RPNL - Outdoor Fan Not Working

Rheem Heat Pump: RPNL / RPQL

Re: Outdoor Fan Not Working

These heat pump models have a control board which directly controls compressor and outdoor fan operation (no contactor).

In the Cooling Mode, this condition should cause a Code 23: Hi Pressure Fault

In the Heating Mode, this condition may cause a Code 21: Low Pressure Fault

CHECKOUT:

1. Check Motor Power

• With the unit calling for compressor operation, check for 230V between E8 (CAP COM) and E16 (FAN RUN) on the control board.
  • No Power = Bad Control Board or Unit in Defrost
  • Power + No Fan → Step 2. Check Capacitor

2. Check Capacitor

• Disconnect Power to the Outdoor Unit!
• Remove the Orange wire from the FAN terminal of the capacitor.
• Use a multi-meter to test the capacitor.
  • Good Capacitor + No Fan Operation = Bad Fan Motor 

3. Bad Control Board - Temporary Workaround

• Disconnect Power to the Outdoor Unit!
• Place a Double-Spade adapter on the E17 (START RLY) terminal.
• Run an extra wire between E17 (START RLY) and one of the open defrost board FAN terminals.
• Move the Black fan motor wire from E16 (FAN RUN) to the other open defrost board FAN terminal.
• This should cause the fan to run when the compressor is on and shut off during defrost until the main control board is replaced.