Air Conditioning - Trane XE 1000 Air Conditioner Not working

I have been reading many of the responses concerning the outside fans not working...I have the same problem. I am not sure how to look for a capacitator(sp?) on my outside unit. Do I need to look at the box that is located at the base of the fan? If yes, what tool do I use to open the unit, a regular screwdriver won't work. I called a repair service, but they can't make it for 2 days..its hot.

Well first does the outdoor unit make a noise like the compressor is running but not the fan???? If so give the fan blades a push and see if they will run. if so its the fan capacitor. To get into the inside get a nut driver that fits the screws. You sure you have power to the outside?

ED ;)

ED, Yes, I definitely have power, found out the hard way! I did move the fan with a stick and the blades do move, also, there is a humming coming from the unit when I have the unit turned to air. Couple ?'s - when I open the unit to check the capacitator should the power be turned off? Will I know what a capicatator looks like? and if yes, is this simple job to fix? I don't want to get too far over my head, but I can get this fan running before night fall, we'll all sleep better. Thanks for your help.

Spin the fan blade when the units is on calling for cool. Now look out . if it runs then its the fan capacitor.

ED ;)