Air Conditioning - Outside Fan unit is not turning on: Need advice on what to check

I am sorry, I am a total newbie to AC. Today, my outside fan unit quit turning on. Now my house is hot! :)

I went out there and found there was some plant growth around it, but it didnt seem that there was anything in it. What are the first things I should check to see if I can get it going again?

Does the compressor start? If not, check for circuit breakers both inside and out. If no circuit breakers are tripped, and the compressor runs, take a stick or something and give the fan a shove while the a/c is on. If the fan starts then replace the capacitor. If not check the contactor.

Finally, the fan motor could be out.

Does the compressor start? If not, check for circuit breakers both inside and out. If no circuit breakers are tripped, and the compressor runs, take a stick or something and give the fan a shove while the a/c is on. If the fan starts then replace the capacitor. If not check the contactor.

Finally, the fan motor could be out.

Well, everything inside works.. Outside is completely dead. I have checked the circuit breaker (in my garage) which one is outside? There is a small box on the wall above the outside fan, but all that is inside it is a quick disconnect "fuse" I have checked this for continueity and it was fine. I have tried the "stick" method and that doesnt do anything --- it is completely dead out there. It seems like I am missing a circuit breaker somewhere or something.

You will need a volt meter and know how to use it to check any further. You need to know if you have 220v at the contactor and 24v at the coil of the contactor.

Look and see if someone cut a wire into with a weedeater, right around the outside unit.