Tristar Compressor Not Starting

Indoor unit has power but will not start cooling when commanded; display and fan may work.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Faulty compressor, Failed outdoor inverter PCB, Open compressor thermal protector, Faulty communication between indoor and outdoor units

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Do not repeatedly cycle power in quick succession; allow at least 3 minutes between attempts.

Steps to try:

  • Confirm mode and setpoint: Ensure the unit is in COOL mode and the set temperature is at least 2–3°C below room temperature.
  • Listen for outdoor unit: Check if the outdoor fan and compressor attempt to start. No sound may indicate a control or power issue.
  • Check error codes: Some faults may not show immediately; use the remote or panel to see if a hidden code is stored.

When to call a technician: Compressor start issues almost always require professional testing of the outdoor unit, compressor windings, and inverter board.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Outdoor Inverter Control PCB
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