January 10, 2024

Air Compressor: Why is my air compressor not turning on?

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 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.

To test the check valve, let the air compressor fill the tank until the pump shuts off. The pull the ring on the safety valve to bleed air from the tank to reach the cut-in pressure, so the pressure switch tires 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.

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM

Replace the air compressor pressure switch

The pressure switch turns the air compressor pump on and off to regulate tank air pressure. If the compressor isn't cycling on and off to fill the tank, replace the pressure switch.

Air compressor pressure switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

May 01, 2015

By Lyle Weischwill

How to replace an air compressor pressure switch

If your air compressor won’t shut off after reaching full cut-out pressure or won’t start again after tank pressure drops, the pressure switch might be the problem. The step-by-step repair guide and video explain how to replace an air compressor pressure switch in less than 45 minutes.

Repair difficulty

Time required

45 minutes or less

Replace the air compressor check valve

The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. A failed check valve will apply high air pressure to the head of the pump preventing the motor from restarting once the tank has filled. If the motor starts when the tank is empty of air but won't restart when the tank is full, replace the check valve.

Air compressor check valve

Find the required part specific to your product.

May 01, 2015

By Lyle Weischwill

How to replace an air compressor check valve

If your air compressor won't restart after the tank fills, the check valve might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace an air compressor check valve in less than 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less