- 1). Unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker. On a split air conditioning system, be sure to check for a disconnect on the outside section as well. Use the multimeter to make sure all power to the unit is off.
- 2). Open the unit and locate the capacitors. Consult the wiring diagram if possible. A diagram is often pasted to the back of the unit or inside the enclosure. The owner's manual should also have diagrams and component location information.
- 3). Hold the screwdriver by the handle. Without touching anything else, use the screwdriver shaft to short one of the capacitor terminals to the unit frame. If the capacitor is sill charged, you might see a bright arc of electrical energy and hear a loud popping noise. Perform this procedure on each of the capacitor terminals, then short the terminals together as well. Repeat the entire process to make sure the capacitors are completely discharged.
- 4). Inspect the capacitors. Check for leaks, corrosion, bulging of the metal canisters or any other physical signs that the capacitors should be replaced.
- 5). Select the ohms or resistance setting on the multimeter. Connect the meter to the capacitor terminals. If there is no reading or zero, the capacitor is shorted. If the reading is infinite, the capacitor is open. You must replace an open or shorted capacitor.
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