Compressor Failed ? I almost made a big mistake

[@rhymereason3449]

I would think this is why you should always ohm the compressor motor windings directly at the compressor terminals even though it's more hassle

[@r777v]

Running service for refrigeration company we always were in the habit of using a compressor analyzer hooked directly to the terminals. I know it is tough to access when working on a AC condensing unit, but getting access to the terminals a lot of times revealed obvious electrical issues similar to what you found. Good thing you had that conversation with your technician. I’m sure the customer appreciated your honesty and good work ethic. Some guys would have swept that under the rug.

[@twittyk78]

assuming gets ya in trouble !!!

[@jericosha2842]

Exactly this.

[@enmaumino]

Always

[@victoragresti1777]

Totally agree,if in doubt

[@pineychristian]

Ted , This is a good lesson for newbies. I had seen this before. Since then i never check compressors off wires. I always check at the terminals .great catch

[@AaronPowellvox]

Nice work. I once replaced a compressor after someone else had replaced a compressor. It was three phase so I wired it the same way they had theirs. When I finished I realized that the compressor was trying to run backwards so I swapped two leads and it ran fine. In my defense I was not the one that diagnosed the original problem but it taught me to always double check the other techs before doing the work. I did all that work to replace a compressor that was just wired incorrectly.

[@michaelthurber2660]

You have to treat EVERY call as a NEW call. Forget who was there. You are the expert and your customers count on you.

[@donnellcairns3137]

It happens!!! The one good thing is that your honest and we our humans and we get so busy and we do our best !!! Im a service tech to and in Texas it gets hot !!! Sometimes I will call one of my best friends and he's a service tech to . We both do this Sometimes together and solve the problem, I like your Videos and I been doing this for 38 years and still get hung up !!! The one thing I like to do is being able to show the customer the problem!!! Ted your a out rite Good service tech and owner of a company!!! And your honesty will build good customers

[@TheGgin]

Awesome catch and good video, both you and the customer is happy with this simple fix. Great to see honesty these days. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend.

[@sdc7911]

It happens, good catch.

[@CA-lk6fd]

I’m a 25 year electrician, I have seen some crazy stuff similar to this before. A few years ago, I was working a new hospital. The electrical superintendent called and told me to go up on one of the rooftops that the HVAC tech had a voltage problem on a 20 ton unit (480 volt) Mind you, EVERYTHING else in the building is working perfectly fine, so I went up there. The start up tech had the unit open and locked out. He said the voltage is wrong and fried both compressors. I asked him if he checked rotation, he said compressors aren’t rotation sensitive. He got really mad at me, called me bad names, etc. Anyway, he learned something the hard way that day, and he apologized to me. I have worked around some of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met that are HVAC techs, I told them about this and they got a big laugh out of it. It’s so easy to almost miss stuff like that, that’s something you may not see again for the rest of your career.

[@ssaraccoii]

I work on hydraulic equipment that uses positive displacement pumps. You always know when that’s got the phases wrong. Sounds like a bucket of marbles. Excellent catch!

[@thejammer3359]

As A HVAC instructor you Are Very Correct. Good call on this video.

[@Jordan__Sloan]

Damn thought everyone knew that, no way he was a 25year tech I call bs

[@HVACRSurvival]

My first manager that taught me a good majority of what I know used to preach, "always check it at the compressor". Good catch Ted 👍👍. A simple video like this is a great example to help others remember why.

[@Android_Warrior]

When I worked for Sears I was trying to fix a electronic spark igniter on a stove and got it dismantled looking for the problem for 2 hours and at the end was a bad wall outlet! so I get it Ted!

[@JFranzen3]

Appreciate your humbleness and honesty. Whenever I suspected an open winding I always checked on the compressor. Great stuff Ted.

[@reelheel5919]

I ALWAYS check the terminals on the side of the compressor. Never rely on the wires to check for a bad compressor.

[@mrgreen9086]

I've learned that lesson before I miss diagnosed a compressor and the problem was the harness. Now I check directly at the compressor terminal everytime

[@111000100101001]

Thanks so much for sharing, a really valuable reminder that it may not be as bad as it initially looks. I see your trademark slash cut vent pipe, very nice and functional!

[@papichulo1934]

Great job - Keep the compressor for the next one - we always needed when everything is closed

[@hitekrednek66]

You know, it takes a big man who is most def a journeyman HVAC tech with 33 years of experience to admit he almost made a mistake! Ted is a a fav of mine personally and knows his stuff. Now he is a little eat up with Trane,but he has a fav and support them and I respect that! He could have simply NOT posted this vid and no one been the wiser. Thanks sir for this vid and all you post. I learn alot and even tho you don't support HVAC as a diy kinda thing, I thank you for your posts sir! Keep them coming.

[@eddiekilby]

The best thing about an oversight like this is remembering it. Learning from it it even if you knew better in the first place.

[@jasonjohnsonHVAC]

I start my checks at the contactor....if i find something unusual....i then go directly to the comp terminals....it always lets you know if its the wiring or the molded plug or a true issue. Just remember kids......80% of electrical failures are actually mechanical failures. If the comp is out of warranty.....cut it open and figure out why it failed....if its in warranty.....ask for the inspection report from your supply house....if its a second or third comp under warranty......you definitely need to figure out why.....inspection reports are free for the first replacement....second and so on cost a little money.....but less than a new comp.

[@ardiemclelland2039]

I just got an old window air conditioner back into operation after a mouse had made a nest in the compressor area and chewed through wiring. I used the wiring harness from a unit in my scrap pile that lost its charge last summer. A 1982 Westinghouse has been saved from the scrap pile for another year. Great by the way, always watching you on my weekends off.

[@111000100101001]

Nice resourceful fix Mr Ardie McLelland!

[@Payitforward42]

I would've died inside if I changed that out and found the real issue.

[@clayfree7428]

I’ve never understood why these manufacturers don’t put ALL wires going into the compressor compartment in a rubber type wire loom. For what they charge for new equipment…….just all of them cheaping out more and more.

[@MrBobbybrady]

I wish you were in my area. I'd love to find an HVAC tech I could trust.

[@gordonpotts753]

I once applied for a hvac job and in the interview. The interviewer asked me, " have u ever changed a good compressor?" I repied yes. I was hired. The interviewer who became my boss. Said later. " I wanted to see if u would lie".

[@viewtx8233]

I had the same thing happen to me with a fan motor. Didn't ohm out right, changed motor, then found nick in the wire. There's no way to check a motor at the connection, but I did learn to at least check the entire length of the wire before changing a motor. One of life's tricks you never forget. :)

[@jfrancis98]

Thank you for not letting your ego get in the way of being honest!! We are all human and allowed to make mistakes. Live and learn.

[@j.rcoker9051]

So nice to see an honest HVAC guy!

[@thecatdaddy1974]

I appreciate people that show easy mistakes, It is quick and easy to check compressor at the wring end instead at the compressor , I hope this experience helps others, Many egos would had cost the customer lots of $$$$

[@harrywalker4922]

Always respect a guy who admits his mistakes. I have 35 years in the trade. Always learning.

[@weedeater62]

Wonder if someone had the top off for cleaning and that wire got stuck over there when the top went back on.

[@MrNebRebew]

I bet that’s the case.

[@billyparkinson9933]

Most likely the case. That hole Ted found the common wire is not there from the factory.

[@argtv1007]

the wires should have been in a 3 cent length of loom but that would cost the corporation 3 cents profit but that is unamerican

[@Ricoswavaey]

ALWAYS check for an open winding at compressor to confirm before condemning, good catch

[@mainj54]

Who diagnoses a open winding bad compressor and does not check it at the compressor terminals ?

[@murky2502]

If you had discovered the open wire after having replaced the compressor, how would you have billed the customer?

[@TedCookHVAC]

Zero.

[@daviddesilva4971]

Being the honest person your are someone is looking out for you. Thxs for the vids!

[@holliday72889]

I always check at the compressor, but I do more refrigeration than a/c, so I got in the habit because it’s more accessible

[@nightowlarchive]

I know nothing about HVAC, but these videos are always fascinating to me. Very entertaining, keep it up!

[@jrpepatone8116]

I have been doing HVAC residential and Commercial since 1978, and the first week of doing HVAC I knew always to check for open windings at the compressor, because anything could happen through wires, contactors, capacitors, and switches.

[@jackl9922]

Great you saved the customer money! Great job We always learn. Thx for content.

[@steveksi]

Good Catch.. we all make mistakes. Especially when Busy. Like in construction. Measure twice, you know the rest.

[@rakentrail]

My grandfather always said, "check the cheap stuff first"! "Cheap stuff breaks first because it's cheap"! That advice has saved me a lot of money in my 63 years! How many times have we seen someone fire the parts cannon at something and not fix it till they get to part number 9 or 10? A local HVAC tech here in NC told my parents that the compressor has failed and they needed a whole new R410A system. I went to look and found a bad fuse in the disconnect. It's still running! BTW, the owner of the company was a friend and he fired the tech to help keep the company's good reputation! When you find an honest tech, keep him! Not sure? A second opinion could save you thousands! Glad you're man enough to admit it when you make a mistake!

[@fredcombs7234]

I had a similar thing happen to me about 15 yrs. Ago , in the corner of the unit it had a vertical channel in the corner that the wires ran thru , but what I found was a rat was still down in the channel and he had chewed one of the compressor wires, and believe it or not he was still alive looking up at me , sad to say he lost his life that day

[@tcifusion4497]

AND I AM SURE U WILL HAVE A SATISFIED DEALER FOR GOING THE EXTRA STEP CHECKING EVERYTHING ... THANK U FOR THE VIDEO SIR..

[@rickdavis2048]

Great catch!!! I thoroughly enjoy your vids. Very happy customer.

[@lonewolf1401]

Great video I learned a little Diagnostics but what I want to know is did you inspect the other one and if it was also wrong did you offer to fix it or you going to wait until about it goes down and charge them more money

[@timcook7949]

I had one last yr that the wiring to the compressor was chewed in too down under the coil. Always check at the compressor. I understand this happening. we don't find the harness bad very often after 43 yrs we old timers sometimes make mistakes. The only thing is we tend to recheck things just to make sure

[@gregs9555]

At least you weren't in the process of recovering when you figured it out, nice easy fix

[@HfJax]

Made that mistake once a while back and taught me a good lesson that I’ll never forget

[@jayrenner211]

Do you think it made that hole over time? Clamped down and arc flashed a hole over time?

[@Review-This]

This is why I always ohm the computer at the plug not the wires.

[@xgnscooterman2009]

Whenever I hear service techs talk about their job, I feel better about being an installer

[@AJGR33NWR]

Compared to you I’m very new to the field.. but just the other day I had a Similar issue darn mouse chewed through one leg I just thought it was odd when the compressor wasn’t coming on and after pulling the covers over sure enough I found the nest at the bottom with the wire chewed!

[@billyparkinson9933]

And for some strange reason, rats/mice love Trane units. Never see it happen on other brands

[@BlueDinnie]

🙌🏼 good save! I saw something similar happen to a car I had it was a 2004 Pontiac GTO it was only 6 months old and the squirrels went in and chewed the wiring up they told me eight grand to fix it it ended up costing about five bucks...

[@toetagsbodybags]

good catch that would have sucked..... my teacher in HVAC always beat the crap out of us telling us "isolate the component then test"..... I love your videos !!! Even veterans make mistakes we all human.... from one comfort specialist to another lol

[@deathactual1745]

Good thing you found it before you unsweat the lines!

[@josephkimmel4256]

That takes quite the set of balls to balance your screw tray on that pvc like that. Bravo sir.

[@OcRefrig]

Nice Save ! Great Video ! Great Reminder Video for Everyone ! Allways check the compressor ohms Right at the Compressor & Do it when it cold 🥶. BEFORE Calling time of Death 💀 ! Wire Nuts are FINE ! They have been used in the Trades for 100 Years !!! no real issues. i Prefer Butt Connectors over Wire nuts these days for High Amp Connections & use Wagos Now For Everything else that is Low current ! Great Reminder / Video !!!

[@SgtTanPants]

Always love the videos. Keep it up

[@Maithiss]

Good job! Just recently had my compressor die on a 90+ degree week. I bet you and the customer are both happy to have an easy Saturday.

[@dwreed63]

You have my respect sir. I know a lot of techs who wouldn't post a video like this where such a huge mistake was nearly made. GREAT save. Excellent display of humility. Takes a smart and confident man to admit his mistake. Very well done 👍👍

[@peterhodgkins6985]

Wow! Outstanding last minute catch!

[@jameslong3351]

Most good lessons are learned the hard way. Reason being is that they won't be easily forgotten.

[@Robyrich2377]

Good job in Troubleshooter the big picture diagnosis… double and triple check…👍👍👍

[@erichoward5565]

33 Years in the business is exactly why you even considered checking the harness.,... Great vid, 👍 You saved that customer some cash.

[@texasoutlaw210]

Also when working on comercial sometimes I found compressors running backwards. Switched one of the three legs and back to normal.

[@danobrien3109]

Nice catch Theodore. You now need to take that tech out to lunch one day soon. I’ve been doing this crazy business for 46+ years and have found you can learn something everyday.👍👍🇨🇦

[@rgmatta3524]

Everybody is human and makes mistakes! If you don't make mistakes, you ain't doing anything!

[@deanmartin1966]

Nice job. Saved the customer lots of money

[@texasoutlaw210]

I was always taught to check compressor at terminals not just the harness. Sometimes harnesses go bad.

[@williamkivimaki4810]

that's why i always check the windings at the compressor at the terminals before i condemn a compressor.

[@throttlebottle5906]

I wonder if that was really a factory assembly error or did someone pull the top to clean it and the wire snuck over there during reassembly? it's way too easy to get a wire pinched off to the side, I use electrical tape(or zip ties) to bundling them in that area, that makes it much easier to keep them in one place.

[@victoragresti1777]

That's probably so,it's happened to me changing out condenser motor your right wires get pinched

[@jeromes58]

High voltage passing through a metal cutout without a $0.25 plastic grommet.

[@billyparkinson9933]

That hole wasn't factory, the pinched wire cut it in as it was arcing. Seen it many times

[@mattluongo7763]

It's rolled metal, doesn't need a grommet. The wire shorted because it was pinched.

[@fishyfool]

Like that new Milwaukee screw gun! 12v FUEL even. Get yourself one of their 12 impact drivers as well. Great stuff. Nothing like good tools to make a job a little easier.

[@fluffyblue4006]

In automotive, we see wiring harnesses wrapped in electrical tape and covered with that black tubing, or wrapped in that heavy-duty black textile tape. We see rubber grommets where it passes through sheet metal. There's countless wiring harness brackets and clamps that prevent movement and damage by vibration. And it's only 12V. In HVAC, we see unprotected wires just dangling freely over the edge of some sheet metal, with 120V on them. That just cannot be the OEM's way of routing those wires. Seriously?

[@Duke93720]

You would be surprised how often those rubber grommets are never in place

[@AllTattedUp13]

220 my friend not 120.

[@je.6985]

@@AllTattedUp13 technically hes not wrong. Each leg carrying 120 to make 208/230 or 277 to make 460/480.

[@turndroid234]

Is that the dryer vent jutting out of the wall and blowing directly in to the AC unit?

[@HVACingMyWay]

It happens to the best of us. I’ve made it a habit regardless of how much of a pain it is which it usually is to check from one end to other end I have continuity

[@riccoc.8891]

Excellent tech diegnostic work

[@bills6946]

A dishonest man would have sold the customer a new compressor anyway. I always told my new guys, be honest. You never know if your honesty is being tested.

[@DigitalIP]

Always best when someone catches a potential mistake instead of making the customer pay for something they didnt need.

[@pball86]

Same thing happened to me with a brand new Lennox, but it was a fan motor wire that was pinched.

[@PlowenYourMommy]

It's ok. Your second day in the hvac industry will be better.

[@tedsmith5058]

Hello from the great state of Michigan Ted you’re the best.

[@rogerdirks947]

That notch where the black wire was at is probably a burn mark from pinching the wire between the lid and the edge of the cabinet.

[@ThierryC2373]

Why is there no grommets at all to pass all those wires in the metal openings?

[@hartsfire5706]

grate video. i have one on my own AC that is going out the rot is working it's way up the red wire.

[@MrMultitool]

Talk about a wonderful feeling! It would have been a really bad day if You had changed the compressor for nothing. It pays to be thorough Good catch!

[@joseorta9928]

good find...great job

[@opticalinch]

I bet your customer was happy how much that just saved them.

[@sealteam818cw]

That's why you isolate the system components. Don't deem compressor windings bad, unless you check at the compressor.

[@Eddy63]

Nice catch and good fix ... You never know do ya ... Thx for posting ...

[@waltersmith7950]

Wow, that was close. Nice catch and thanks for sharing. Does that fall under the KISS principle? lol

[@mr.r9505]

Well Ted your still the best diagnostic guy I know good catch id use you in a minute extremely impressed

[@549BR]

It's hard to fool a seasoned technician😉

[@LeftsnRights88]

I think I would have taken a pair of aviation snips and carefully cut that top corner off at a 45-degree angle to prevent any possible future problems.

[@chuckquinn8026]

Guess it’s a good idea to have a spare wire connector/whip to double check whether you have an electrical issue vs bad compressor

[@549BR]

Sounds like a good idea. I used to work in the two way radio business and had all kinds of jumpers made just for that reason.

[@mattluongo7763]

Or just tone out the harness

[@MetalDetectingwithCZkidd]

The ones that got me sometimes was a difficult double issue.

[@hvactechwanttobe1499]

Thanks for sharing Ted From time to time we all need that wake up call I did learn two lessons from it I see you switch to 12 volts milwaukee never understand why guys use the 18 V large drills on 5/16 screws call me lazy but i don’t need a biggest tool for a small screw

[@jeffsworld2]

For curiosity it might have checked the other unit to see if it’s wire was the same way, that would tell you if it came from the factory that way and they had a production issue.

[@OcRefrig]

yea, might be worth a peek & make a Great video !

[@gregmercil3968]

I was taught very early on that when ohm-ing out a compressor that’s off on thermal overload, to ohm it out at the wires that connect to the contactor. I was told to do this because pulling the wires off the compressor itself when it’s overheated, one of the fusite terminals could pull out with the wire. Not only blowing out the entire charge, but could spray extremely hot oil all over you. I had to do do this just the other day on a 6 year old Goodman who’s compressor was off on thermal. After cooling off the compressor the overload reset itself, and the stupid thing started running backwards. I had no idea that could happen in a single phase scroll.

[@mattluongo7763]

I've made the same exact mastake on a trane unit before. The wire was broken where it goes under the coil.

[@yoitsrob]

Would like to hear a conversation with the homeowner here, "btw we're saving $$$ today"

[@WaterBanana17]

I did an install about a year n half ago and when we cranked it up it had a LV short. Damn unit came with all wires smashed where they go into electrical cabinet.. was so pissed at the factory lol

[@WaterBanana17]

One of the wires from pressure switches was the culprit lol

[@atgn-0088]

This would pop up as a suggestion shortly after my Trane was stopped by a short. I thought my thermostat was toast as it kept rebooting, nope! HVAC tech comes out and finds a mess of hot exposed wiring in the air handler and condenser unit outside..install company gave us the shaft. A rewire and new 5 amp fuse later, system is back to normal.

[@jakesteel3641]

My question is before replacing a compressor why wouldn't you test the actual contacts on the compressor instead of the end of the leads? I thought that was fairly standard practice to check windings directly on the compressor connector.