Testing the startingcapacitor on a motor is a good first step to getting a motor to run. In fact, replacing a capacitor is not difficult. This is why knowing how to replace the capacitor is necessary if it is found to be defective. Read more to learn how.
Remove power from the electric motor. Locate the motor's starting capacitor. The capacitor should be in the vicinity of the motor itself, often mounted to the motor case.
Perform a general inspection of the capacitor. If the capacitor is leaking, it is considered bad and must be replaced. Make sure the wiring is correctly connected and there is no damage to the wiring. If damage is found, repair the wiring or replace the capacitor.
Before disconnecting the capacitor, use a screwdriver to short the 2 capacitor leads. Remove the capacitor for testing.
Set the ohmmeter to a high resistance range, at least "x100". Connect the meter leads to the capacitor leads. Upon connecting the leads, the meter needle should move toward the low or "0 ohm" side of the scale. Next, slowly move upscale toward the high or infinity side of the scale.
If the capacitor does not test as described above, short out the capacitor leads one more time, just in case residual voltage is still left in the capacitor. Retest the capacitor with the meter one more time. Replace the capacitor if it fails the test again.