window Ac unit, compressor won't restart by itself

6 years ago

Hi All. I have a window ac unit about 2-3 years old that throws cold air, but once the compressor stops running, it will not come back on. If I turn the "thermostat" dial to make it colder, then it will come on, but it won't come on without turning that dial. This seems like something that should be easy to fix, but I'm not sure which part to be looking at.

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Cima Locert

6 years ago

Looks like you need a new thermostat, not sure if you can replace the thermostat on a window unit.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Austin Air Companie
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Window units are considered 'throw away appliances' when they quit working right you throw them away and buy a new one.

A 3 year old window unit probably doesn't have much life left..... depending how much it's been used and abused.

What is abuse? never doing any maintenance on the unit. (cleanliness is next to Godliness, dirtiness is next to a junk yard filled with broken AC's and other garbage.) LOL.

Here are some options I would call a waste of money, but experience is often learned the hard way. (note these controls are for green houses, paint the room green in honor of that. LOL)

Greenhouse Thermostat Control Options
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Kilroy x
Original Author
6 years ago
Yep, I get that, but it galls me to know that this is probably a $20-30 fix if I knew which part needs replacement, vs. spending $300 on a whole new unit
dadoes
6 years ago
You can't source parts without the model number.
Kilroy x
Original Author
6 years ago
It's a GE AGR05LAG1 115 V 5200 BTU. Thanks, if you can help it would be appreciated.
Cima Locert
6 years ago
I don't think they sell window AC parts even you have the model number. If you are electrical handy, just fit with any temperature controlled switch, it should work. these days, everything is digital, DIY is not easy. (before do anything, double check make sure the problem is the thermostat. )
dadoes
6 years ago
There are no electronics on this unit. Old-style mechanical thermostat.

Sounds like the thermostat is erratic per your description but a proper diagnosis is needed to confirm it.

How long are you waiting for the compressor to cycle back on? Could be the sensor (capillary tube) got disturbed recently, positioned wrong and getting a false reading. Some are supposed to be attached to the evaporator, some aren't supposed to touch it.

The thermostat is Part Number WJ28X10009. Variously tagged as no longer available and/or out-of-stock. One source says out-of-stock but ships in 5 to 6 days.

There's one on eBay claimed to be new-in-box item. You can buy a new 5K BTU unit from Walmart for that price.
Genuine GE WJ28X10009 - New

As mentioned above, a possible workaround as long as the unit otherwise runs is to rig-in an external thermostat. The device plugs into an outlet, then the unit is plugged into it and is controlled by it. The thermostat on the A/C should be set to the coldest position for the external thermostat to operate it.

Lux WIN100 on Amazon

Hycency Temperature Controller on Amazon
Kilroy x thanked dadoes
twintechhvac
6 years ago
Check to make sure the filters, condenser, and evaporators aren't clogged with dirt. This could be preventing the compressor from starting back up again. Also, make sure there aren't any wiring issues between the outer part of the unit (which houses the compressor) and the central unit that powers the fan. Best of luck.

Twintech Heating & Cooling

https://twintechheating.ca/