Air Compressor: Why is my air compressor not turning on?
Check the electrical outlet for power. Reset the house circuit breaker if the electrical outlet is dead.
If the electrical outlet works, shut off the compressor and bleed all the air from the tank. Flip the pressure switch control lever to the Auto position. If the pump starts when the tank is empty, then the check valve may be stuck open. The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. A stuck-open check valve causes high pump head pressure, preventing the compressor from restarting.
To test the check valve, let the air compressor fill the tank until the pump shuts off. The pull the ring on the safety valve to bleed air from the tank to reach the cut-in pressure, so the pressure switch tires to restart the motor to refill the air tank.
If the compressor won't start with air in tank, replace the check valve.
If the compressor won't start with an empty air tank, replace the pressure switch if it isn't activating the pump motor.
Replace the pump motor if it doesn't start when activated by the pressure switch.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM
Replace the air compressor pressure switch
The pressure switch turns the air compressor pump on and off to regulate tank air pressure. If the compressor isn't cycling on and off to fill the tank, replace the pressure switch.
Air compressor pressure switch
How to replace an air compressor pressure switch
If your air compressor won’t shut off after reaching full cut-out pressure or won’t start again after tank pressure drops, the pressure switch might be the problem. The step-by-step repair guide and video explain how to replace an air compressor pressure switch in less than 45 minutes.
Replace the air compressor check valve
The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. A failed check valve will apply high air pressure to the head of the pump preventing the motor from restarting once the tank has filled. If the motor starts when the tank is empty of air but won't restart when the tank is full, replace the check valve.
Air compressor check valve
How to replace an air compressor check valve
If your air compressor won't restart after the tank fills, the check valve might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace an air compressor check valve in less than 15 minutes.
Replace the air compressor pump motor
The pump motor spins the shaft that drives the compressor piston. Replace the pump motor if it doesn't run when activated.
Air compressor pump motor
Most common symptoms to help you fix your air compressors
Choose a symptom to see related air compressor repairs.
Main cause: bad check valve…
Main causes: tank drain valve open or leaking air, leaky air tank, bad safety valve, worn pump seals, bad pump valve pla…
Main cause: faulty output air pressure regulator…
Main cause: bad air tank pressure gauge…
Main causes: bad safety valve, pressure switch failure…
Main causes: loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, faulty safety valve, damaged or corroded air tank, bad…
Main causes: rusted air tank, loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, leaky safety valve, bad tank drain va…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, check valve failure, bad pressure switch…
Most common repair guides to help fix your air compressors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your air compressor.
How to replace an air compressor check valve
You can replace a defective air compressor check valve in about 10 minutes.…
How to replace an air compressor pressure switch
You can replace a broken air compressor pressure switch in about 45 minutes. …
How to rebuild an air compressor pump
If the air compressor won't fill the tank with compressed air, rebuild the pump using these steps in about 45 minutes. …
Effective articles & videos to help repair your air compressors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your air compressor.
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Learn about the possible dangers associated with using an air compressor and how you can reduce the risks of property da…
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