Bryant air conditioners are one of the most popular AC brands in the US known for their durability, efficiency and reliable performance. However, like any appliance, Bryants can also experience technical problems and break downs especially after years of use.
When your Bryant AC stops working properly, it can be incredibly frustrating, particularly during the hot summer months. Calling an HVAC technician every time can be time-consuming and expensive.
The good news is that you can troubleshoot and fix several Bryant AC problems on your own without needing professional assistance. This comprehensive Bryant air conditioner troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and resolve common issues so you can get your unit back up and running quickly.
We will go through the most common problems faced by Bryant ACs and provide actionable solutions to get your system back to working order. With some basic mechanical skills and safety precautions, you can troubleshoot your Bryant AC and determine if the problem is minor and fixable or requires professional repair.
Common Bryant AC Problems and Solutions
Bryant air conditioners may fail to work properly due to a variety of issues. Here are some of the most common Bryant AC problems homeowners face and how to diagnose and fix them:
1. AC Not Turning On
If your Bryant AC is not powering on at all, the likely culprits include:
- Tripped Circuit Breaker – If the circuit breaker has flipped to the “Off” position, it interrupts power supply to the AC. Check your electrical panel and reset the circuit breaker for the AC.
- Turned Off Shutoff Switch – Bryant ACs have a shutoff switch on the inside and outside units which needs to be in the “On” position. Check and turn on the shutoff switches.
- Clogged Condensate Line – A blocked condensate drain line prevents condensate water from draining out and triggers the safety float switch, cutting power to the AC. Carefully unclog the drain line with a stiff wire or cable.
- Frozen Coils – Excess ice buildup on the AC coils can prevent the system from powering up due to seized components. You’ll need to call an HVAC technician to safely defrost the frozen coils.
2. AC Not Cooling
If your Bryant AC turns on but fails to cool your home, the possible causes include:
- Dirty air filter or clogged condenser coils preventing proper airflow
- Faulty thermostat setting or malfunctioning thermostat
- Low refrigerant charge due to leaks
- Failed thermistor unable to sense temperature
- Malfunctioning compressor
- Defective control board
The solutions involve – cleaning or replacing dirty filters/clearing debris from coils, checking thermostat, recharging refrigerant, testing and replacing damaged components like thermistor, compressor or control board.
3. Fan Not Working
If the indoor fan in your Bryant AC is not turning on, the likely causes can be:
- Faulty Fan Motor – If the fan motor is burnt out or damaged, it will fail to operate. Inspect the motor visually and test it for continuity using a multimeter. Replace the motor if defective.
- Bad Thermostat – A malfunctioning thermostat will not send voltage signals to activate the fan. Test the thermostat for continuity and replace it if faulty.
- Failed Relay Board – The relay board distributes power to the fan motor. If it is damaged, the fan won’t turn on. The relay board will need professional repair/replacement.
- Defective Control Board – The control board regulates power to the blower fan. If faulty, it will not power on the fan. Test the control board and replace if damaged.
4. Compressor Not Working
If the outdoor AC compressor is not running, the possible faulty parts can be:
- Thermostat – A bad thermostat will not turn on the compressor. Test for continuity and replace if needed.
- Overload Protector – The compressor overload may trip due to overheating. Check it with a multimeter and replace if burnt out.
- Control Board – A defective control board does not supply power to the compressor. Professional diagnosis and replacement is needed.
- Compressor – If the compressor itself is broken internally, it needs professional repair or replacement.
5. Blower Not Working
If the blower fan inside your Bryant AC is not turning on, the possible causes can include:
- Furnace Switch Off – The furnace on/off switch needs to be turned on for the blower to operate. Check and turn on the furnace switch if required.
- Tripped Breaker – An overloaded electrical circuit causing the circuit breaker to trip will cut power to the blower. Reset the circuit breaker.
- Burnt Blower Motor – If the blower motor is defective, the fan will not spin. Test the motor and replace if damaged.
- Failed Capacitor – A bad capacitor can cause the blower motor to not start. Test the run capacitor and replace if faulty.
- Defective Control Board – If the furnace control board is malfunctioning, voltage will not reach the blower. Replace the control board if found to be defective.
6. Blank Thermostat Screen
Some reasons for blank screen on your Bryant AC thermostat include:
- Battery charge depleted or batteries installed incorrectly
- Blown fuse interrupting power supply
- Tripped circuit breaker cutting power
- Thermostat turned off
- Faulty thermostat display panel
The solutions involve – replacing dead batteries, checking and replacing bad fuse, resetting tripped breaker, turning thermostat on, and replacing faulty thermostat.
How to Troubleshoot Bryant AC Error Codes
Bryant air conditioners display error codes on the unit panels or thermostat screen to indicate system faults. Here are some common Bryant AC error codes and their meaning:
- Error Code 16 – Indicates failed communication between indoor and outdoor units. Check wiring connections.
- Error Code 25 – Wrong plug connection. Verify the plug matches your Bryant AC model.
- Error Code 31 – Signals high-pressure switch activation due to blocked coils/pipes. Check and clear obstructions.
- Error Code 32 – Denotes low pressure switch activation from low refrigerant. Check for leaks and recharge refrigerant.
- Error Code 45 – Points to defective control board. Professional diagnosis and replacement required.
- Error Code 53 – Suggests faulty outdoor temperature sensor. Technician needed to test and replace sensor.
- Error Code 55 – Indicates malfunctioning outdoor coil temperature sensor. Professional repair needed.
- Error Code 56 – Signals out of range thermistor temperature. Inspect thermistor wiring for damage.
