How to Check an Air Conditioning Compressor for a Short Circuit

The compressor in your air conditioner is a cylindrical component that compresses low-pressure air intake. This allows the unit to convert this low-pressure air into high-temperature, high-pressure air. Without a functional compressor, the AC unit won’t operate. That’s why it’s important to try and diagnose any problems that may arise. One potential problem is a short in the wiring of the compressor.

Phillips screwdriver
Multimeter

Instructions

- 1
  Power off your air-conditioning unit and unplug it.
- 2
  Remove the screws on the back panel of the unit where the fan is.
- 3
  Remove the back panel. The compressor will be just above the fan on the inside of the unit. Notice the electrical wires running to the compressor.
- 4
  Plug the air conditioner unit in, and turn your multimeter on. Set the knob on the front of the multimeter to "V." This means it will read in volts.
- 5
  Touch the end of the red lead running from the multimeter to the circuit where it connects to the terminal on the compressor. Touch the black lead to a nonelectrical metal object to ground the multimeter.
- 6
  Wait for the multimeter to produce a reading. If it doesn't, there is likely short in the wiring and a technician will need to repair the problem.

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