Do I need a new capacitor or what?

[bknelson83]

Last night our a/c stopping blowing cold air. I went outside and noticed that the outdoor unit fan was not spinning (there was however a buzzing noise). After some research, I did the "stick test" and got the fan moving. It seemed from all the posts that I read that this was a temporary fix that would make the air blow cold for a short time. However, even with the fan spinning, it was still 83 degrees all night and not blowing cold air. When I woke up this morning, the inside fan was blowing, but the outside had stopped. I figured I needed a new capacitor, but if I understand correctly, that just gets the fan started....well I got it started with a stick and it was still not cold inside. Advice please.

P.S. Before I get the fan going with stick, the top of the unit is almost too hot to leave your hand on it. Thanks in advance for any and all responders/help.

[HayZee518]

some condensers have a dual capacitor. one side is for start the other side is a run capacitor. if you short out the capacitor from the common terminal to one side with a screwdriver and the power OFF you should get a good spark. no spark would indicate a leaky capacitor.

[jnaas2]

look at the capacitor and see if it has one post on it that says fan and another post that has herm on it, or if it still has a tag on it does it have something like 5/35. If it does its a split capacitor and it makes both the fan and compressor run. Usually when one goes out the fan wont start but will get so hot you cant touch the fan motor, and the compressor will hum and then go silent when the overload shuts the power off

[bknelson83]

Fixed it! I was a bad capacitor after all.

[bknelson83]

Cost 20 dollars for the part and I replaced it myself. Super easy.

[HayZee518]

Good! I'm glad we could help.