Air Conditioning - Outside unit not working

I've read numerous posts about this problem and think it is the capacitor, but just want to make sure. Inside, the blower blows room temp air. Outside, I can hear a buzz that sound like the unit is trying to start, but doesn't. If I nudge the fan blades, the fan starts spinning. However, it does not appear that this allows the compressor to turn on as well. I have seen posts saying that once a person turns the fan with a stick or something, then it starts working and all is well. I let it run for a couple of hours last night to make sure and it didn't seem to be cooling. So my question is although I got the fan to start spinning very easily, will it require the new capacitor to make the compressor kick on? Thanks, JD

So my question is although I got the fan to start spinning very easily, will it require the new capacitor to make the compressor kick on? Thanks, JD

Yes......................:thumbup:

Would you still say it is the capacitor if my situation sounds just like this one but I can't get the fan to spin with a stick although I can hear a low buzzing sound like it is getting power?:rolleyes:

I really have to listen to my outside unit to hear the buzzing sound....it's not a real strong sound like it's trying to do anything powerful. :madhell: And it's HOT and humid here in SC

Try to manually push in the contactor with a stick or something and see what happens