Never be nervous about trying to fix your own shit
original content (files.catbox.moe)https://files.catbox.moe/5g8uyj.jpgIn this case, a multi-zone Mr. Cool ductless AC (mini split) outdoor unit. I put it in 4 years ago. Was originally going to have an HVAC company do the install, but was getting quotes on the low-end @ 16K - high-end, 23K. I did the three zone install for $3500 finished, myself.
Put the AC on last week and while walking around expecting the house to get cool, noticed it wasn't. Then saw the error on the head units inside: F5 (is specific to the fan blower, but could be bad board, based on web search).. So I open it up and see mice hanging out underneath the fucking thing, clean out what I can but the question is - is it the blower motor, or the board. The wiring from the blower motor traverses parts of the chassis that I am not comfortable taking apart. So thinking I really just need someone that has experience to poke around this thing. I already tried a reset using the board button (press and hold until CE on the LED display to reset the computer, issue remained so there was a faulty part)
Get referred to a kid on faceberg - local group. He works on off-brand mini splits. He came out a few days ago, took the cover, side panels off of the outside unit and pointed out a large mouse nest right on top of the main board, under an area I couldn't see previously. Told me to order board, wiring harness from Mr. Cool. Trying to get support from Mr. Cool was like pulling teeth ..not worth the hassle (besides, they won't warranty anything with animal damage), so I ordered new board and fan motor from Ingrams Air and Water. got the tracking numbers for the parts and they won't be here until late week, but it's going to be 95 degrees and humid mid week (and I WFH and so does my wife - don't need to hear her bitch about heat) so I decided to see if I can MacGyver a repair yesterday, It was nice, sunny, dry and 70. perfect working weather. So I took the panels off, took main board cover off, lifted it up and shop-vac'd the nest out of it. Noticed a couple of wires chewed through. Located an old lap top that is spent, clip'd some of the power cable and spliced the chewed wires back together. remounted the board and fired it up. COLD air again from the head units! went to tractor supply and picked up some rodent repellent, sprinkled it about in the chassis where the mice were hanging out, put everything back together. So I will have some extra parts when they arrive, fine with me.
The morale of the story? If you have a mini split, check it for mice regularly and use rodent repellent. The HVAC kid definitely pointed me in the right direction (the least he could do to charge me $150 bucks for 20 minutes of diagnosing the issue). And don't be afraid to dig in and troubleshoot / fix your own shit. You can always call for help, but you have nothing to lose by trying (unless you do something stupid to make things worse). Saved myself 600 bucks minimum.
can see the chewed wires, lower right
