If your Friedrich air conditioner won’t turn off, start with the most common cause: dirty condenser coils. When the coils can’t release heat properly, the unit works harder, the AC runs continuously, and the compressor may keep running while it tries to reach the set temperature. Next, check the temperature control thermostat. If it has shorted, it can send constant voltage to the fan motor and compressor, making the air conditioner compressor run constantly. A defective thermostat can cause the same problem by failing to sense room temperature correctly or by keeping the cooling circuit closed. A dirty or damaged air filter can also restrict airflow and make the air conditioner keep running longer than normal. If those parts check out, test the thermistor, which reports room temperature to the control board, and consider the relay board only after the more likely causes have been ruled out. Enter your Friedrich model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact condenser coil cleaner, air filter, thermostat, thermistor, relay board, or other replacement part that fits your specific air conditioner.
01 - 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. Refer to owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
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02 - Friedrich Air Conditioner 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.)
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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.)
A dirty air filter will greatly reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioner, which may cause the unit to run longer than normal. Most air filters used in stand-alone air conditioners can be cleaned with soap and water. Only filters that are extremely clogged with debris or damaged will need to be replaced. Refer to owner's manual for guidance.
Common
05 - Friedrich Air Conditioner 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.
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.