Kobalt air compressors are popular air compressors in today’s market as they’re Lowes’s in-house brand of compressors. One thing with Kobalt air compressors, like any compressor, they will require troubleshooting in order to diagnose & fix a problem.
This article will provide examples of troubleshooting tips, including the problems, possible causes, and solutions, for a Kobalt air compressor taken from an operator’s manual.
Table of Contents
- Kobalt Air Compressor Troubleshooting
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Reader Questions & Responses
Kobalt Air Compressor Troubleshooting
I have picked out this manual for a Kobalt air compressor which provides tips on solutions for various troubleshooting problems and possible causes.
Though these troubleshooting tips are specifically provided by Kobalt for one of their models of compressors, it is likely that you will be able to transfer this information and apply it to your Kobalt air compressor. However, I recommend reviewing your specific Kobalt air compressor’s owner’s manual to find the troubleshooting guide provided by them.
We will take a look at the possible causes, and the correct action to take for the following symptoms with tables to follow:
- Low pressure
- Motor will not run
- Overheating
- Motor stalls
- Circuit breaker trips
Kobalt Air Compressor Low Pressure
| Possible Causes | Correct Actions |
|---|---|
| Tank leaks | Immediately replace the tank. DO NOT attempt to repair |
| Blown seals | Replace any faulty seals |
| Valve leaks | Replace worn parts and reassemble them with new seals |
| Hole in the air hose | Check and replace if necessary |
| Restricted check valve | Remove and clean or replace |
Kobalt Air Compressor Motor Will Not Run
| Possible Causes | Correct Actions |
|---|---|
| Tank pressure exceeds preset pressure switch | The motor will start automatically when tank pressure drops below the cut-in pressure |
| Motor overload protection has tripped | Let the motor cool off and the overload switch will automatically reset |
| Check valve stuck open | Remove and clean or replace |
| Possible defective motor | Have the motor checked by an expert |
| Fuse has blown or circuit breaker tripped | Replace blown fuse or reset circuit breaker |
| Loose electrical connections | Contact an expert |
Kobalt Air Compressor Overheating
| Possible Causes | Correct Actions |
|---|---|
| Poor ventilation | Relocate the compressor to an area with cool, dry, and well-circulated air |
| Dirty cooling surfaces | Clean all cooling surfaces of pump and motor thoroughly |
| Leaking valve | Replace worn parts and reassemble them with new seals |
Kobalt Air Compressor Motor Stalls
| Possible Causes | Correct Actions |
|---|---|
| Low voltage | Furnish adequate power |
| Defective pressure switch bleeder valve | Replace pressure switch bleeder valve |
Kobalt Air Compressor Circuit Breaker Trips
| Possible Causes | Correct Actions |
|---|---|
| Low voltage | Furnish adequate power. Do not use an extension cord |
| Restricted air passages | Seek professional advice |
| Backpressure in the pump head | Replace the check valve and pressure switch |
| Excessive wire length | Consult an electrician |
For further troubleshooting information, visit our Air Compressor Troubleshooting, Solutions, Common Problems & Causes.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
If your compressor is failing to work properly, it could be as simple as a nearly empty oil tank. It could, however, be a power switch failure due to a lack of contact between the pressure switch and inner circuitry.
The most common reason an air compressor will not build pressure is due to a defective reed valve exhausting air from the inlet. Otherwise, it could be a pump pressure valve, compressor gasket, piston seal, or check valve failure.
Kobalt troubleshooting related pages:
- Kobalt Air Compressor Reset Button – Kobalt Air Compressor Keeps Tripping Reset Button
- Kobalt Air Compressor Not Building Pressure
- Identifying Kobalt Compressor Models – Identifying Old Air Compressors
Reader Questions & Responses
Kobalt Air Compressor Trips Reset Button
Question
I have a 60-gallon Kobalt compressor about 4 years old. It will build pressure as it is supposed to but when it goes to shut off it starts shattering and then shuts off.
Once the pressure has dropped it will not start automatically,
I have to push the thermal reset button on the motor and it starts. Do this every time. I’ve checked the wiring and connections and everything looks ok. I have it wired to a 30 amp 220-volt breaker.
Any idea what may be causing this.
Response
Brad, the shattering you refer to, is this sound coming from the pressure switch? If so, your pressure switch points may be worn out and it’s time for a new one of those.
As to having to push the reset to start the air compressor, that suggests that the motor is overly warm, assuming the reset you refer to is on the motor.
Why is the motor overly warm, if that’s the case? One thing is that your air compressor is taking longer to fill to cut out pressure than it used to, the motor is running longer as a result, and that’s overheating it a bit.
More likely though, the issue may be capacitor related. A weak or failing run cap would mean that the motor is running underpowered, and that leads to overheating.
So, check the pressure switch, and see the page on this site about how to check a capacitor.
Or is the whole air compressor shuddering, as in shaking a bunch? I’m not quite sure what you mean by shattering.
Maybe you can pop back here and add a comment with more info?
Kobalt Air Compressor Won’t Shut Off
Question
Kobalt compressor doesn’t shut off when requested psi is reached.
Response
Does it continue running until the PRV pops open, or does it stop automatically at a higher than expected point?
If it does stop automatically, but at a higher pressure than expected, does it stop at the same pressure point every time?
If it runs until the PRV pops open, don’t use it again until you replace the pressure switch, and the problem is gone.
If it’s stopping consistently at a higher pressure than expected, that might indicate nothing more than an air gauge that’s failing, or it might mean that the pressure switch is failing, or both.
Maybe let us know by posting a comment here?
Kobalt Air Compressor Motor Doesn’t Turn
Question
I just buy a Kobalt 60 gal. I have power to the motor but doesn’t turn on any advice?
Response
Hi Jesse,
If you have power to the motor, then the pressure switch has tripped to on and power is flowing through the pressure switch to the motor. Is this correct?
Is the power supply to the compressor the right voltage? Often a 60-gallon tank compressor will be powered by a 5 HP motor or more, and if so, it needs a 220 VAC power supply.
If the power supply to the compressor motor is the right voltage, and the power is getting to the motor for sure, and nothing is happening as to the motor starting, then I’d look to testing the start capacitor next on the motor next. Please see the page linked from the troubleshooting page on this site about testing capacitors.
Please let us know what your findings are.
If you have any questions regarding Kobalt air compressor troubleshooting, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
