Another easy do it yourself repair is replacing the run capacitor. The most common type of capacitor today is the round style dual capacitor. Capacitors are susceptible to damage from heat and we do see many failures related to high summer temperature as well as motor issues. When changing the capacitor you must choose the proper size. The capacitor is rated for the fan motor and the compressor. Fan motors are used with different compressor combinations so the motor alone can not be used to identify the correct capacitor.

The capacitor is located in the electrical compartment of the unit and is usually round and resembles a coke can with wire terminals on top.

To replace the capacitor make sure the power is off to the unit. Verify the power is off. the capacitor will have a strap holding it in place. Remove the screw and install the strap on the new capacitor and secure the screw.  Note the color of the wire and carefully identify which terminal the wire is located on. The terminals will be labeled C  HERM and F or FAN on the old and new capacitor. Remove the brown wire from the F or FAN terminal and install on the F or FAN terminal on the new capacitor. Remove the wire or wires from the HERM terminal of the old capacitor and install on the HERM terminal of the new capacitor. Remove the wire or wires from the C terminal of the old capacitor and install on the C terminal of the new capacitor.