several times, the furnace heat sequencer several times, the thermostat, fatigued and broken wires and last year the fan motor in the A/C. Every other year, sometimes more often, I was having to fix something. At the end of last season my evaporator coil was freezing up so I figured I'd have to have the system charged again this spring. I procrastinated and didn't do it and then it got hot. I thought about it and decided I was tired of working on it and always worrying whether this 35 year old system was going to heat this winter or cool this summer. I decided to replace the whole system. Being retired and living on a fixed income I found the cost to be prohibitive. Fortunately, I've always been a big time DIYer. Plumbing, electrical, building, renovating... there was never a job I wouldn't tackle. I decided to order a new system and install it myself. Doing it myself would save me about $10,000. The equipment arrived on Tuesday and I had it all installed by Thursday. Friday and Saturday were spent trouble shooting trying to make it work. I watched countless videos on KZbin looking for helpful information. Blurry, shaky, poor audio, poor explanations, no explanations, incomplete explanations and inconsistent explanations. Thirty minute videos spending the first twenty minutes explaining what they are going to explain to me. Suffering through them all hoping to find ten seconds of useful helpful information. Occasionally I found it, but it was never enough. I know most of these people are trying to share and help, but I would certainly not enjoy being trained by any of them. Then I found you. It was your A/C, furnace and thermostat videos that got me over the hump. Clear and concise with simple yet detailed explanations. How to wire this and how to test that. After three weeks of killing heat I am finally cool. The job turned out to be a lot bigger and more difficult than I expected and pushing seventy years old didn't help, but thanks to you I got it done. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and for doing it so well. I don't subscribe to many channels, but you just got added to my short list.

[@esevieux]

My AC repair guy was charging $1200 to fix my issue, after watching this video I ordered a new contactor for $18 on amazon and fixed it myself. Thanks a ton you saved me a lot of money!!! It’s worth noting I’ve never worked on ACs before

[@thehoneybadger9262]

This is why nobody trusts HVAC companies. $1200 to replace a $10 part in 15 minutes?

[@patrickmcglashan8002]

THANK YOU! You saved me a very expensive service call. My AC wasn't cooling and I followed your instructions. The condenser and compressor would not come on. I found a cut 24v signal wire from the control board to the compressor solenoid. In my case the 24v signal wire cable is routed under the crawl space of the house and comes out at the back of the house to the Condenser/Compressor unit. Well, the cut/broken wire...that bugger, was severed exactly where it came out from under the house. That said, it was difficult to locate because in the first place because I had inspected the cable and found nothing wrong. I was almost at the end of my patience when my mind told me to tug on the cable where it came through the wall to the condenser unit. Well, as soon as I tug on the cable the compressor/fan came on immediately and ran like a charm. I ended up soldering the broken White signal wire. So, just wanna say thanks again for your suggestions. Lesson learned: never give up when you think you're stumped. Just take a break from the task and come back later and give it another try.

[@sushimaster100]

This video saved my a$$. I went through all 10 steps. After trying everything, I finally went into the attic, found the correct unit (there were two), and opened up the panel with the fan controller, and sure enough just like the video mentions, discovered a shorted fuse! I replaced the fuse, switched the breaker back ON, and the outside fan shortly kicked back on! Dude, thank you so much!!! You saved me a ton of $$$$.

[@claws58]

Thank you for all you do, you have saved me from calling a contractor and a whole weeks worth of waiting for him to show up. Again, a big "THANK YOU"Jay.

[@TheTruthForum]

general amintenance for 8 yrs and this video has to be one of the best videos on youtube. listen carefully and take notes and you WILL fix the contactor not pulling

[@kenneumanmgb]

Thorough video that got my unit up and running for less than $60 bucks and done TODAY with no waiting. With everyone working from home, this was a lifesaver. Kind Thanks, from this Novice

[@domforthemasses]

Amazing video. I simply replaced my batteries in the thermostat and got my ac unit working. I'm a residential electrician and my immediate first thought was going to find the problem outside, particularly the contactor, but watching the video before I ran outside I saved myself money and time. I had no idea the thermostat had AA batteries, changed those out and now I'm back up and running. Thank you, liked and subscribed

[@jroberts3428]

You're a residential electrician and had no idea that thermostats had AA Batteries?

[@tiberio135]

@@jroberts3428 Took the words out of my.....

[@waltertyree5690]

Thank you so much for these. I diagnosed a control board issue last fall and today diagnosed a short in the thermostat wire. Your explanations have given me so much confidence.

[@nukedim2276]

You're the PRO ..! and I'd like to say thank you for showing the world some basic things to troubleshoot central AC units. Handyman like myself love to watch your shows..!

[@cswango2744]

Your the best channel I’ve found on the content you offer, very simple, but thorough, friendly and no drama! Great 👍 work. Thank you for the time you give of yourself.

[@billsheridan8196]

Absolutely nailed it, Jay. I am one of those people that jumped at the contactor and ordered one, without watching this video. Turns out when I checked the thermostat wires, had 24 vac, up until they connected with the delay on break timer. At the contactor 24 volt side was getting all kinds of wacky readings.. Ordered new delay timer as well. Thanks to your videos, $31 probably saved me thousands! Props to you! Oh as a side note, also ordered a dual run capacitor as a backup since its been high 80's for over a week her in Fl.

[@mostcallmerob]

Was your problem the contactor or thermostat wires,

[@DjDopeChicago]

Thank you. Learned a lot. Will troubleshoot my ac over the weekend now.

[@stevenhaff3332]

Thank you! You are doing a great service for anyone wanting to get up to speed on how our air conditioning systems work.

[@carlosmccullough7106]

Thanks wanted to know if you know any good heating/cooling company foe training beginners looking for goodjurnyman to work under ,carlos from det MI

[@totallldigital]

Dude, great job walking through all of those issues, I learned more in this one video than the last 20 I've relectantly sat through. Thanks!

[@tolipapa1]

By far the most educational advice . Strait to the point. Awesome instructor. Eliminates all guesswork. Thank you so much. A guide for all.

[@kennyrogers6683]

You are THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!! I received a $3,700 quote to replace my unit that was "too far beyond repair"......$28 capacitor, then worked through finally figuring out how to use the multi-meter I've had for a decade to find the high pressure switch needed reset after cleaning the coil. Words cannot describe how grateful I am that you are on KZbin!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@kevinharris8629]

I just got a quote of 5600 because i needed a new unit... It was the low/ high capacitor switch. I cannot thank you enough!

[@WhyUdothis95]

As someone who's currently in an Apprentice program for HVAC, your videos have been so helpful.

[@lukeh7658]

Thank you buddy.. I am a plumber by trade and knew nothing about hvac until watching a few of your videos. My outdoor ac unit fan was not spinning when thermostat turned on. Actually wound up being the 5amp fuse on the control board at furnace under home

[@daniels98]

You are awesome! I am constantly trying to gain understanding of how the AC system works and you just lay it out. I would love to see an overall video from start to finish of the workings of the system including; sensors, switches, wires and what they power and where they go. Keep up the good work for us novice people out there.

[@LucianoJuly]

Covering alot of equipment parts with sufficient information for quick understanding and preventing expensive tech bills. Thank you!

[@Mj_s_Garage]

You are by far the best source of info I've came across. You should teach people, very easy to understand. You helped me diagnose an issue with my jumper between RH and RC on a Honey well zone board. The factory jumper was smaller gauge than the 8/18 wire i was using and causing intermittent contact. Pulled out OE jumper and made one with wire, fits tight and works as it should. Thank you.

[@daviddelgado475]

Hey Jay, hope your having a great week! You sound like you are on a show on tv bro, Your very well spoken yet easy to understand. Great job thank you sir! Blessings

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thanks David!

[@subpoenacontrol3799]

he is very fluent

[@catslivesmatter1268]

@@WordofAdviceTV wouldn't it be nice to have a wire diagram for the switch from the disconnect to the relay contacter to the compressor and then the fan ? Nordyne and ( Miller stopped putting the diagram out there ( mobile home central air unit with furnace inside ) what a joke these companies were. , I say were because they changed hands in the last 15 years at least 12 times

[@johnrobins8000]

The contactor switch was not pulling in, and before I replaced the contactor, I decided to watch this video. I glad I did because number 8 was the problem! The high pressure switch tripped and I just needed to reset it by pushing the red button. Now I just need to figure out why it tripped. But this guy makes the best vids on AC that I have seen!

[@FunThingsInJacksonville]

I watched several of your videos and thanks to you now have a good grasp on how HVAC systems function. I narrowed down the problem to the contactor coil not getting power or pulling. After checking all of the 10 reasons mentioned in this video and still not getting power to the contactor coil I went back to searching on line and found another video with a much simpler solution. My thermostat has a separate fan switch that can be set to "On" or "Auto". A house guest must have been warm ( I keep it set to 77 deg) and set the switch to On which for some reason stops 24v power from being sent to the contactor even if the system is set to cool. When I switched it to Auto the compressor started up and everything works. I wanted to share that just in case someone else had an issue with warm house guests. BTW, thank you for posting these great videos.

[@lascolinassanmarcos3364]

Thanks for the tip on the auto setting preventing 24V from going to contactor. I had the same issue during troubleshooting. These are great well-made videos!

[@arielcdem123456]

Saves me hundreds of dollars. My condenser unit is not receiving 24v. I always suspected it's the thermostat but I don't want to replace it without knowing why. Your thermostat bypass video saves the day. Thanks! Subscribed

[@reidiford1136]

Dude! You rock! I watched the start of your video where yoy said the contactor might not be broken. So I started watching this and suddenly remembered I had switched off the AC at the thermostat so I could run the fan. Turned it to AC and the contactor popped In and the new motor is running flawlessly!!! House feels cooler already, and it is 101 degrees today in San Antonio. THANK YOU SO MUCH! ❤️

[@demetriussimmons1746]

you are a God of youtube DIY videos... thank you and may God bless you. i stoped on # 2 of this video. the water limit switch wasnot triggered by water but by builded up rust from the water that collected and evaporated....thus leaving rust and calcium build up that triggered the water limit switch in the drip pan. people check all the minor stuff befre you spend $200 on a service call. thanks again brah!!!!

[@gustavocalderon8153]

Thank you so much for easy teaching those "10 Reasons Why AC Contactor Not Pulling In".

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisarledge5554]

Truly an incredible video. After watching several different videos on the net I watched 2 of yours and was able to diagnose and solve my problems. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@Creative-mind22]

Thank step 3 help me and fixed . Some reason my thermostat jumper gone. I put new one I connected with RC then problems solved BIG CREDIT TO THIS VIDEO OWNER. THANK ALOT.

[@DManDo-rw2uq]

Had my AC go out over the weekend in the summer in South Ga and was able to troubleshoot and fix the issue with your video. One of the best videos I have seen. Thanks!

[@youresoostupid]

After watching this video, I got my AC back running. Thank you

[@davidiverson]

This is a fantastic video that I come back to every couple of years when I'm troubleshooting AC at home. Thanks a million for making such a useful video!

[@alsautner1732]

Good job....My problem was a contractor that was stuck in. After looking at it, it was welded together. Hope it did not hurt the system. It seems to be working fine now. I watched all you videos and they are a big help. You are the best. Thanks...! Al Sautner.

[@zone47]

Thank you so much !!!! This is the most informative AC video I've ever seen. Your comment about a weed wacker getting to the 24V coil switch is exactly what happened! I didn't even finish watching the video because it was a quick check and you saved me a bunch of money!! Thanks so much! Liked and subscribed!

[@dirkvan3181]

Thanks Jay. My Carrier shut down during 95 plus heat--I thought the capacitor was shot. But after opening the panel I found the Contactor wasn't pulling in. After watching your KZbin show I checked the indoor blower in the attick and YES--too much water in the condenser pan; the safety float was up, shutting down the outdoor unit (just as you said it would) Naturally I took credit and my wife thinks i'm a genius.

[@chriswalters9819]

Dude! I've fixed a thing or two and already knew I had 24V outside. I was about to head out for a contactor but thought about your video for a few. Realized I couldn't see plunger. Went back out, pulled the cap and there it was, an earwig stuck right in the spring. Thank you!!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Awesome! Glad to hear the video helped! Stay cool! :)

[@spkwalhdproduction2339]

Jay: You are one of a kind not many tech go into details like you do thanks for AC advise.

[@pdorrian]

You just saved me $1000, your HVAC videos are the BEST on the internet, you Sir, are a ROCKSTAR!

[@mattvandergriendt7107]

These videos are the best. Thanks so much! I was able to use this to troubleshoot and fix my AC on one of the hottest days when all of the service technicians were booked up. Cheers!

[@karlamen8321]

Thanks karl elvis

[@michaelcrawford7637]

I am now retired from about 30 years from ac services or residential maintenance and could not have been explained better than that from a hands on perspective

[@Ryan2588]

Dude. Thank you! Traced down that my low voltage wire to the compressor wasn’t getting 24v from the circuit board. Jumped R and Y on my thermostat and the compressor kicked on instantly. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@martinets2]

Excellent video!! Very thorough on the explanation of what signals cause the contactor to engage and what can cause it Not to engage. One other thing that can potentially cause it not to engage and this falls under 'Bad Wiring'-- if the wiring (or connectors) are corroded or partially broken such that it can't carry enough current to magnetize the coil enough to pull the plunger. You could still read 24-27V on the line but it may not be able to carry enough current because it's compromised. I ran into this personally last week. 😝

[@michaelerickson1518]

Mark I seen that exact situation, contactor works when connected straight to the 24v transformer and signal line reads 24v outside at the contactor but contactor still does not pull in

[@trunks2505]

This channel is awesome for learning how to troubleshoot.

[@vegas1854]

Outstanding video. You have a knack for explaining at a pace which makes your videos very watchable and informative. Keep up the good work.

[@umeshdubey1599]

mine started working after replacing the thermostat battery. Excellent info in this video!

[@robertreingruber1097]

Thanks Replaced outside capacitor for s&g when my blower motor was actually bad. Then outside unit stoped working. Thought I messed up the simple install Found the plunger not going in and followed this video Discovered I broke the common wire on the inside control board when removing the motor. Repair complete! Thanks

[@juliofunes6281]

ThAnks for your advice that is a great help.God bless you.

[@Kaibil66]

Great job!!! excellent explanation. Very professional tech you are. Thanks for doing this.

[@chrisjarvis1962]

Hey bro! Love the knowledge & the breakdown simplified Its always something we think we cant or shouldnt do but you named a few here that i didnt check.

[@romeolampa8517]

Good tips on why contactor is not engaging.

[@2talltedlynn697]

Thanks so much you are a lifesaver I was having the same trouble I put a new comparator on and mine still would not work but when you said that the batteries may be low on my thermostat I tried that and boom that fixed my problems but I got one of them 5ton old Goodman big old unit but it works about the same I think not much on A/C I'm a auto mechanic but it's not as hard to keep my air and heat going with your videos when the AC man came out he to look at it he told me a list of things it needs it just to get it back running 😢 and it be like 800 or 900 to get it up enough to find out what else id need I can't afford that id just as soon to put a all new unit in but with your help I did it myself.

[@kscory8577]

This video saved my butt on a very hot day

[@chuckfinley8908]

I don't typically comment, but this was a good video. I was troubleshooting the power to my AC unit for the last hour or so. Last year, I had a bad breaker. This year, voltage was good out to the unit, up to the contactor, so I ruled out the breaker. I manually engaged the contactor while my blower motor was running and the thermostat was calling for cooling and the AC unit kicked on. Led me to believe my contactor was bad. I watched your video to see if I missed some wires to test, because we all forgot stuff. Also, to me, the contactor doesn't seem like a part that just goes bad all that often. You mentioned the low voltage not having enough power to engage the contactor and to swap batteries. I recalled, my low voltage reading was 11v and that is too low. The light bulb kicked on, I swapped my batteries, and now my house is nice and cool. Thanks man!

[@funnystuff2591]

I live in Tucson AZ. My dog chewed low voltage wires. Spliced everything back no air. Would have never checked the fuse on unit had it not been for this video. Its 106 outside and I'm nice and cool now. My wife and kids don't have to stay at a hotel and I didn't have to call a service person. Thanks so much.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

I'm happy to hear that! :) Thank you for coming back to leave a comment, stay cool!

[@mdmustafizurrahman1542]

Very informative, helpful for maintenance and troubleshooting. Much appreciated.

[@Banisowicz]

Thank you so much, was able to figure out that the condensate pump wasn't wired correctly so the condenser wasn't turning on. 10 out of 10 would recommend, keep up the great work man

[@hailemariamshibeshi1043]

Amazing young HVAC professional I have never seen before..

[@metrocaptain]

Good tips! Woke up to no power in the house (which came back on shortly later), 58F indoor temps. Checked the thermostat and it clicked, but nothing happened with the heat pump. After checking the voltage on the outside unit, I thought about you saying that the fan should blow and ours wasn't. I thought it might be the condensate line being full, but it was empty. Then I moved on to the disconnect fuse for the air handler and turns out one of the 60A 250V fuses were blown. The emergency heat has been working overtime and I think it finally took the old fuse out. $16 later I'm back in business. I'll make sure to give the unit a break. It's been unseasonably cold with the arctic blast of Christmas 2022!

[@michaelg7297]

That was the most helpful video I can across the actually help me to fix my

[@moneysigns4408]

Jay, you are the man! Thank you so much for all your videos. You saved me numerous times. Saving me both time and money. I had no idea that the float switch would affect the condenser.

[@marshallbenson6062]

Thank you so much.. You saved me big money on an AC tech visit. I replaced the compressor's capacitor, contactor, fan motor, AND the air exchanger's control board and transformer--none of it was solving the problem. Then I found this video. I was getting 30 V to the compressor, so as you said, the problem was at the compressor, and it ended up being the High Pressure Switch. Pushed that baby in and we're golden! At least I got some upgraded parts out of the whole affair, and I know a whole lot more about AC systems and electricity.

[@JimAllhiser]

Great video!! Thank you so much. I too watched two of your videos and found the low battery in my thermostat! You saved my life! Well, not really, but I don't like to sweat and my house was getting pretty hot so...

[@bplevine1]

I'm in school for HVACR and your videos really help me fill in the blanks. In fact this video helped me diagnose one of the units at school where the compressor wasn't coming on. It was a bad coil in the contactor. Other people tried all kind of things but I was the one who got the diagnosis right. Thank a bunch.

[@bobwhitfield9491]

Brand new tech in Vegas and I just wanted to say thanks for the content you are really helping me get laced up with dextamental information! You helped me get through school as well.

[@coroner8]

Thanks for the AC tutorial. Was able to diagnose my problem to a bad thermostat wire. Mouse must have gotten to it over the winter. You saved me time and money. Thanks again.

[@markdepowski2031]

I enjoy your video's ! Your not sluggish with your presentation , your quick and to the point , Awesome. Thank You !

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thanks Mark! Glad you like the videos! Thank you for commenting!

[@wa2lds]

Great videos! Excel here in MN recently replaced a board in my Saver Switch. The tech that did it somehow failed to install it correctly. Tec from Centerpoint comes out and could not figure out what was going on (thank you Home Service Plus) and suggested that the control wire was bad. I ran a new control wire, old one was pieced together so I figured time to replace anyway. Still no control voltage. Scratching head looking at the unit and decided to take the Saver Switch out of circuit and contactor pulled in. Called Excel to let them know and they sent a tech out on Monday who fixed the bad install on the Saver Switch. Your videos helped be out a great deal on this problem. A lot of great info and I didn't have to suffer through the heat on the weekend!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Sorry to hear about the saver switch problems! Glad you were able to figure it out though! Stay cool :)

[@raywhatsthisfor1283]

I see this is 2 years old..but these saver switches are just like what energyStar devices do!?! I think??? Allows either the power CV company or some other company to control the electrical usage!! Tell me how energyStar device that runs for 2 to 3 times longer than a similar device...is better or uses less power??? 🤯🤯🤯 where are my manners.. Thanks for the video!!!

[@balbirsinghgill1595]

Very knowledgeable bro.mostly more b.s and one tracked mind a-c mechanics.. Dispatch to rip off and change parts for no reason.. But you know what you talking about.. Very good. God bless you bro. You are honest.

[@loluemoua]

Thank you! after checking everything I tried pressing the High Pressure switch reset button and that clicked! I turned the power back on and after a while noticed that my AC Unit was back up and running! It's been storming on and off here in MN, so I'll need to go out and give the Coils a good spraying when it's clear out. Thanks for saving me from having to call it in!

[@stephengrimes226]

Thanks for your videos. I used this one and others to test many parts of my a/c system to (eventually) find out that the control board was wired improperly. The condenser wasn't getting voltage from the control board. Turns out, the "y" wire was in the "Y2" position on the board, and when switched to "Y1," the condenser started up right away when the thermostat called for cool.

[@wrxguyusa]

Between this and your other video I found my problem and learned a lot more about how to check in the future. #2 was my issue, overflow tripped.

[@kf_educatorofadults5277]

Awesome advise you helped me troubleshoot and fix my AC. I never knew there was a fuse on the FAU side! Thanks!!

[@carmenangiolillo854]

Jay, thank you for the video. I was trouble shooting my Trane and went through your steps. Turned out to be faulty thermostat wires at the contactor. A/C nice and cold again.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Awesome! Glad to hear you got it fixed! Thank you for commenting!

[@freespirit9655]

Word of Advice TV is an awesome channel!

[@asymptoticspatula]

Excellent channel! You helped me fix my AC!

[@DouglasPrice-ey7yi]

Thanks so much for the help. I thought it was going to be a tough component fix, and turned out to be a shorted pair in thermostat wire. I appreciate the orderly checklist though. Saved me a bundle

[@sonnydickison6053]

Thank you. I was changing a thermostat and must have shorted a couple of wires. When i put the new thermostat on I got a blank screen. Fearing the worst i jumped into troubleshooting the outside unit. After watching A/C contactor not pulling 10 reasons why, i decided to check the fuse in the indoor unit. You saved me a lot of money. Not to mention this is my sister's business and Friday morning is her busiest day. Hopefully more diyers will run across your channel

[@rodrigojimenez4168]

Jay, thank you man!!! Just saved me a boat load of money!! The simple solution after troubleshooting, was to drain the condensation pan, which had triggered the overflow switch Thank you!!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

That's great!! Good to hear stuff like that, thanks for coming back to leave a comment! Stay cool ;)

[@guptahome6150]

Thanks a ton for the multiple videos on detecting issues with the ac. I was able to go from not knowing a thing to understanding the wiring for my HVAC, furnace, thermostat and the ac outside unit. My nest thermostat showed error E103, with over current on Y1 wire. I ended up replacing the contactor. And, everything is working great so far. One difference in my observation is that I observed 0 volts between the contacts that activate the contactor instead of 24V as suggested by you. I went around checking everything inside the house, before deciding to try and change the contactor. I checked on raw wire by removing the wire nuts as well as on the contactor fins. Nevertheless I learnt a lot, so many thanks!!

[@Flawestruck]

Thank you so much for such a well-detailed video! I'm trying to learn how to fix a lot of things myself. Last year in March our AC got into a sick state after a power surge. That usual "it's off and fan is auto but the unit outside is running constantly and won't turn off" thing. The service guy was very kind to explain things to me, so I at least understood how to cut power to the unit and that the thermostat can be one of several causes. In my case, the contactor was stuck and he replaced it. Here I am not even a year later and same issue. Hoping to fix it myself this time. I'm suspicious it's the contactor again, but I feel like it shouldn't be going out so soon, especially considering the unit wasn't used most of the winter.

[@gregscheyd4131]

I hope you can fix it yourself this time , buddy . Everybody knows there is no better feeling . And this video is a GREAT HELP !!!! I live in BATON ROUGE , LOUISIANA , and I could not tell you how many times we had to replace the CONTACTOR , because ants got in between the contacts or points and shorted it out .... just like he said in the video . That stuff gets very very expensive ... APPARENTLY ANTS ARE ATTRACTED TO ELECTRICITY and the contacts area ... it sounds funny , but when she is up and running again , consider trying to block off ant , etc from coming into the area of the CONTACTOR... sticky tape or paste or something to block their access ... in my particular case I could actually see how they got there !!!! 🌅🌅

[@josephzapata4279]

I went to Lincoln tech for HVAC an 11 months course and I learned more from you! Lol.. seriously

[@fermin0614]

What a excellent explanation thanks 🙏 for your videos

[@jersey123rich]

#11 if you want to add it? Probably less common? My older 1996 Carrier system has a Time Delay board just below the two-pole contactor. After going through your list and even took a chance and replaced some parts, I had to call in a pro. He retried a few of the diagnostic tests I did and quickly made his way to the time delay board and determined that was the problem. In just 5 minutes a new time delay was installed, set to 5 minutes, and we were up and running normal again. $157 total for the job. $90 for the visit and the rest was the part and install labor and taxes. Thanks for you video! Even though it didn't correct my issue I enjoyed tinkering around and swapping out parts, namely the contactor which I learned, even though it has a single plunger it was still a two pole contactor and relaced the two capacitors as well.

[@garys5138]

Excellent presentation covering a lot of territory. I will apologize in advance if you covered my comments in subsequent or prior videos. I would add that cleaning the contacts on the relay periodically might save the homeowner a service call. An HVAC technician noted my relay contacts arcing, while servicing an unrelated issue, and he wanted to sell me a new relay. All relays arc somewhat, because it is switching 240 VAC off and on. However, they get dirty, like everything else inside the outdoor condenser. After pulling the main fuse and/or killing power at the breaker in the service panel, I spray Electrical Contact Cleaner all over the relay, particularly on the actual contacts that typically arc when cycling on and off. In addition, if the system is near the end of its typical lifespan, I will use a small piece of 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper on the contacts - very lightly, to remove carbon buildup. The downside to this practice is the contacts are probably silver coated to enhance conductivity and slow corrosion. Thus, I use as fine of wet or dry sandpaper as I have on hand, and lightly clean all surfaces of the contacts to remove carbon and other residue. The relay is an inexpensive item, so I will probably buy a spare to keep on hand since I have been cleaning my relay contacts for several years. The large can-shaped capacitor is another component that would be worth keeping a spare on hand, because they all eventually die. Use your cell phone camera to have a clear record of what color wire goes to each terminal. As the condenser fins collect dirt, grass clippings, and cottonwood fluff, the fan has to work much harder to pull air out of the top of the condenser. That usually leads to the capacitor failing, and often the capacitor is operating both the compressor and the fan. That is the main reason to routinely clean the condenser fins a couple of times per season - rinsing from the inside out. Always kill power by removing the outdoor fuse or breaker, and/or at the service panel. I got in a hurry once, thinking I was only going to rinse the fins and could easily avoid the high voltage area, trying to finish before dark. I was a licensed electrician in the 1970s, so I knew better. Water hit the two insulated legs of 240 volts, and Kapow! Two-hundred-forty volts explodes. There were two previous nicks in the insulation of the #8 wire from years of rubbing against the louvered exterior cabinet, that shorted when water hit the wires. Several HVAC technicians missed the nicked insulation during previous service. No harm other than my ego. At least I now knew those #8 supply wires needed to be replaced. The installer should have zip-tied the wires away from the louvered grill of the exterior cabinet, but there is never any excuse to clean fins or perform any service while wires are hot.

[@gregscheyd4131]

A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ... THANKS A BUNCH !!!! SPARE CONTACTOR , CAPACITOR , AND CLEANING THE COILS !!!! 🌅🌅

[@TimRobertsonWoodturning]

Thank you very much for your video’s. This one helped me diagnose a wiring problem. I ran new 50 ft control wire from the air handler to the heat pump. My unit is back up and running good.

[@bryanmeza9974]

Dude. Thank you for this video. All I had to do was change the batteries in my thermostat. I would never thought to change them because the thermostat was on.

[@robertlongoria765]

Thanks you are a public service no less than the board of education.

[@890639buck]

You're the best youtuber in this field. Please help me. Lol My ac wouldn't turn on, but my blower inside is working. When I push the plunger in, it turns on, but when I let go, it shuts off. I replaced the capacitor, and now my ac is short cycling. On for about 10 seconds, then off. On, off, etc.

[@whit6282]

If you still have gas in it and no leaks I’d ohm out the compressor

[@johnschuman6917]

Thanks for the great info bro. Saved lots of money on a simple problem

[@philipkilolo9775]

Thank you. Great video. Your troubleshooting process led me to the root cause. The symptom on my HVAC was that it would run for approximately 10 seconds then turn off. The drain pan in the attic was dry; however, the condensate float switch had water when I removed it. Re-installing it as is restored service. I will monitor the performance of the system. I have ordered a new condensate float switch (Safe-T-Switch SS2) from amazon just in case. The next troubleshooting step will be to unclog the drain pipe if the switch trips again.

[@richblanton1922]

Incredible videos that are informational and to the point. Thank you!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Glad to hear that! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@MegaDucky26]

Your channel is one of the best ones on KZbin. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I just bought my house and the AC wasn't working, not sure how it got by the inspector? But it did, but with your help I was able to pinpoint the problem. It was a broken low voltage wire for the contactor. Thanks again, you're the best brother😎😎

[@WordofAdviceTV]

You're welcome! Thank you for commenting, glad to hear you were able to track down the problem! Stay cool ;)

[@jackalford8932]

Thanks for this video! You reminded me to check the condensate overflow switch, which seems to have been my problem.

[@brucemurray2355]

Awesome video, just diagnosed defrost control board with no low voltage to contactor, jumped directly to contactor from C-Y on board got low voltage, then foungd contactor was bad also.Replaced contactor unit fired up in ac mode as called by tstat.

[@Bentley36]

Thank you so much for that video! I usually do things myself, last year was contactor and capacitor. Old unit (30 years old) but the compressor has always sounded so good and cools great. I don't want new junk. Went out again today and of course someone came out and wanted to replace everything. Found tripped high pressure switch due to fan being bad. You rock!

[@raywhatsthisfor1283]

Yes..they just want to replace the whole unit...or all the major components!!! That's usually a POORLY trained person!!! They can't really find the real problem!! With the GREAT HEAT WAVE of 2021!!! This is insane!!!

[@bobernst827]

I liked the video and very good information. Great job, thank you!