The Air Conditoner Fan Doesn't Work

Pull open the intake grille cover with your hands and remove the air filter. A clogged air filter prevents the flow of air into the air conditioner, giving the illusion that the fan doesn’t work. Carry the filter to a water source and run warm water over the front and back of the air filter until it’s cleared of all dirt and dust. Lay the filter out to dry completely before reinsertion. If the air filter is damaged or the dirt can’t be removed, replace the filter.

Locate the circuit breaker box and the circuit breaker that controls the air conditioner unit. Sometimes the breaker is labeled. Shift the breaker switch to the “Off” position to stop the flow of electricity before accessing the unit.

Insert the screwdriver into the screws of the fan-housing panel on the air conditioner and unscrew them. Remove the fan-housing panel and set it aside. Inspect the inside of the fan housing for debris, such as trash bags, rope, sticks or foliage. Trash can jam up the fan gears or wrap around the axle, preventing it from rotating correctly. Remove all foreign objects from the fan housing.

Unscrew the screws of the air conditioner fan-housing panel and remove the panel if the fan is stuck or clangs against the fan housing. The fan might be mounted improperly to the axle or motor. Swing the fan around on its axle to see if it hits the fan housing. Uninstall the fan and reinstall it correctly, so that it spins freely.

Remove the air conditioner fan-housing panel and set it aside. Spin the fan around on its axle and note any resistance or noise coming from the ball bearings. If the ball bearings make noise or prevent the fan from turning, they might require lubrication. Insert electrical motor oil into the lubrication ports at the axle base and turn the fan to work the oil into the ball bearings.