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HomeRepair HelpTrane Central A/C RepairTrane Central air conditioner compressor won't run Repair
Trane Central air conditioner compressor won't run
Is your Trane central air conditioner compressor not running? The compressor itself may be defective, but it is not usually the first part to replace. A failed compressor can cause an air conditioner compressor to not start or make the central AC compressor not work. Before condemning it, check the start capacitor, the most common cause after the compressor. A burned, bulging, leaking, or electrically failed start capacitor may prevent the compressor from starting. Next, inspect the contactor, which receives a low-voltage signal from the furnace control board and supplies power to the outdoor condensing unit. A defective contactor or burnt contacts can stop the compressor. Less common causes include a failed run capacitor, capacitor, or dual run capacitor, which supplies starting or running voltage to the compressor and may also power the condenser fan motor. Testing these parts and compressor continuity requires a multimeter, and the outdoor unit contains hazardous 240V line voltage. Turn off power at the disconnect box and circuit breaker, and do not work inside the unit unless qualified. Any compressor replacement or refrigerant-system repair requires an EPA 608-certified HVAC technician. Enter your model number to find the exact Trane replacement part for your central air conditioner.
01 - Trane Central Air Conditioner Compressor
The compressor is a pump which compresses the refrigerant and circulates the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils. If the compressor is defective or worn out, it likely won't run. However, this isn’t usually the case. Before replacing the compressor, first check all of the more commonly defective components. If all of the other components are working properly, use a multimeter to test the compressor for continuity. If there is an open circuit, the compressor is likely defective.
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Highly Likely
02 - Trane Central Air Conditioner Start Capacitor
A start capacitor is often used to cycle on the compressor. If the capacitor burns out, the compressor may not run. The start capacitor can be tested with a multimeter to determine if the component can successfully hold and release its charge. If the capacitor is unable to hold and release a charge, or is bulging or leaking, the capacitor will need to be replaced.
Common
03 - Trane Central Air Conditioner Contactor
The furnace control board sends a low voltage signal to the contactor. When the contactor receives the signal from the control board, it closes the circuit, sending voltage to the condensing unit components. If the contactor is defective, it can prevent the compressor from running. To determine if the contactor is at fault, use a multimeter to test the contactor coil for continuity. If the contactor coil does not have continuity or the contacts a on the coil look burnt, replace it.
Common
04 - Trane Central Air Conditioner Run Capacitor
A run capacitor will power either the compressor or the fan motor (a dual run capacitor will power both). If the capacitor burns out, the compressor may not run. To determine if the run capacitor has failed, test the capacitor with a multimeter. If the capacitor is unable to hold and release a charge or is bulging or leaking, replace it.
Less Common
05 - Trane Central Air Conditioner Capacitor
The capacitor provides voltage to the compressor to start it. If the capacitor is defective, the compressor won't run. To determine if the capacitor has failed, test the capacitor with a multimeter. If the capacitor is unable to hold and release a charge or is bulging or leaking, replace it.
Less Common
06 - Trane Central Air Conditioner Dual Run Capacitor
A dual run capacitor will power both the compressor and the fan motor. If the capacitor burns out, the compressor may not run. To determine if the dual run capacitor has failed, test the capacitor with a multimeter. If the capacitor is unable to hold and release a charge or is bulging or leaking, replace it.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Trane AC compressor not running?
How do I test a Trane AC capacitor when the compressor won't start?
Can a bad contactor cause the AC compressor not to run?
How do I know if the Trane AC compressor itself is bad?
How do I find the correct Trane AC compressor or capacitor replacement part?
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