Is a bad capacitor preventing a motor's starting?

A bad run capacitor will also affect the motor's ability to start.

You can also look for signs that indicate a problem with the capacitor in a motor. A motor with a short-circuited cap will often start and run but have lower starting torque and full-load rpms than normal.

Why does a motor require a start capacitor? A capacitor connected in series with the secondary winding creates a magnetic field that is lower than the primary winding's. This creates a start torque, and the motor begins to turn. Start capacitors are capacitors that enable a motor's rotation to begin.

The same goes for a motor starter capacitor.

A start capacitor is required for many single-phase compressors. Sometimes, these capacitors can fail and cause a compressor not to start. Overheating can be a primary reason for a failing start capacitor. Failure of a start capacitor will occur if it is left in the circuit for too long.

What happens if the run capacitor is damaged?

A hard starting is the most common problem bad capacitors can create. Most cases of capacitor failure, including damage to the capacitor or loss of charge, will require replacement.