Home AC help please

Upstairs AC crapped out yesterday, appointment Monday, I dove in to the caps & found at some point it appears someone added a second cap.

I am guessing they did not have the right one?

Any idea what I need to get?

 

Original was a 50+7.5 mfd dual capacitor

Not unusual for a service tech to replace with 2 single capacitors(use what we got on the truck)
Have you tested the capacitors?

 

No, but the unit does not run & that is what has been the solution on both units for 17 years (5 or so times total) when this happens. I'm hoping to be able to sleep in my bed tonight as it's over 90 up there with no ac.

Thanks

 

They both start at 3.xxx & go to OL.





That is good no?

 

I posted the reading on the 50 a second ago, they both behave the same way.

Seeing as the single correct cap can't hurt I figure I'll get that & hope, worst case the guy will have that ruled out Monday, best case I can have my upstairs back. It's already 88 up there & I'm running the downstairs 3 degrees lower because it's hot up there, making it hotter downstairs.

Thanks

 

Really need a meter that reads microfards. The ohms scale on your meter won’t tell you if capacitor is weak(not reading full 50 or 7.5 mfd value)
When you noticed ac was not cooling what was outdoor unit doing?

outdoor fan running?
Large suction pipe warm to touch?

 

Also check your contactor, making sure the contacts aren’t super burnt or pitted. Disconnect power, manually push in the contactor and ohm across the switch legs(or leave power on and check for zero volts across the closed switch)

 

It was yesterday afternoon, I work from home downstairs, went upstairs, it was 85 when the AC was set to 83 & it was putting out luke warm air. I turned it off & back on a few hours later (it was 88 up there) so I left it off. My Wife is out of town so I just slept on the couch & started in on it today.

Now it does not run & I had a cap from the last time the larger downstairs unit did this but it is different.

I just went to Home Depot, seeing no caps, I asked where they were & the guy (without missing a beat) said at an authorized HVAC store, I said so....not here? The guy he had been talking to said Grainger, I called them & got a call center that said they are closed until Monday.

From the parking lot I ordered this, same day delivery.



Thanks

 

I have this but it's a bit of an ordeal to use, will it give me what I need?

About this item

• 【ALL-IN-ONE POWER CIRCUIT PROBE TESTER】Autel PowerScan PS100 is goal to reduce circuit diagnostic time in all 6-30v vehicle electrical systems. This automotive power circuit probe supports voltage & polarity test, continuity test, signal circuit test, components activate, check bad ground contact, locate short circuits etc. This is a wonderful Christmas present for man/dad.
• 【FOUR MODES】The circuit probe kit’s 4 modes : DC voltage: read the DC voltage with a resolution of 0.1 volts. AC voltage: read the Max/Min voltage, frequency, and duty cycle. Resistance: read the resistance between the tip and auxiliary ground lead. Tone On/Off: technicians use the tone in a dark environment to distinguish the test results.
• 【QUICK SELF-TEST】With the power circuit probe tester connected, perform a quick self-test.The power switch is a momentary rocker switch located on the tool's body. Flanking the switch are positive and negative markings.
• 【CIRCUIT BREAKER】Autel PS100 electrical tester is short-circuit protected. Its internal circuit breaker will trip if it becomes overloaded. The circuit breaker is a valuable test tool as well as a safety measure to protect the tool from overload.
• 【QUICKLY IDENTIFY POLARITY】Autel PS100 instantly checks component continuity and identifies positive, negative and open circuits. When the positive terminal is connected, the red LED light is on, accompanied by a beep. When the negative terminal is connected, the green LED lights up, along with low pitched tone. If it is an open circuit, the LED light will not light.
• 【20FT EXTENSION CABLE】This circuit tester comes with 20ft extension cable, 20ft+20ft allowing you to access any position of the vehicle and test it. The built-in flashlight is convenient for detection, PS100 fuse tester automotive kit can give you a good view in the dark.

 

No, I doesn’t look like it reads microfarads(MFD)

 

Curses

Lol

 

AC repair had a cancellation, replaced the fan motor, AC is fixed.




No idea why it was necessary, it's chilly.



This was last night, before & after I shut it off.