#1 Heat pump, no cooling

[JVR]

First heat pump is not cooling, breaker is not tripped, any suggestions? Both of the other 2 are working fine. 2006 Essex 4508
JVR

["007"]

If you have that AC programed on on control than it may be your start capacitor has failed.
Check this out.

[shadrack]

Try alternately running the unit on "cool" and then back on "heat" a couple or three times. The reversing solenoid may be sticking a little. It happened to ours a couple of times, but not in the past year or so. Hope this helps.

["007"]

Now that sounds like a possibility thanks for the information shadrack.

[GaryKD]

I'll bet it is the reversing solenoid. There is a history of that solenoid not working.

[JVR]

I've tried switching to heat pump and can hear it turn off and restart and run on heat, but not produce heat. After switching back to cool and lowering the temp setting, the compressor will start and run indefinitely but does not cool. I have switched it back and forth many times, seems like I am in for a unit.
JVR

["007"]

Take a look at this PDF for Duo-Therm AC units scroll to near end will have your setup in coach.
Have added all this stuff in Quick Tip's & Mods.

[GaryKD]

Hi JVR,
Ahhh, a new clue. "restart and run on heat, but not produce heat" and "compressor will start and run indefinitely but does not cool". That would mean the reversing solenoid is working.

1. In the heat mode does the compressor run for more than 5 minutes without producing heat?

2. Is the fan set to auto and running the same time the compressor runs?

3. Are both units on cool at the same time? Are both units on heat at the same time?

4. What is the outside temp?

[JVR]

I've tried switching to heat pump and can hear it turn off and restart and run on heat, but not produce heat. After switching back to cool and lowering the temp setting, the compressor will start and run indefinitely but does not cool. I have switched it back and forth many times, seems like I am in for a unit.
JVR

[JVR]

Gary,
All 3 units are on cool at the same time but I haven't tried all 3 on heat pump. I have just changed the 1 unit to heat pump

[shadrack]

Turn off the other units and make a drastic ten or fifteen degree change when you reverse the thermostat. You may also go up on the roof and remove the cover. Four screws is all holding it on. Then with the unit running try rapping the solenoid with the handle end of your screw driver.If you get that solenoid loosened try reversing the heat/cool cycle a few times and pause for a few minutes in between. Hope this helps. The compressor running doesn't mean that the solenoid reversed.

[GaryKD]

You know your coach. For me, both units need to be on heat or cool for them to produce the desired heat or cool. With your coach, I do not know if all the units need to be on heat or cool for the unit to work properly. Like shadrack posted, turn the other units off. Only the trouble maker unit should be on. It would help if you answer the other questions I asked.

To get to the bottom line quickly, will the other units produce heat and cool?

[JVR]

Gary,
You are correct. all supposedly have to be on the same mode, I did go back and try that as well. The other 2 work fine but #1 will not produce heat or cool.

[GaryKD]

JVR,
That just about closes the book on the #1 unit. If the other units work then the external environment would have no bearing on this problem. All the components in the system seems to be starting the #1 unit as they should. Under the cover of the #1 unit there will be a :
1. reversing solenoid
2. start capacitor
3. run capacitor

I know your weather does not lend itself for you to climb up and see if any of these components are bad. Your only incentive is these components cost a lot less than a new unit.

I mention the capacitors because after reading your posts, it remains unclear to me if you are hearing just the compressor or also hearing the fan. The reason I asked this question was to lead you to the capacitors. Also, if the fan is not running the unit could think it is defrost mode. The questions I ask may sound like dumb and simple, but they do usually lead to a conclusion that is pretty close to the problem.

Do not worry about coming south without the #1 unit. It is no longer that hot down here. We have stopped using our pool because the water has gotten too cold. There will be ample opportunity for you to get the #1 unit problem solved.