Fix Your Haier Portable AC: Buzzing and No Cooling

***If you need to access the fan, you do it from the top. Take the front and rear panels off and pull straight up on the Styrofoam from the top. Then you will see all the screws you need to remove from the top that will allow you to access the fan.

One of the most common problems with a compressor that won't start is a bad run capacitor. In this video I show you how that fixed my son's portable AC problem. Other issues related to an AC compressor that won't run could be refrigerant leaks, burned electrical components, or a failed compressor.

When buying a new capacitor you may not find an identical matching capacitor. It's okay if the replacement capacitor has a higher voltage number. What is more important is to match the capacitance number (uF), the shape of the capacitor (round), and the number of poles at the top (where the connectors go). In my case it was two pole capacitor, which means it had two separate round parts a the top, each with multiple wire connectors.

Take a photo of the way the original capacitor is wired so you can install the new capacitor the same way.

There is no guarantee that changing your capacitor will make your AC cool again. If that does not work, other things you can try include: clean your coils with coil cleaner (see related video link below), check the circuit board for any burned components, check for refrigerant leaks by spraying soap + water on the coils when the AC is on to look for any bubbles indicating refrigerant leaks. If you have your capacitance meter, check the square-rectangular looking capacitor to see if the output is normal or low. When the compressor is running, it warms up, turn on the AC (set it to cool) and touch the compressor with your hand, if it doesn't warm up it's likely dead and needs to be replaced.

Troubleshooting list:
Clean the washable filter.
Clean the coils.
Replace capacitor(s).
Check for leaks with system running using soapy water.
Turn on unit, touch compressor, should be hot if its running.
Turn on unit, listen for fans, should be running.
Turn on unit, touch copper lines, one should be cold (and sweating) the other should be hot if compressor is good.
Visually check motherboard for burned components.
Visually Check wires for any loose connections.
Visually Check connectors for corrosion (rust), clean off any corrosion with wire brush.

The product links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

PRODUCT LINKS:
Honeytek A6013L Capacitor Tester - This is the one used in the video.
https://amzn.to/2XnOSog
QH QX6530 Capacitor Motor Run Round 30 uF MFD 370V HVAC
https://amzn.to/396dAMf
Needle Nose Pliers 6-inch
https://amzn.to/3zcw4p9
Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam No Rinse Evaporator Coil Cleaner, 18 oz.
https://amzn.to/3k6G52F
Long 12-inch Phillips Screwdriver #2 tip.
https://amzn.to/399WbCh

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RELATED VIDEOS:
How to clean Haier Portable Air Conditioner
https://youtu.be/lnJKBi-pB_4
Cleaning Window Air Conditioner
https://youtu.be/dPeEhKHCMw4
Clean Frigidaire 5k BTU Window AC
https://youtu.be/vzxD8Nd5amc
Portable AC hose extension
https://youtu.be/bsLL7fjajpk