Out side AC unit fan having short cycle

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Jul 24, 2010
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LONESTAR state
My AC out side. The fan run for 5 second and turn off and run for 5 second and turn off.

I feel cool inside the house. Just the fan out side just having short cycle.
 
I also having home warranty. They charge $95 for service fee. Its worth calling them?
Yes because if something is wrong they'll have to get permission from the warranty company to order the part and then schedule a time to install said part. This process takes time so sooner the better as these companies get hit with a seasonal rush of calls.
 
Chances are its going to be a capacitor or contactor. Or both. The compressor sounds like it is not starting because of a failed contactor or capacitor on the compressor side. The fan side start still works but is not getting a run signal from the compressor and it shuts down. Compressor attempts another start cycle all over again, but fails over and over.

If you have a warranty, pay the service charge and have them repair it if covered. If you misdiagnose it, and do an improper repair, it will cost way more than the $95 service fee. You ARE a certified and licensed HVAC repairman aren't you? 😁
 
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Chances are its going to be a capacitor or contactor. Or both. The compressor sounds like it is not starting because of a failed contactor or capacitor on the compressor side. The fan side start still works but is not getting a run signal from the compressor and it shuts down. Compressor attempts another start cycle all over again, but fails over and over.

If you have a warranty, pay the service charge and have them repair it if covered. If you misdiagnose it, and do an improper repair, it will cost way more than the $95 service fee. You ARE a certified and licensed HVAC repairman aren't you? 😁
No sir. I'm just a regular cars guys who know nothing about home improvement lol. Still learning how to fix things around the house.
 
My AC out side. The fan run for 5 second and turn off and run for 5 second and turn off.

I feel cool inside the house. Just the fan out side just having short cycle.
if you feel cool inside the house then that means your compressor is coming on without the fan that could wind up making the compressor overheat.
 
Sounds like it cycling off from a pressure switch. Either its low on refrigerant or running high head pressure from a dirty condenser coil.

American Standard / Trane has high and low pressure switches. Not all brands have pressure switches and some only have high pressure switches.
 
Is the compressor cycling off too or just the fan? The compressor will have a built in timer to prevent it from restarting for 5 minutes after it shuts off.
 
Is the compressor cycling off too or just the fan? The compressor will have a built in timer to prevent it from restarting for 5 minutes after it shuts off.
Yes, if it shuts off from overpressure as might happen if coils are frozen. Am not sure the 5 minute applies to overcurrent on the compressor.
 
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