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HomeRepair HelpA/C RepairAir conditioner fan not working Repair

Why is My AC Fan Not Working?

If your air conditioner fan is not working, start with the parts that actually move the air. The most likely cause is a bad dual shaft fan motor, especially if the shaft is loose, bound up, or will not turn by hand. Next, check the fan motor itself. If the blade does not spin freely, the bearings may be worn out; if it spins freely but the air conditioner fan motor is not running with proper voltage applied, the motor is likely defective. A failed relay board can also keep voltage from reaching the fan, but check the fan motor capacitor and motor before blaming the board. If both the fan and compressor are not running, the temperature control thermostat or thermostat may have failed and should be tested for continuity. A main control board can cause an AC fan not working problem too, but it is less commonly the true failure. Whether you are fixing a window air conditioner fan not spinning or a larger AC unit, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific air conditioner.

01 - Air Conditioner Fan Motor

Try turning the blade by hand. If the blade does not turn freely, this indicates that the motor bearings are worn out. If the motor bearings are worn out, replace the motor. If the blade turns freely, test the incoming power to the fan motor. If power is getting to the fan motor, but the motor won’t run, this also indicates that the motor is defective and should be replaced.
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02 - Air Conditioner Dual Shaft Fan Motor

The dual shaft fan motor (or circulation fan motor) might be defective. The circulation fan motor has two fan blades: one on either side of the motor. On one side, the fan blade draws in outside air over the condensing coil to dissipate the heat. On the other side, the fan blade directs the air over the evaporator coil. The dual shaft fan motor has bearings that can loosen or bind over time. To determine if the motor bearings are defective, wiggle the motor shaft. If the motor shaft is loose, or if it won’t turn at all, replace the fan motor.
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03 - Air Conditioner Relay Board

The relay board provides voltage to many components of the air conditioner, including the fan motor. If the relay board isn’t working properly, the fan might not run. Relay boards are often misdiagnosed; before replacing the board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts—particularly the fan motor capacitor and the fan motor itself. If you are certain that all of the other components are working properly, replace the relay board.
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04 - Air Conditioner Thermostat

The thermostat monitors the temperature of the air. When the air temperature rises above a set point, the thermostat activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor. If the thermostat is defective, it may prevent the fan from working. To determine if the thermostat is defective, set the air conditioner to cooling and then use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity while the air conditioner is set to cooling, replace the thermostat. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner...’s wiring diagram for more information.)
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05 - Air Conditioner Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat has electrical contacts that burn out over time. If the electrical contacts are burned out, the thermostat won’t work properly The fan motor should always be running when the compressor is on. If the compressor is running, but the fan motor is not running, the fan motor or the fan motor capacitor are likely at fault. If both the compressor and the fan motor won’t run, use a multimeter to test the temperature control thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminal...s. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)
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06 - Air Conditioner Main Control Board

The main control board provides voltage to all of the air conditioner’s components. If there is a problem with the control board, it might stop providing power to the fan motor. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing the main control board. If you are certain that all of the other components are working properly, replace the main control board.
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07 - Air Conditioner Condenser Fan Motor

To determine if the condenser fan motor is working, use a multimeter to test the incoming voltage to the motor. If the condenser fan motor is receiving the correct voltage, but the motor still won’t run, you should inspect the capacitor, if applicable, for any bulging or leaking. You can also use a multimeter to determine if the capacitor can hold and release its charge. If the capacitor appears to be in good condition, replace the condenser fan motor.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my air conditioner fan not working?
Why is my window air conditioner fan not spinning but the compressor runs?
How do I know if the AC fan motor is bad?
Can a bad thermostat cause the air conditioner fan motor not to run?
Should I replace the relay board or main control board if my AC fan is not working?
How do I find the right replacement part for an air conditioner fan not working?

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