Tempstar air conditioner shows E3 and outdoor unit shuts down shortly after starting

Safety first: Turn OFF power at the outdoor disconnect and main breaker. Capacitors can hold a charge; do not touch capacitor terminals unless you are trained and know how to discharge them safely.

Visual checks:

• 1. Inspect power connections: Remove the electrical panel on the Tempstar condenser. Look for burned wires, loose lugs, or melted insulation. Tighten loose screws only with power OFF.
• 2. Check the contactor: Look for pitted or burned contacts. If the contactor is badly burned, it should be replaced by a technician.
• 3. Listen for compressor behavior: When power is restored and cooling is called, if the compressor hums loudly and trips off, the start capacitor or compressor may be failing.
• 4. Do not repeatedly reset: Repeatedly forcing the system to restart can permanently damage the compressor.
• 5. Call a professional: E3 typically requires electrical testing of the compressor windings and capacitors with a multimeter. Have a Tempstar-qualified technician test and replace the start/run capacitor or compressor as needed.