Staying cool at home depends on a properly running fan if you have a Frigidaire air conditioner. But what if your AC fan won’t work? Then, you ought to ask, ‘why is my Frigidaire air conditioner fan not working?’
A Frigidaire air conditioner fan won’t turn on because of a tripped breaker, worn-out fan motor, malfunctioning relay board, or a faulty thermistor or thermostat. Moreover, the fan may not spin due to a burnt temperature controller, capacitor, filthy filter, or defective blower motor.
It’s also worth checking issues like a faulty rotary or selector switch, worn-out contactor, a broken belt, and a failed main control board, as they could also prevent your Frigidaire air conditioner fan from working.
To enable you to do the troubleshooting DIY, I’ll explain all 14 issues emphasizing the effect of their failure and how you can fix them.
Let’s jump into it!
In a hurry? See quick troubleshooting guide for a failed Frigidaire AC fan below:
Quick Troubleshooting Guide for A Frigidaire Air Conditioner Fan That’s Not Working
| – | Probable Reason | Recommended Fix |
| 1. | Tripped Breaker | Reset the circuit breaker if tripped |
| 2. | Worn Out Fan Motor | Replace the fan motor if it won’t run or the bearings are worn |
| 3. | Malfunctioning Relay Board | Have an HVAC expert check the relay board and replace it once you confirm its faulty |
| 4. | Faulty Thermistor | Test the thermistor’s continuity and replace it if it fails to show it |
| 5. | Defective Thermostat | Replace the thermostat if it fails to show any continuity |
| 6. | Burnt Out Temperature Controller | Test the temperature controller for continuity and replace it if it won’t display it |
| 7. | Filthy Filter | Change the air filter if it has been more than one year |
| 8. | Burnt Capacitor | Replace the capacitor if it has no continuity |
| 9. | Defective Blower Motor | Replace the blower wheel if it won’t run the fan motor |
| 10. | Faulty Rotary Switch | Replace the rotary switch if it fails to display some continuity |
| 11. | Faulty Selector Switch | Press the selector switch and replace it if it emits some smoke (a sign it’s faulty) |
| 12. | Worn Out Contactor | Inspect and replace a worn-out contactor with the help of an HVAC expert |
| 13. | Faulty Belt | Replace the AC, but if it’s either brittle, weak, or broken |
| 14. | Failed Main Controller Board | Consider replacing the AC motor as the last resort |
Why Is My Frigidaire Air Conditioner Fan Not Working?
To fix a Frigidaire air conditioner that either won’t turn on or spin, you should look at these 14 possible causes:
Frigidaire Air Conditioner Fan Not Turning On
1. Tripped Breaker
Sometimes a slight problem like a tripped circuit breaker could prevent the fan from turning on and the Frigidaire AC from starting. The tripping typically happens to protect the AC from overheating. So, inspect the circuit breaker box to see if the breaker is tripped.
Fix
Reset the circuit breaker if it is tripped.
2. Worn Out or Broken Frigidaire Air Conditioner Fan Motor
If the motor blade or other part of the motor is broken or worn out, the fan won’t turn on. You need the fan motor to perform its job of drawing the outside air above the condenser coils and dissipating heat.
If it’s damaged, it won’t be able to do that. Overall, not only should you look for broken blades but also worn-out motor bearings.
Fix
Try turning the motor blade by hand to see if they turn freely. If the blade doesn’t turn, the motor bearings are worn out. Thus, replace the motor.
3. Malfunctioning Relay Board
The fan motor receives a part of the power/voltage from the relay board. If this board malfunctions, the fan motor won’t have enough voltage to run.
It’s essential, however, to inspect the motor itself and the capacitor before thinking of replacing the relay board.
Fix
Consider replacing the relay board if it’s faulty. You should, however, get a diagnosis from an expert HVAC technician.
4. Faulty Thermistor
The thermistor, a temperature-sensitive sensor, monitors the air temperature and communicates with the fan, among other components. If it’s faulty, it’s unable to run the fan.
Fix
You’ll need a multi-tester/multimeter to examine the thermistor’s continuity level. If the thermistor shows no continuity, it’s highly likely defective, and so you should replace it.
5. Defective Thermostat (Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner Fan Not Working)
The thermostat’s job (which is different from the temperature controller) is to monitor the air temperature. Once the air temperature rises, the thermostat triggers the powering of the fan.
So, if it’s defective, the fan won’t be powered and will therefore not turn on.
Fix
Using a multi-tester, check the thermostat’s continuity. If the component lacks continuity (which suggests it’s defective), replace it.
Frigidaire Air Conditioner Fan Not Spinning (Not Blowing Cold Air)
6. Burnt-out Temperature Controller
The temperature controller, otherwise known as the temperature control thermostat, plays a critical role in the running of the AC fan.
If this thermostat’s electrical contacts burn, which is likely to happen over time, the fan motor won’t run, and so the AC won’t blow cool air.
Fix
Using a multimeter, test the temperature controllers’ contact points. If they show no continuity, the thermostat is faulty, and so you should replace it.
7. Filthy Air Filter
Excess dirt is a hindrance to the running of the fan. The same goes for dust, debris, and pollen. Overall, you should replace the air filter at least once a year.
So, if it has been more than 12 months since you did, it’s about time you do so. Remember, a clogged filter restricts airflow, making it hard for the fan to run.
Fix
Replace the air filter, especially if it has been more than a year.
8. Burnt Capacitor
The capacitor and the compressor connect using electrical leads. If the electrical leads and the capacitor overheats and burn out, they interrupt the power supply to the fan. In the end, that prevents the fan from running.
Fix
The capacitor is another component you can test for fault using a multimeter. If burned, it won’t show continuity. In such a case, replace it.
9. Defective Blower Motor
The blower motor, which is different from the fan motor, enables the fan blade to spin together with the fan motor. However, the motor may burn out from excessive heating or wear out over time, becoming defective. Unfortunately, a bad blower motor won’t spin the fan blades.
Fix
If the blower motor is getting power but won’t spin the fan blade, it must be defective. If so, replace it.
10. Faulty Rotary Switch
Generally, the rotary switch’s rotation activates the fan motor’s running. The problem is that its internal electrical contact sometimes fails, causing the button to malfunction.
And once the rotary switch starts to malfunction, the fan cannot spin and blow cold air.
Fix
Test the rotary switch’s continuity level with a multimeter. If the button shows no continuity, consider replacing it.
11. Faulty Selector Switch
With the selector switch job directing and redirecting voltage to the AC fan, you wouldn’t want it to fail. Unfortunately, that can happen and interrupt the fan’s voltage supply. The result is the fan not spinning.
Fix
Try pressing the selector button and watch out for any smoke. If present, that’s a sign that the selector switch is faulty, and you should replace it.
12. Worn-out Contactor
Inside your AC compressor is a small switch known as the contractor switch. This switch sends voltage to the fan and the condenser to enable them to run. So, it’s unable to do that when it wears out, which may happen over time.
Fix
Talk to an HVAC expert to help you inspect and replace the contactor once you find it faulty.
13. Faulty Belt
Sometimes, the AC fan won’t start because of a weak, brittle or broken belt. Of course, this only applies to belt-powered Frigidaire air conditioners. Such ACs depend on the belt to run the fan and blow cool air.
Fix
Scrutinize the AC belt and replace it if it shows weakness, brittleness, or breakage. You can seek the help of an HVAC professional here.
14. Failed Main Control Board
Lastly, if none of the above 13 issues is the cause of your failing Frigidaire AC fan, consider the possibility of having a bad main control board. Of course, even the compressor won’t turn on due to a failed control board.
Fix
Replace the AC’s main control as a last resort, especially when the compressor won’t work. Alternatively, get a new Frigidaire air conditioner.
People Also Ask
1. Why Is the Fan Not Working On an Air Conditioner?
The fan is not working because the motor is faulty, the circuit breaker is tripped, or the filter is dirt clogged. It could also be due to a flawed compressor, capacitor, relay board, thermistor, or belt.
2. Why Is My Frigidaire Air Conditioner Not Cooling?
More often than not, the Frigidaire air conditioner won’t cool because of a faulty fan motor. If the fan motor is defective, it’s unable to spin and blow cool air. The other popular cause is a failing compressor. So, check the two first.
3. Why Is My Frigidaire Air Conditioner Not Working?
Several things could prevent your Frigidaire air conditioner from working. It could be that the compressor, fan motor, or condenser is faulty, or your unit is not getting any power.
4. Why Is My Frigidaire Air Conditioner Not Turning On?
The chances are that your Frigidaire air conditioner is not getting power if it’s not turning on. That could be because of a tripped breaker, loose socket, or faulty cable.
Other issues include a bad compressor, faulty fan, or malfunctioning thermostat. Nonetheless, it may help to reset your Frigidaire air conditioner to see if it will turn on.
5. Why Is My Air Conditioner Turning On but Not Blowing Air?
Your air conditioner may turn on but fail to blow air because of a broken belt or a malfunctioning motor. So, inspect the two and if you can’t find the reason, talk to an HVAC contractor.
Closing Thought On Frigidaire Air Conditioner Fan Not Working:
Now you know the things to check when your Frigidaire air conditioner fan won’t work. Other than a tripped breaker and dirty filter, the other reasons are related to component malfunction or wearing.
As shared, the components to focus on include the fan motor, thermistor, thermostat, temperature controller, capacitor, blower motor rotary switch, selector switch, contactor, belt, and main control board.