There is nothing as unpleasant as having no cool air in your home on a hot day. But there is usually a way around it, so let us discuss a Goodman air conditioner not working.
Table of Contents
Goodman Air Conditioner Compressor Not Working – Quick Fix
A few faulty components can cause the compressor to stop working. Such components include the thermostat, overload protector, temperature board, capacitor, and thermistor. This article has a detailed explanation of what may cause a compressor problem in a Goodman air conditioner.
Goodman Air Conditioner Fan Not Working – Solved
The fan motor may be malfunctioning, or the temperature control thermostat may be defective. It could also be the capacitor or relay board. A number of parts may fail and stop the fan from working. You may find solutions in this detailed article that talks about a faulty Goodman air conditioner fan.
Goodman Air Conditioner Thermostat Not Working – What to Do
If you suspect the thermostat in your Goodman air conditioner is not working, you must test it before replacing it. Otherwise, you may replace a working thermostat. Turn the air conditioner’s temperature setting to Cool. Next, get a multimeter and check the continuity of the thermostat.
The thermostat must show continuity while the temperature setting of the unit is at Cool, even if it is not cooling. If there is no continuity, it is crucial to replace the thermostat for the air conditioner to resume working. But note that the thermostat may be controlling a heater and if it does, it will have three terminals. The wiring diagram of the unit will explain how to work around such a thermostat.
Goodman Air Conditioner Remote Not Working – Solution
Ensure the remote control’s batteries are intact and are working. If they have been in use for a long time, replace them with new compatible ones and try using the remote again. Try operating the air conditioner manually to see if it works if the new batteries do not fix the problem. That will tell you if the remote is the problem. If the air conditioner works when you manually operate it, you may have to replace the remote control because it is faulty.
Another possible cause of the remote not working may be the main control board. There is an infrared receiver on the board that receives the remote control’s signals. If the receiver fails, the remote will be unable to communicate with the board, and this stops the AC from working. You may want to check the control board for damages if replacing the remote control does not fix the problem.
Goodman Central Air Conditioner Not Working – What to Do
Do the following if you find that your Goodman central air conditioner is not working:
1. Check the Dual Run Capacitor
Your central air conditioner may be the type that uses a dual-run capacitor, which is the type that combines the job of two capacitors and handles two motors at the same time. It can handle both the fan motor and compressor.
If it has such a capacitor, inspect it to see if it has signs of damage. You may notice it is leaking fluid or bulging, which is a clear sign that it is damaged. But if there is no visible sign, you may want to test it with a multimeter to check for continuity. Replace the capacitor if there is no continuity. Consult the wiring diagram and user manual if you are unsure how to test it.
2. Check the Capacitor
The unit may have the usual type of capacitor, controlling either the fan motor or the compressor. Each motor in the air conditioner may have its own capacitor, so check for leaks or bulges. They will indicate the capacitor is no longer functional and needs a replacement. If there are no clear signs, run a continuity test on it using a multimeter. If you find no continuity, replace the capacitor.
3. Check the Contactor
Locate the contactor in your air conditioner and test it. Use the manual to find its exact location. Then, using a multimeter, check to see if it has continuity. If it shows no continuity when you test it, replace the contactor. However, that may the job for a technician unless you have the training to replace it.
The control board for the furnace usually transmits low-voltage signals to the contactor to close its circuits. When it does this, power can flow to the components of the condensing unit. But if the contactor is faulty, it cannot close its contacts to transmit voltage to the condenser. As a result, the central air conditioner will not work.
4. Check the Power Supply
The fuses in the disconnect box may have blown, cutting the flow of current from the box to the fan motor and compressor. The circuit breaker, which supplies electric power to every part of your house, including the disconnect box, may be tripped.
So, check the breaker to ensure it is not off. Try resetting it and powering the disconnect box if the fuse that controls the box is off. Next, check the disconnect box to see if it is receiving power. You can use a multimeter to check the fuses for continuity. If the fuses show no sign of continuity, replace them. Then, ensure the box is powering the air conditioner. Otherwise, you may need the services of an electrician to check both the breaker panel and disconnect.
5. Check the Fan Motor
There is a capacitor that supplies power to the motor of the condenser fan. Inspect it to be sure it is in good working condition. It may be leaking or bulging, which indicates irreparable damage. If that is the case, replace the capacitor.
However, if the capacitor is not faulty, run a continuity test on the motor of the fan using a multimeter. Replace the condenser fan motor if you do not find continuity. Without a fully functional condenser fan, the compressor will overheat and stop running. The same applies to the condenser coil. Consequently, the air conditioner will stop working.
6. Check the Compressor
First, ensure the capacitor and overload protector are in good working condition. You may want to check for continuity with a multimeter to be sure. If they are working well, and other components are not faulty, check the continuity of the compressor with the same multimeter.
A lack of continuity indicates an open circuit, which means the compressor is not working as it should. Let a licensed HVAC technician check and replace the compressor if necessary.
Check out these other articles…
Goodman Air Conditioner Compressor [Problems & Solutions]
Goodman Air Conditioner Fan [Issues & Solutions]
Goodman Air Conditioner Freezing Up [How to Fix]
Goodman Air Conditioner Not Cooling [Proven Solution]
What Size Goodman AC Do I Need? [Detailed Answer]
How Does a Goodman Air Conditioner Work?
The air conditioner uses electricity to push refrigerant or freon from the compressor to the condenser coil. From the condenser in the outside unit, the refrigerant flows to the evaporator coil inside the house.
In the inside unit is a blower fan that pulls the warm air in the house into the unit. When the air enters, the refrigerant in the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the air, leaving it cool.
Next, the cool air travels through the ductwork to the vents of the air conditioner, from where it spreads into the house. This process, going in a continuous cycle, lowers the house’s internal temperature.
Goodman Air Conditioner Not Working – Solved
Your first stop should be the circuit breaker outside the house. Since it supplies power to the disconnect box, ensure it is not tripped. Flip the breaker off and back on to see if it begins working. If the breaker is working, check the disconnect box. Ensure the fuses are not blown; get a multimeter and test them for continuity. Replace any fuse that has no continuity. It is ideal to use the services of an electrician fixing the breaker panel and disconnect box is too difficult.
But if the power supply is not the problem, take a look at the following to determine which needs a replacement:
1. Filter
A dirty air filter can cause many issues within an air conditioner, including reducing cooling and stopping the AC. it can clog ducts and affect the evaporator. When the dirt mounts, the air conditioning unit will slowly wind down and stop working.
Typically, you should replace the air filter every month, but you can extend it to three months. After that time, purchase a new filter. Not all air filters can withstand washing. Besides, washing does not guarantee the filter will still be usable. So, it is best to get a new one.
2. Capacitor
Check the capacitor that controls the fan motor and that of the compressor. Each capacitor must be in good working and must show continuity when you test it with a multimeter. Replace the capacitor if there is no continuity. Otherwise, the cooling system, made up of the compressor and fan, will not work. And if the compressor does not run, the air conditioner will not work.
3. Condenser Coil
Check the condenser unit outside the house to see if the coil is significantly dirty. If it is, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove the dust and debris. Ensure it is dust and dirt-free before cleaning the area around the unit. It is recommended that you clean the unit every month.
The condenser plays a vital role in how the air conditioner operates. The refrigerant passes from the compressor to the condenser before flowing to the evaporator. But after absorbing the heat from the internal air, it flows back to the condenser to dissipate it.
However, a dirt coil cannot dissipate heat because the dirt acts as a blanket to trap the heat. Consequently, the air conditioning unit ceases to cool and may eventually stop working.
4. Thermistor
Get a multimeter and run a continuity test on the thermistor. You may find it on the control board, where the detects the air temperature and signals the board to power the cooling system. That is why it may cause the air conditioner to stop working if it fails.
Ensure the air conditioner is set to Cool before testing the thermistor because you can check its resistance only when temperature changes. But if the unit does not help, remove the thermistor and use a bowl of water for the test.
Check your user manual to determine the exact resistance and temperature values for the thermistor. Next, heat the water and while the temperature is changing, put the thermistor in it. Then, check the resistance. Its resistance should change as the water’s temperature changes. If that does not happen, or you find no continuity, replace the thermistor.
5. Thermostat
As long as the air conditioner’s temperature setting is at Cool. the thermostat should work. So, if you find it is not working, take a multimeter and check for continuity. If it registers no continuity, replace the thermostat.
A sensor alerts the thermostat to trigger a switch that powers the compressor and fan when the temperature of the air rises. If the thermostat becomes defective, the process will not work, even if the sensor is working.
6. Control Boards
The temperature control and main control board can affect how well the air conditioner works. If any of the boards begin to malfunction, it may stop the unit from working, especially the main control board. So, you may want to check them for signs of burning or arcing.
But be careful when diagnosing control boards because they are usually the first stop when an appliance malfunctions. However, they are hardly ever the cause, and you may replace a perfectly functional control board.
Wrapping Up
Do not be in a hurry to replace your air conditioner if it stops working. The problem may stem from a component as easy to replace as the air filter. It is ideal to replace the filter and check other easy-to-inspect parts before settling for the challenging ones. This article will guide you on what to check and signs of damage so that you can easily identify what needs a replacement.
However, if none of the fixes works and you still have the problem of a Goodman air conditioner not working, contact the manufacturer and request service. Alternatively, use an independent technician for the job.