Emergency Light continues to come on in York Heat Pump?

Question

We can reset the AC and it may stay on for 1 hour or 2 days, then it will come on again. When it's the the AC is not cooling.

It is a very old unit. I have had it serviced and the service people continue to find problems with it, but have yet to resolve this problem.

The light not only comes on, but the air quits working. we have to reset it to get air conditioner back on.

I mean 20+ years old., but it cools great. My utility bill has never been over 150.00. I just don't see the justification in replacing it.

Answer 1

Some old York Heat Pumps had to have a resistor installed at the thermostat to keep the light from burning all the time. The light burning won't hurt anything as long as the electric heat strips are not coming on with it. If the heat strips are coming on too, you may have a short in the control wiring or a faulty defrost control on the outdoor unit causing the heat strips to come on when the unit is not in a defrost cycle.If the strips are not coming on with the light, the simple "hacker" fix is to disconnect the "Common" wire at the thermostat, the light can't burn without it.

Answer 2

On heat pumps they use a four-way valve to change its operation from heating to cooling ,so the hot gas can be directed to the proper heat exchangers according to the demand.The four-way valve must also change its position to direct hot gas to the exchanger for de-icing in the winter.The slide in the four-way valve is actuated by a solenoid-operated pilot valve which directs compressor pressure or vacuum to the slide.The pilot valve is connected to the suction line and sometimes the discharge line as well.If the four-way valve has bleed holes in the slide, it need only be connected to the suction line.In operation , an electric signal to the pilot valve causes it to direct suction pressure to the slide of the main valve.Because the main valve has discharge pressure inside is, slide is forced to move.This movement allows the valve to direct compressor discharge to the desired heat exchanger. You said it was old,reversing-valves don't last forever they will stick ,usually sticking in the heat position due to moisture or rust or any other reasons they stick . But if your able to get air still and not heat try this. On your thermostat turn off wait a few seconds then switch it to heat then in midstream switch to ac try a few times and if no results then get them to check it out i'll warn you if you can't fix it yourself it will cost about $700. make sure the solenoid hasn't gone bad either. It usually mounts right on top of the reveresing-valve. Easy way to check solenoid is shut power to the unit the turn it on after you found where the valve is then turn it back on if you here the solenoid click its good. that doesn't mean because the solenoid is good the reversing-valve is good it could be stuck.Check it out.

Answer 3

It sounds like it needs coolant. Do not keep running it. You will end up ruining the entire unit.

Call a quality repairman.

FYI our heat pumps seem to last around 10 years before they go out and need replacement.

The most recent Trane is 8 + years old and the compressor froze up at 8 years. Thank God it was within the 10 year warranty and was replaced. Value $2,000.00. (we have a 5 ton heat pump.

If its very old, (I'm not sure what you consider very old) you might look into a new one. I will tell you now. YIKES!!! Ours 8 years ago was $5000.00. GOOD LUCK.

Answer 4

I would reset it until the cooling season is over, and then I would save up to get it replaced before the next hot weather comes.

Answer 5

Most probably the problem might be with the thermostat.

Answer 6

consider replacement