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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Central A/C RepairKenmore Central air conditioner won't turn on Repair
Kenmore Central air conditioner won't turn on
Won’t your Kenmore central air conditioner turn on? The problem is usually in the low-voltage control circuit or the power supply to the furnace, air handler, or outdoor condensing unit. The most likely cause is a failed transformer, which should send 24 volts from the furnace control board to the thermostat and contactor. Next, a defective control board may prevent the contactor from receiving the signal or keep the blower motor from getting power. Check the wall thermostat batteries, then verify that the furnace or air handler has incoming power, the circuit breaker and fuse are good, and the nearby power switch is on. If the display works but the AC unit is not turning on, a failed wall thermostat or thermostat wiring may not be sending 24 volts through the yellow thermostat wire to the contactor. Testing thermostat and control-board voltage requires a multimeter and care. Turn off power before replacing parts, and have a licensed HVAC technician handle 240V line-voltage work or electrical testing beyond your comfort level. Enter your Kenmore model number to find the exact transformer, control board, thermostat, or other replacement part for your central air conditioner.
01 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Transformer
The furnace control board sends a low voltage signal of 24 volts to the thermostat. When the themostat cooling contacts close, a 24 volt signal is sent to the contactor coil, closing the high voltage circuit and sending power to the condensing unit components. Some furnaces have a separate transformer for the 24 volt circuit, so if the contactor is not receiving the proper voltage when the thermostat cooling contacts are closed, it's likely this transformer has failed and the component will need to be replaced.
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Highly Likely
02 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Control Board
If the central air condensing unit contactor is not receiving 24 volts or power is not getting to the furnace blower motor, a possible cause is a defective furnace control board. While this is not a common problem, if all other potentially faulty components are working properly, the control board should be replaced.
Highly Likely
03 - Wall Thermostat Batteries
Most wall thermostats are either powered by an enclosed battery or by the furnace or air handler transformer. If the thermostat display is dead, you can remove the thermostat cover and look for replaceable batteries. Replace the batteries if needed and check operation.
Common
04 - Incoming Power Problem
Check to see if there is power to the furnace or air handler. One or more indicator lights on the control board should be illuminated. If there is no power to the furnace or air handler, check to see if a circuit breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown. Confirm the power switch on the side of the unit is turned on.
Common
05 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Wall Thermostat
The furnace control board sends a low voltage signal of 24 volts to the contactor through the wall thermostat. When the contactor receives the signal from the wall thermostat, it closes the circuit, sending voltage to the condensing unit components. There should be 24 volts between the common (“C”) and yellow (“Y”) thermostat wire terminals on the furnace control board when the wall thermostat is in the cooling mode. You can check for this voltage with a multimeter. If voltage is not reaching the contactor, it's likely the wall thermostat is defective and will need to be replaced.
Less Common
06 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Wifi Thermostat
The furnace control board sends a low voltage signal of 24 volts to the contactor through the WiFi thermostat. When the contactor receives the signal from the WiFi thermostat, it closes the circuit, sending voltage to the condensing unit components. There should be 24 volts between the common (“C”) and yellow (“Y”) thermostat wire terminals on the furnace control board when the WiFi thermostat is in the cooling mode. You can check for this voltage with a multimeter. If voltage is not reaching the contactor, it's likely the WiFi thermostat is defective and will need to be replaced.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Kenmore central air conditioner turn on?
What should I check if my Kenmore AC thermostat is not turning on the air conditioner?
Why is my Kenmore outdoor AC unit not turning on even though the thermostat works?
Could a transformer or control board keep my Kenmore central air conditioner from starting?
How do I find the correct Kenmore central air conditioner replacement part?
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