Price range: 1,200 to replace the compressor, just under 3,000 for whole new system.
Before we spend a bunch of money though, we need to check some other things:
1. Remove the access panel outside, locate the contactor, with your screwdriver on the plastic part in the middle, push the contactor in to see if the compressor runs.
2. look in the access panel for burned off wires, turn the power off, pop the junction box cover off the compressor, look for burned wires again.
3. Disconnect all three wires from the compressor, use an ohmmeter from each of the three terminals to ground. Record the reading on each one; two of the readings added together should equal the third reading. If this won't add up the compressor is shorted out and needs to be replaced.
4. The unit is past its economic life (12years) and should be replaced, indoor and out.
5. In my experience, about 8 out of 10 a/c repairs are simply a burned off wire. I hope you find one burned off and can reconnect it for another 5 years of running.
Glenn