Air Conditioning - Trane XE1000 - is this a bulging capacitor?

re: Trane XE1000 Model # TTR036C100A2

Fan stopped working yesterday. Humming sound with tstat on so turned off. Got inside unit and from reading other related posts hoping it's either my capaciator or contactor.

Pics at website. Is this an example of a bulging capacitor?

http://www.bilhenrygallery.com/temp/index.html

Thx.

No A/C guy...but yes, I think so. The only ones I've seen were oval, so the case bulged before the top.

$20 is an easy fix.

You know the procedures to discharge and replace it? Sounds like you've been reading.....

No question about it. That capacitor is history.

Thx for responding.

Yes I've several threads on this, but never have tried this before. I found the capacitor online with the specs I need (440 V 45/7.5 mfd) for $45 with S&H. I haven't tried looking for it locally (WI).

You speak of discharge and replace . . . I presume I turn off power, unscrew capacitor unit remove wires and replace as same. Is there more?

re: discharge

I read some more and see this is an issue. But do I discharge before I remove the wires or after (of course breaker off etc. so no power coming into unit)?

re: the part

spec sheet says dual capacitor, 440V 45/7.5, w/o resistor. I find these units online but they don't refer to the resistor part. Is this important?

Yep....more...unless you maybe like shocks. lol

Turn off power by pulling disconnect or throwing breakers, wait a few minutes, discharge cap by touching across terminals with a screwdriver. Make note of where wires are attached. Go to HVAC supply, get replacement cap

Thx gunguy

But just to absolutely clear on this . . . I discharge BEFORE I remove the three wires that are connected to cap?

Thx.

Cap is bad for sure and you should replace it but don't just do that clean your outdoor coil as well and tighten up all electrical connections that start thermistor looks suspect you can eliminate it if you like but if you get another one you will have to go to that manufacturers local distributor

Won't hurt anything either way, if you can do it safely.

Since yer contacts are exposed, shouldn't be a problem to put a screwdriver or something with an insulated handle across the contacts on the cap, before removing the wires.

MOST of the time, the voltage dissipates when power is removed. It's just good practice to always discharge caps, esp those with higher voltages.

Oh, and clean off those spiderwebs and make sure the wires are seperated well, when you put in the new one. Hate to have the vibration rub thru the insulation.

Thanks all for help. Bought cap, installed it, and all seems well. Good news because it is very hot and humid tonight. Indoor temp 82 when I powered it up again.

Again, appreciate the tips.