2803

My outside fan on my AC unit has stopped. If I kick on the system the fan doesn't turn but I hear a buzzing coming from the outside unit and then an occasional click like something is trying to turn on.

I am pretty handy so what should I look for and what voltage/things should I find?

Trane XE1200 on the outside.

Thanks,

pf

glennjanie

Welcome 2803:
Take the top guard off the unit and look for loose wires, that's often the problem. The clicking is probably a relay trying to kick the fan on and since it is clicking, it is likely OK.
See if there is a capacitor on the motor or nearby. If so, disconnect it and use an audible Ohmmeter. Touch the contacts to the two clips on the capaictor; if you get a high whine that decreases to a low whine, the capacitor is OK.
Take the motor off, remove the fan blade and take the motor to a dealer. They can check the motor for you and, if necessary, sell you a new one.
The buzzing you hear may be a Copeland scroll compressor; they make a low humming sound. Without the fan working the compressor will run until the pressure gets too high and then kick out. The fan releives the temperature which lowers the pressure.
As usual, I have talked too much, please let us know how you come out with the fan.
Glenn

inspectorD

That's not talkin to much, that's coverin the bases.
Glad your on our team. ;

__________________
Just My
Made in the

2803

Capacitor...fixed.

Thanks...great site.

glennjanie

YYYyyyeeeaaayyy! Congratulations! Enjoy the cool and take your wife out with the $75 service charge you saved.
Glenn

pjmirg

I just found this thread. I have a problem that sounded similar to begin with, But my buzzing is coming from the fan motor. The fan will not spin but makes a buzzing sound. Can this cause damage to the pump also?

glennjanie

Welcome PJMIRG:
No, it will not hurt the compressor, only make it short cycle; but it still won't cool the house like that.
Glenn

pjmirg

I ended up getting the fan motor cleaned up and lubed. It now works fine again. I was worried it would be something more serious. it was 118 degrees last week!