1 Answer

Things You'll Need
Air conditioner
Multimeter
Wire repair kit

Instructions
1
Purchase a basic multimeter at your local hardware or home improvement store. This device can help you verify whether there an electrical problem in the compressor.

2
Shut off the power to the air conditioner and connect the multimeter to make sure that no power is present.

3
Remove the terminal cover to the air conditioner. Check that there has been no damage to the wires and terminals. If you see that the wires or terminals have been damaged, purchase a wire repair kit at a home improvement store.

4
Check for continuity -- less than 30 ohms -- between the three terminals. The typical unit will have three terminals labeled C, R, and S. You should check for continuity between C and R, R and S and C and S.

5
Determine whether the multimeter reading is high. If it is, the compressor is hot. Wait until the compressor cools to continue your troubleshooting.

6
Feel the compressor if the reading remains high. If it is cool to the touch, the compressor is bad and will have to be replaced.

Read more: How to Check for a Bad AC Compressor | eHow http://www.ehow.com/how_7554887_check-bad-ac-compressor.html#ixzz2SogSTGhq