Blower Motor Reset Button On AC Unit Outside: Troubleshooting, Location, And Maintenance Guide

Many homeowners are surprised to discover that their outside AC unit may include a blower motor reset button, providing a fast solution to common air conditioning problems. Knowing where to find this reset button, why it trips, and how to use it is essential for efficient AC troubleshooting and system longevity. This in-depth guide explains everything you need to know for safe, effective use and maintenance regarding your AC’s blower motor reset button outside.

Overview Of AC Blower Motors And Their Role

The blower motor is a fundamental part of any air conditioning system. It drives the fan that circulates cooled air throughout your home, ensuring every room receives adequate ventilation and climate control.

• Main Function: Circulates air through the evaporator coil for cooling.
• Location: Most typically inside the air handler or furnace, but may play a secondary role in outside condenser/fan units.
• Importance: If the blower is malfunctioning, your AC can’t cool effectively, regardless of other working parts.

Outside AC units often house the condenser fan motor, which is sometimes mistakenly called the “blower motor.” For clarity, this article covers reset buttons on both outside condenser fan motors and any external blower motor assemblies.

Does An Outside AC Unit Have A Blower Motor Reset Button?

Most residential AC systems have two main components:

• Indoor Unit (air handler or furnace): Contains the primary blower motor with its own reset mechanisms.
• Outside Unit (condenser/fan): Contains the fan motor—rarely a “blower,” but the terms are often mixed up.

Outdoor AC units generally use a condenser fan motor, which sometimes includes a thermal overload reset button, especially in older or higher-end models. This button protects the motor from overheating and short circuits. If your AC outside unit has a reset button, it is most commonly found on, or near, the fan motor housing.

Reasons For The Reset Button On An Outside AC Unit

The reset button acts as a safety feature for your AC’s motor. Its main purposes include:

• Protecting against overheating: If the motor gets too hot, the reset button “pops” and cuts power to prevent damage.
• Preventing electrical overloads: Power surges or faults can trip the reset, safeguarding internal components.
• Allowing easy restart: Once the underlying issue resolves, the button can restore operation without professional help in some cases.

This reset button may not be featured in all outdoor AC blower or fan motors, particularly in newer, more automated systems.

Common Signs Your AC Needs A Reset

Homeowners should recognize warning signs suggesting that the blower or condenser fan reset button may need to be used:

• Outside unit’s fan won’t turn on—but power is available and the thermostat is set to “cool.”
• Clicking or humming sounds from the outside unit, but no fan movement.
• System turns off abruptly after starting, with no cooling effect indoors.
• Burning smell or overheating near the outside unit indicating possible motor overload.
• Frequent circuit breaker trips when AC is running.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s critical to investigate the reset option—while staying aware of electrical safety best practices.

How To Locate The Blower Motor Or Fan Motor Reset Button

Finding the reset button on the blower or fan motor within an outdoor AC unit is straightforward but may vary by model. Follow these tips:

1. Turn Off Power: Always shut off power at the main circuit breaker before inspection.
2. Access The Unit: Remove the metal access panel on the side/top of the outside unit.
3. Locate The Motor: Identify the main fan motor—usually centrally mounted beneath the top grille.
4. Look For The Reset Button: Search for a small, typically red or black, pushable button on the motor’s housing. Some may have a label such as “RESET.”

Note: Not every model includes this feature. Newer, more efficient motors may have internal automatic resets or require professional service to reset.

Step-By-Step Guide To Resetting Your Outside AC Unit’s Fan Motor

Resetting your outside AC’s fan or blower motor is usually simple:

1. Shut Off Power Completely: Confirm the electrical disconnect and main breaker are both OFF for safety.
2. Remove The Access Panel: Use a screwdriver to open the section covering the motor (near the fan blades).
3. Press The Reset Button: Firmly push and hold the button for 3-5 seconds until you feel or hear a “click.”
4. Wait A Few Minutes: Leaving the power off allows the motor to cool and reset fully.
5. Restore Power: Replace the panel and turn the power back on.
6. Test The System: Set the thermostat to “cool” and verify the fan runs smoothly.

If the problem recurs or if the button will not reset, seek professional HVAC assistance to avoid surprise breakdowns.

What If Your AC Outside Unit Doesn’t Have A Reset Button?

Many modern AC units lack a visible external reset button for the fan/blower motor. If you can’t find a button, try these solutions:

• Reset At The Breaker Panel: Switch off circuit breakers for 1-5 minutes, then restore power.
• Check The Disconnect Box: Use the exterior disconnect switch to fully depower and repower the unit.
• Manual System Reset: Some thermostats allow a “reset system” or “power cycle” option. Check your model’s manual.
• Inspect For Wiring Or Motor Issues: No reset button may mean deeper electrical or mechanical problems.

Lack of an external reset feature may indicate the need for service call if issues persist.

Main Causes Of AC Blower Or Fan Motor Trip

Understanding why your reset button trips helps you prevent future breakdowns and extend equipment life. Major causes include:

Cause	Description	Prevention
Overheating	Blocked airflow, dirty fan blades, or extreme ambient temperatures cause the motor to heat up and trip the thermal switch.	Clean the unit regularly, keep vegetation and debris away.
Electrical Issues	Power surges, bad capacitors, faulty fuses, or corroded connections interrupt proper current flow.	Schedule annual inspections and monitor wiring.
Mechanical Blockage	Sticks, leaves, or ice jams the fan blades, stalling the motor.	Visually check & clear obstructions each season.
Motor Age/Wear	Worn bearings, insulation, or brushes can trip safety circuits as motors age.	Plan for replacement with older units; routine lubrication may help short-term.
Improper Voltage	Low or fluctuating supply voltage overworks the motor, causing cut-offs.	Address wiring issues and request a licensed electrician for voltage tests.

How To Prevent Unwanted AC Motor Shut-Offs

Preventing trips of the reset button is possible with responsible maintenance:

• Keep the outside condenser unit clean and free from grass, leaves, and other debris.
• Change HVAC air filters regularly (every 1-3 months) to avoid blocked airflow.
• Inspect the fan blades each spring and fall for damage or blockages.
• Schedule professional AC inspections at least once annually for thorough testing.
• Check and tighten any accessible wiring and look for corrosion at terminal points.

Routine attention reduces breakdowns and the frequency of reset events dramatically.

What To Do If The Reset Button Keeps Tripping?

Occasional motor restarts are common, but repeated tripping points to deeper issues:

• Chronic overheating due to restricted airflow or heavy use.
• Electrical instability from failing capacitors, relays, or wiring corrosion.
• End-of-life motor problems in older units (10+ years or more).

Attempting to override the reset button, or repeatedly resetting it, can damage your AC further. Contact a licensed HVAC technician for a full diagnosis. They will measure voltage, amperage, and insulation resistance to pinpoint the root cause and recommend safe fixes.

Top AC Brands And Their Outside Unit Reset Features

Reset button placement and features vary by manufacturer and AC model. Here are some examples:

Brand	Reset Button On Outside Unit?	Reset Location & Notes
Carrier/Bryant	Occasional (Older models)	Usually on fan motor chassis under top panel.
Trane/American Standard	Rare	Some units rely on internal motor reset; main resets at circuit board/thermostat.
Goodman/Amana	Occasional	Reset button on fan motor or low voltage board. Check air handler indoors as well.
Lennox	No (current units)	Relies on circuit board safeties and breaker reset.
Rheem/Ruud	Occasional	Button may be present next to fan capacitor inside panel.

Always reference your manufacturer’s service manual for the exact reset feature and safe procedures for your specific outdoor AC system.

Blower Motor Reset Button Safety Tips

Observe critical safety protocols whenever attempting to reset the motor on an outside AC unit:

• Always disconnect all power before opening access panels or working on the unit.
• Use insulated tools and wear gloves to prevent accidental electrical shock.
• Never bypass or tape down the reset button; doing so could result in fire or electrical failure.
• If confused or uncertain, contact a licensed HVAC pro instead of risking DIY damage or injury.

Your safety and proper function of the AC depend on correct reset technique and respect for live electrical parts.

Other Important AC System Reset Features And Tips

Thermostat Reset Options

• Modern digital thermostats may include a “reset system” or “factory reset” feature in settings.
• This can clear software glitches or communication errors between the indoor and outdoor units.

Circuit Board Or Control Board Reset

• Many new AC systems rely on the main PCB for resets, especially if no physical reset button is present on the motor. Cycling power at the breaker serves the same effect.

Smart AC Diagnostic Apps

• Advanced systems often alert you to motor errors, overloads, or required resets with smartphone notifications or on-unit indicator codes.

Familiarizing yourself with all reset functions ensures prompt and effective response to AC problems.

When To Call An HVAC Professional

Certain issues require formal service rather than attempting a “DIY” blower motor reset. Contact a licensed HVAC technician for:

• Repeated motor tripping after you have reset it once.
• Unusual noises, burnt smells, signs of melted wires, or severe overheating.
• No access or confusion regarding reset button location in your model.
• Lack of cooling after reset, indicating deeper system faults.

Professional service ensures thorough troubleshooting, safe electrical repairs, and ongoing reliability of your AC equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outside AC Blower Motor Reset Buttons

Question	Answer
Is it safe to reset my own AC blower/fan motor?	Yes, if proper precautions are followed—always turn off power and if unclear, call a professional.
What if the reset button keeps popping?	This usually indicates an ongoing problem, such as a bad capacitor, motor failure, or electrical issue—call an HVAC expert for diagnosis.
Can a reset button “wear out”?	While rare, frequent use can cause the internal mechanism to fail, requiring motor or button replacement.
What does the reset button look like?	Typically small, round, and either red or black; mounted on the side or end of the motor.

Key Takeaways For Homeowners

• Know if your model has a reset button and where it is located.
• Always disconnect the power before attempting resets.
• Apply simple resets only once; repeat failures demand professional help.
• Proactive maintenance dramatically reduces reset triggers.
• Your system’s user manual is the best reference for brand- and model-specific directions.