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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Central A/C RepairKenmore Central A/C Condensing unit does not run Repair
Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Condensing unit does not run
If your Kenmore central air conditioner's condensing unit does not run, the AC condenser may not be turning on because of a failed compressor, the most likely cause listed for this symptom. A defective wall thermostat can also prevent the furnace and outdoor unit from starting. Next, check the condenser fan motor and fan motor. If either motor has no electrical continuity, is not receiving power, or the fan blades do not turn freely, seized bearings may be responsible. When the outdoor ac unit is not running even though it has power and the contactor works, a sealed system problem, such as low refrigerant causing the low pressure switch to trip, may be keeping the condensing unit from starting. A faulty high or low pressure switch is less common. Testing components around a central air conditioner involves 240V line voltage, so use appropriate electrical safety procedures and hire a qualified technician for live-voltage diagnosis. Any refrigerant handling, pressure-switch replacement, sealed system repair, or compressor replacement requires EPA 608 certification and a licensed HVAC technician. Enter your Kenmore model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific ac condensing unit.
01 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Compressor
Central air conditioners use a compressor to pump refrigerant through the condenser coils located in the outside condensing unit and through the evaporator coils mounted on top of the furnace or air handler. While it's not a common problem, if the compressor fails, the condensing unit will not run. You can use a multimeter to test the compressor for electrical continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the component, to help determine if the compressor is faulty. If all other potentially defective components, such as the capacitor and condenser fan motor, are operating properly, then a qualified technician should ...
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Highly Likely
02 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Wifi Thermostat
The WiFi thermostat has contacts in it that control the furnace. If the contact fails it can result in the furnace and the condensing unit to not run at all.
Common
03 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Condenser Fan Motor
A faulty condenser fan motor can be responsible for the central air conditioner condensing unit not running. You can use a multimeter to test the fan motor for electrical continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the motor, to help determine if the motor is defective. You can also use the multimeter to determine if power is reaching the motor. You can also try rotating the fan blades by hand. If the blades do not turn freely, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the fan motor will need to be replaced.
Common
04 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Fan Motor
A faulty fan motor can be responsible for the central air conditioner condensing unit not running. You can use a multimeter to test the fan motor for electrical continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the motor, to help determine if the motor is defective. You can also use the multimeter to determine if power is reaching the motor. You can also try rotating the fan blades by hand. If the blades do not turn freely, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the fan motor will need to be replaced.
Common
05 - Sealed system problem
If the condensing unit has power to it, the contactor checks out okay, but the fan and compressor are not running, it is likely that the unit is low on refrigerant which will cause the low limit pressure switch to trip and keep the unit from running. Since diagnosing and repairing a sealed system takes specialized tools and knowledge, a qualified service technician should diagnosis and repair the unit.
Common
06 - Kenmore Central Air Conditioner Pressure Switch
A pressure switch is a safety device used to help prevent component and system failures. There are basically three types of pressure switches used in central air conditioning and heat pump applications: High Limit, Low Limit, and Ambient Temperature. Depending on the model, you may have one or more of these or none. The pressure switch(es) can be checked with a multimeter, referencing the wiring diagram for the circuit locations. Note: If a pressure switch needs to be replaced the refrigerant will need to be removed, requiring a qualified technician.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore central air conditioner condensing unit not running?
What should I check if my outdoor AC unit is not turning on but the indoor blower runs?
How do I troubleshoot a condenser fan that is not running?
Why won't my AC compressor start when the condenser fan is not running too?
How do I find the correct Kenmore central AC replacement part?
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