Steele Air compressor Parts — Browse All Models

Troubleshooting tips for your Steele air compressor when it won't start

Check the electrical outlet for power. Reset the house circuit breaker if the electrical outlet is dead. If the electrical outlet works, shut off the air compressor and bleed all the air from the tank. Flip the pressure switch control lever to the Auto position.

If the pump starts when the tank is empty, then the check valve may be stuck open. The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. A stuck-open check valve causes high pump head pressure, preventing the compressor from restarting. Test the check valve by allowing the compressor to fill the tank until the pump shuts off. Then pull the ring on the safety valve to bleed air out of the tank to reach the cut-in pressure, so the pressure switch attempts to restart the motor to refill the air tank. If the compressor won't start with air in tank, replace the check valve.

If the compressor won't start with an empty air tank, replace the pressure switch if it isn't activating the pump motor. Replace the pump motor if it doesn’t start when activated by the pressure switch.

What to do when your Steele air compressor tank won't hold air

The air tank will rust and eventually leak air if you don't drain condensate water from the tank through the tank drain valve regularly. Replace the air tank if you see rust on the bottom of the air tank. Loose air tube fittings will allow air to leak out of the tank, so tighten all air tube fittings to prevent air tank leaks. A failed check valve will allow tank air to escape through the unloader when the pump stops running. Replace the air compressor check valve if air leaks out the unloader when the pump motor stops. A leaky safety valve or leaky drain valve can also allow tank air to escape. Replace the leaky safety valve or drain valve.