A/C Blower works on low speed only

My daughter has a through-the-wall air conditioner where the blower runs on ly on low speed. It cools well and the blower turns freely but it won't spe ed up when the control is put on medium or high speed. A friend suggested t he capacitor needs replacing. Is that the likely problem or is there anothe r possibility? The unit is about 6 years old and appears clean inside. NOt sure if this is relevant but my daughter says the problem started after a b ig storm recently. The model is ajcq10dcdw2. Thanks.

Reply to
Ameri-Clean
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where the blower runs only on low speed. It cools

well and the blower turns freely but it won't speed

up when the control is put on medium or high speed.

A friend suggested the capacitor needs replacing.

Is that the likely problem or is there another

possibility? The unit is about 6 years old and appears

clean inside. NOt sure if this is relevant but my

daughter says the problem started after a big storm

recently. The model is ajcq10dcdw2. Thanks.

Wall AC usually have a split capacitor. One side for the compressor, one side for the fan. Typically, caps go, one side or the other.

They aren't all that expensive or dificult to replace, if you have a background in electricity.

And it's a lot cheaper than going with a new AC.

Perhaps someone you know has a meter that reads farads, and can check the cap for you?

AC can appear clean but really be dirty. I've seen that enough times. Right after a storm makes me wonder if the motor has a burnt out winding or two?

Reply to
Stormin Mormon

So, the blower motor *will* start when the speed is set to "low"?

If it is easy to get at AND you are careful (by nature), you can try to see if you can manually get the fan to spin *backwards* (though if it does so, it will be very weak).

If the fan seems "strong" (i.e., resists attempts to keep it stalled) even though slow, don't bother checking.

[It's a small enough fan that this is less likely to be conclusive]
Reply to
Don Y

Yes, the fan turns when started but the output is low on all settings. I assume that if the fan is weak the motor is probably shot. If strong it is likely the capacitor. Is that what you are implying?

Reply to
Ameri-Clean

Capacitors are used in two different roles in AC motors.

A "start" capacitor gives the motor a momentary boost of torque to overcome inertia (i.e., get things moving from a dead stop). Something (e.g., a centrifugal switch -- a switch that *opens* when the motor starts spinning) disconnects the capacitor from the motor after it has served its purpose (i.e., once the motor is *spinning*, the capacitor is not needed).

A *run* capacitor introduces a "delay" (phase shift) in the second winding causing the rotor to move from one "phase" to the next (and next and next, etc. thus giving motion).

Start caps tend to be of much larger "capacitance" (hundreds of microfarads) while run caps are smaller (tens of microfarads). Start caps tend to not be as fussy about actual values -- meet the minimum requirement and you're OK. Run capacitors, OTOH, are part of a somewhat tuned circuit so need to be matched to the actual model motor (you can't just grab one from any old motor and expect it to work).

[Some caps actually serve dual purposes!]

Assuming you've got a ~5,000BTU window unit, I suspect the cap is (was?) a run capacitor. The fan just isn't that big of a mechanical load! (unless a single motor is doing double duty running the compressor *and* the fan!)

Chances are, if the ACbrrr was on/running during the "recent storm", it is likely that the capacitor was damaged by a voltage spike.

Most capacitors are relatively inexpensive (i.e., when compared to the cost of a service call *or* replacement device). You're probably looking at $10 or less -- with an hour or two of your time. This is mainly because of the logistics of getting *to* the cap in the first place!

- removing the ACbrrr from the window

- finding someplace to set it that your daughter won't complain :>

- boarding up/closing the window to keep the critters at bay

- dismantle it, keeping track of screws and plastic pieces

- trace the wires to locate the capacitor

- get the markings off the capacitor (so you know what to buy!)

- noting which wires go where

- purchasing replacement (may not be a stock item; bring original with you if possible in case there are mounting options!!)

- dealing with upset daughter who has this mess in the middle of her bedroom floor while you're off watching football :>

- reversing the procedure to replace, reassemble and reinstall in window frame

Here's an exploded view of that model ACbrrr: Click on "CABINET & COMPONENTS" for an overview of the entire unit; "CONTROL PARTS" for details of the "circuitry".

Note that there are *two* capacitors, here. The capacitor you are looking for is marked "1100" in the diagram. It appears to plug into (?) the control board.

The other capacitor -- marked 1045 -- is probably for the compressor; a much "heavier duty" motor (because it spends its life squeezing gas molecules instead of PUSHING air around! :> )

Assuming (!!) it is the capacitor, *this* looks to be a replacement: at ~$9. Search for "WJ20X10116" (the part number for the manufacturer's replacement component) for other vendors. You may find one at a local "Sears", appliance repair shop, etc. PAY ATTENTION TO PRICING! Some folks will have no qualms about charging you $50 for this part! (There is a technical term for these people. They are called CROOKS!) They operate on the premis that you are clueless and $50 is still cheaper than a replacement ACbrrr! :-/

(the first URL appears to sell that same capacitor for $16! )

We lost the cap for the (whole house) condenser fan a year or two ago (~10 years old). I think it was a $10 part and 15 minutes of my time (because the unit is outside, *large*, easy to access, etc.).

If you go poking around inside, make sure it is UNPLUGGED. You can also let it sit a while to ensure any residual charge has bled off. Note that you can leave it *in* the window, UNPLUGGED for a day to accomplish this! No need to wait until you've torn it out of the window and made a mess -- and THEN have to wait!

Depending on where you live, you will, of course, be mindful of any critters you end up dragging into the house! There is also likely to be condensate in the bottom of the unit -- don't spill that crud on your daughter's carpet!! :>

Reply to
Don Y

Thanks to both of you. I was at my daughter's the other day but now I'm bac k home. I forwarded your advice to her. She has a friend who is pretty elec tric-knowledgeable and hopefully he will be able to help. For the cost of a capacitor it's worth trying a fix; although if Stormin's comment is correc t about storm damage, that might be a different story.

Reply to
Ameri-Clean

The window or wall units I've serviced, the run capacitor is typically in the compartment with the thermostat and selector knob. I've been able to remove, test, and replace the cap while the unit is still in the wall, or the window. The access is from indoors, so often I can work while sitting on the floor in front of the unit. It's a good idea to label the wires as you remove them, or note the colors of the wires. So you get em back together correctly.

Reply to
Stormin Mormon

The tech should unplug the unit. Take the plastic face plate off, and then a couple screws that hold together the compartment with the selector and thermostat. The run cap should be in that little compartment. Good idea to tag or label the wires, and note the colors before removing any.

Reply to
Stormin Mormon

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