Diagnose

Pick a symptom — get likely causes, checks, and fixes.

AirCompDX - Field Reference for Air Compressor Techs
New
Master Troubleshooting Guide
System-by-system reference with safety rules and cheat-sheet values.
Won't run
Compressor will not start
Electrical
Trips breaker or overloadWye-Delta starter problemContactor chattering or burningVSD (variable speed drive) fault
Pressure
Low discharge pressure / won't build pressureDischarge pressure too high / safety valve liftingShort cycling (loads/unloads rapidly)Long pump-up time
Temperature
High discharge temperature
Controls
Controller / HMI shows fault but won't clearWon't transition between load and unload
Lubrication
Low oil pressure trip (screw)High oil consumption (reciprocating)
Air quality
Oil in discharge air (rotary screw)Water in discharge air
Drain / condensate
Automatic drain not draining
Belts / drive
Belt squeal, slip, or premature failure
Air treatment
Refrigerated dryer dewpoint too highDesiccant dryer not switching towers
Noise
Abnormal noise / vibration