FIX AC WITH A STICK

Quick fix to get cool now. Watch till the end for the fix. The fan motor does not contain the capacitor as I say in the video. The capacitor needs to be changed. It is a separate part that looks like a cylinder in the side of the unit. It contains a high voltage so be careful with it. The capacitor will have power in it even with the power shut off to the AC unit. Always turn off the power before resetting the air conditioner. Air conditioner won't turn on. I pushed the reset button and spun the fan and it started. The capacitor is charged and provides the energy to spin the motor so it starts. You should turn off the power before pushing the reset button. The capacitor is cheap and not hard to replace and is easy for a do it yourself guy as you just unscrew and plug in a new one. I am not a professional. With this model the unit shuts down if the fan does not spin. This is a Lennox XC13-042-230-01 from about 2006.

Spinning the fan is a cheap and free way to see if your capacitor is broken or won't stay charged. If your unit starts when you spin it, then you will need a new capacitor. You can call a HVAC professional to change the capacitor. When calling the HVAC tell them your make and model number and that you think the capacitor is bad. Asking them to bring one with them and you will pay for it even if it is not the capacitor. The capacitor will have a part number on it. You can order a new one from amazon or your local parts dealer and have it sitting there when the service person comes or you could change it yourself.
The capacitor holds a charge when it is not turned on. Be very careful as you can get a electrical shock from the capacitor when the power is off. The way to discharge the capacitor is to turn off the power to the air conditioner and place a screwdriver across the connecting pins without touching the metal of the screwdriver.

UPDATE - Watch this video    • Clean your air conditioner or it will...  
I didn't know you had to clean your AC unit. Mine died as it wash clogged with dust and dirt in the fins and overheated. This takes minutes with a garden hose. I had to replace the whole unit and feel really stupid. - watch my video on how to clean it or yours may die too.