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Goodman GPH13 - Contactor Won't Energize

Article ID: 215
Last updated: 22 Feb, 2021

Goodman Package Heat Pump

Re: Contactor Won't Energize

The thermostat is calling and 24VAC power is present on "Y" but the contactor will not engage.

► The Goodman GPH13 package heat pump breaks "Common" to the contactor through the High and Low Pressure Switches.

►If the pressure safeties are "closed" the contactor should energize as soon as 24VAC is present on "Y" (no time delays).


Qty Possible Causes:
Out of Refrigerant
Bad Low pressure Switch
Bad High Pressure Switch
Bad Contactor


CHECKOUT:

1. Check High Voltage Power

  • Remove power from the unit by pulling the service disconnect or by turning off power at the breaker.
    • IMPORTANT! It is very common to have multiple power supplies to a heat pump package unit.
  • Open the service access panel and inspect for any burnt wiring.
  • Re-apply power to the unit.
  • Check for 230VAC across L1 and L2 of the compressor contactor.
    • No Power ⇒ Check Disconnect and Breakers

2. Check Low Voltage Power

  • Set the thermostat to call for either heating or cooling.
  • At the low voltage wiring connections of the outdoor unit, check for 24VAC between "R" (Red) and "C" (Blue).
    • No Power = Bad Transformer/Blown fuse or Loose Wiring
  • Check for 24VAC between "Y"  Yellow  and "C"  Blue .
    • No Power = No Call from Thermostat ⇒ Recheck Stat
  • Check for 24VAC across both sides of the compressor contactor coil.

3. Check Refrigerant Charge

  • Hook-up refrigerant gauges to the unit and observe pressure readings.
    • Low Pressure Switch should open below 10 psig.
    • High Pressure Switch should open above 450 psig.

4. Test Safety Circuit

  • Important Note! Remember that the safeties break the "Common" side of 24VAC power.
  • Check for 24VAC power between "Y"  Yellow  and the "YL/PK"  Yellow/Pink  wire at the transformer. *("Yellow" on 5 ton model)
    • No Power = No Call from Thermostat ⇒ Recheck Stat
  • If there is no connector, "Skin" a small section of the connector wire between the Low Pressure Switch and the High Pressure Switch.
  • Check for 24VAC between "Y" (Yellow) and the skinned section of wire (or at the connector) between the pressure safeties.
    • No Power Present = Open Low Pressure Switch
    • Power Present ⇒ Recheck for 24VAC at contactor.
      • No Power at Contactor + Power at Connector Wire = Open High Pressure Switch

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Article ID: 215
Last updated: 22 Feb, 2021
Revision: 11
Access: Public
Views: 530
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