When your Friedrich air conditioner’s fan motor stops working, it can be a frustrating experience. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can diagnose and potentially fix the issue yourself. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of testing a Friedrich fan motor, providing you with the technical details and expert-level insights to ensure a successful DIY repair.
Inspect the Fan Blade or Blower Wheel
The first step in testing a Friedrich fan motor is to inspect the fan blade or blower wheel. Gently turn the fan blade or blower wheel by hand. If it does not turn freely, the fan motor bearings may be worn out, and the motor will need to be replaced.
To further inspect the fan blade or blower wheel, follow these steps:
- Unplug the air conditioner from the power source to ensure safety.
- Remove the front panel or access cover to expose the fan assembly.
- Carefully rotate the fan blade or blower wheel by hand, observing for any signs of binding, rubbing, or excessive wear.
- If the fan blade or blower wheel does not turn freely, the fan motor bearings are likely worn out, and the motor will need to be replaced.
- Ensure that the fan blade or blower wheel is properly balanced and not obstructed by any debris or foreign objects.
Test for Incoming Power
Next, you’ll need to test for incoming power to the fan motor. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the fan motor’s electrical connections. If the motor is receiving sufficient voltage but still not running, the fan motor is likely defective and will need to be replaced.
Here’s how to test for incoming power:
- Unplug the air conditioner from the power source and remove the access panel to expose the fan motor’s electrical connections.
- Set your multimeter to the appropriate voltage setting (typically AC voltage).
- Locate the fan motor’s electrical connections and touch the multimeter’s probes to the terminals.
- If the multimeter displays the expected voltage (typically 120V or 240V, depending on your model), the issue is likely with the fan motor itself.
- If the multimeter does not display the expected voltage, the problem may be with the power supply, wiring, or another component in the air conditioner’s electrical system.
Test the Temperature Control Thermostat
Some Friedrich air conditioners have a temperature control thermostat that switches on the power to the fan motor when the air temperature rises above a set point. If this thermostat is defective, it can prevent voltage from being sent to the fan motor.
To test the temperature control thermostat:
- Unplug the air conditioner from the power source.
- Set the thermostat to its coldest setting.
- Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity.
- If the thermostat tests negative for continuity, it is defective and should be replaced.
Test the Capacitor
If the capacitor is defective, the fan motor may not run. When a capacitor fails, it will often bulge or leak. You can use a multimeter to test the capacitor’s ability to store and release an electrical charge, as well as determine if the component has the proper capacitance rating.
To test the capacitor:
- Unplug the air conditioner from the power source and discharge the capacitor to avoid injury.
- Locate the capacitor and disconnect it from the circuit.
- Use a multimeter to test the capacitor’s capacitance and ensure it matches the rated value.
- If the capacitor is out of spec or shows signs of failure, it will need to be replaced.
Test the Fan Motor Selector or Rotary Switch
If the fan motor selector or rotary switch is faulty, the fan may not work. You can set the switch for cooling and use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity.
To test the fan motor selector or rotary switch:
- Unplug the air conditioner from the power source and locate the fan motor selector or rotary switch.
- Set your multimeter to the continuity or resistance setting.
- Touch the multimeter’s probes to the switch terminals and observe the readings.
- If the switch tests negative for continuity, it will need to be replaced.
Verify Other Components
When testing the fan motor, it’s essential to ensure that all other components are working correctly. Relay boards and main control boards provide voltage to many of the air conditioner’s components, including the fan motor. If the board is malfunctioning, the fan motor may not be receiving voltage.
To verify the other components:
- Inspect the relay board and main control board for any visible signs of damage or wear.
- Use a multimeter to test the boards for proper voltage and continuity.
- If the boards are not functioning correctly, they may need to be replaced.
Remember, while these steps provide a comprehensive guide to testing a Friedrich fan motor, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional HVAC technician if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process.
Reference:
1. Bad Blower Motor Bearings on 2-Year-Old Friedrich Thru the Wall A/C Unit
2. Friedrich Ductless Blower Motor Replacement
3. Air Conditioner Fan Not Working – YouTube