There have been many folks that wish to inquire about why their Alton air compressor not turning on and other questions along those same lines. This article will present some of the reasons this may be happening and provide Alton air compressor troubleshooting suggestions to resolve those issues, along with existing reader problems.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Your Alton Air Compressor Won’t Turn On
The main reasons why your Alton air compressor not turning on is likely to be due to any of the following reasons, accompanied them are some tips on what to do:
- Power issue
- Fuse or breaker blows
- Faulty pressure switch
- Faulty thermal overload switch
- Faulty unloader valve
- Insufficient oil
You should avoid using power bars and power strips. If the fuses are faulty, you will need fuse replacements as circuit breakers will trip off when a power surge blows their fuses. If you suspect a faulty pressure switch unplug the Alton compressor from the electrical outlet before opening the drain valve releasing the air from the tank down to zero and then closing the drain.
While checking the pressure switch, also inspect the unloader valve. Finally, check to see if the compressor has insufficient oil. Check the oil level, and inspect the underneath of the pump area for any potential leaks.
Please visit our Air Compressor Won’t Start – Ways to Fix Air Compressor Won’t Turn On Problems guide for more detailed Alton air compressor won’t start troubleshooting & fixes!
Reader Questions & Responses
Alton Air Compressor Won’t Turn On – Troubleshooting Alton Air Compressor
Question
My compressor had been working fine except a bit sluggish coming on at times during this cold weather we’ve had here in S.W. Michigan. Now it won’t start. I bought it new and it hasn’t had heavy usage.
In any case, I have taken a plastic motor cover/support off to try to get to the wiring to check the current into the Alton air compressor and out to the motor. You can’t see the ends of the wires at the armature to check the current there coming from the “pressure/Switch” housing wires.
I am uncertain how to remove the pressure switch housing (plastic cover) to get to the point where the wires connect and go to the motor and capacitor. So I can check the current there. There appears to be continuity on the large white capacitor on top of the armature area of the motor whether the switch is on or not that is of concern as it relates to starting the motor.
Any tips on this issue would be greatly appreciated as I can’t seem to locate a service manual on the compressor and the user or parts manual does not show any parts for the switch or how to remove the housing cover or switch button to check the electric or clean the switch or anything inside the unit.
Response
Easy way to check current:
Get a set of heavy-duty plug/sockets.
Use 10 or 12-gauge wire about six or eight inches long and make a short “extension” cord, but break out the black hot lead (or either one in a 220v set up). Put your clamp-style ammeter on that.
Typically, the cover on the pressure switch is just a single captive screw at one end of the cover. the cover just flips off when that is fully loosened.
I notice two different versions of the switch on two alleged Alton air compressor parts “Alton AT01204-6”.
A manual is available online in PDF format.
Good luck.
Questioner
I have since discovered that Alton air compressor parts are bad. The pressure switch needs to be replaced on this Alton air compressor. Does anyone know if there is anywhere online that sells Alton compressor parts? I haven’t found anywhere else but Alton Industries to date.
Response
Dave, likely you won’t need an OEM pressure switch, but I don’t know for sure, as I do not know the one that is on your compressor now.
B.
Questioner
The following is the info I found stamped into the outside of the pressure switch cover.
V max 250
A max 20
Bar max 12.5
PSI max 180
There is a dial stamped on the inside top of the cover but I do not know what, if any, the significance, of the numbers are. There is an arrow with a one on one side and a zero on the other side and the arrow point is towards the number 8.
There appear to be 4 small bolts that fasten the switch to the housing, there is a red on-off button on top with a single screw on top to hold the switch cover onto the switch assembly. There are of course two sets of white and black wires coming and going out from the switch and this operates on 110V current.
Is there any other info I need to be able to identify and locate the correct pressure switch, or to see if an aftermarket switch will fit and work properly for this compressor?
Response
Assuming that your pressure switch is used solely for turning on your air compressor motor when the tank pressure drops to cut-in and shutting it off again when the tank pressure reaches cut-out, and you get one with similar cut in/cut out pressure (or is adjustable) settings, has the same voltage handling capability, actually fits on your compressor, and operates the unloader valve correctly, then any non-OEM or OEM brand that meets those specs will do.
I was not able to identify the pressure switch you have from the information provided.
There is a page about how to buy a new pressure switch on this site, and using that page, you might have enough guidance to acquire a new one.
B.
Response
“There is a dial stamped on the inside top of the cover…”
That is just a time and date stamp for molding quality control.
If you have any questions regarding the Alton air compressor won’t turn on, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
