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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!
Related Help Articles:
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Kobalt Air Compressor Won’t Stop Running & Cut Off – Solutions & Causes
Ingersoll Rand P-185 Air Compressor ran out of fuel and now won’t start
Clarke Rebel 60 240v capacitor casing has melted
Kobalt Air Compressor Oil – Choosing Oil, How Much to Use & Changing Oil
I have 80 gallon 5hp Kobalt air compressor, it tripped the breaker in electrical box, kicked red reset switch. I reset breaker and it started up and quit again. Now it will not do anything. Any ideas
You probably should start by checking the motor and capacitors. If you find bad ones, replace it/them first.
After that, check that power from the breaker is making it to the compressor. The breaker may have failed. Same for the red reset.
Good luck.
Oh, there’s info on checking capacitors here
https://www.about-air-compressors.com/testing-capacitors/
Why does my kobalt quite tech 150 psi 26 gal compressor shut off at 90 psl and not 150 psi? Can I Aniston the tank pressure?
My guess would be it’s running too long, not building pressure, and the motor is overheating.
Ultimate problem probably a bad ring on either or both pump cylinders.
I have a 60 gal. Kobalt compressor and it bog down like it going to stop then picks back up several times before it gets full. whats going on
Have you done all the maintenance? How old is it? Model? Bought new?
We have a 26 gallon Kobalt. It will not turn on. It may be slightly under 3 years old. I have tried different plugs nut nothing.
It’d be helpful if you gave a model number. There are many possible reasons.
For starters, check the manual and follow the trouble shooting specified.
You can also click the logo at the top of the page and scroll down a bit to find a bunch of symptoms and possible causes.
Good luck.
I have a 60 gallon compressor, not a year old. Just stop working. Changed out pressure switch , no luck. What can be the problem??? Do not return to store
I have the 8 gallon portable. It fills to 150 the first time with no problem. However when the pressure lowers to the point of needing to turn on it bogs down and blows the breaker if I don’t catch it. So I have to manually switch it to fill but the press has to be lowered, sometimes to nearly 20 lbs to get it to kick on. If it’s a hot day it bogs down at 90-100 lbs. not very reliable.
I have a new colbalt 26 gallon ran when first plugged in then next day wont start
Pressure in 8 gal tank builds right but no tool pressure
Take a look here:
https://about-air-compressors.com/no-air-out-of-hose/
If that doesn’t get you to a fix, come back and tell us what you found.
Good luck.
I have an 8 gal Kobalt that will build pressure until the PRV opens and then continue to run without ever shutting off.
I can’t be terribly specific because you didn’t give a model, but you need a pressure switch…assuming it gets above the normal cut-off before the PRV blows.
I have a 60 gallon 3 hp it builds pressure but when I’m using it when you pull the trigger the pressure is good then is the pressure go away
The pressure to the tool, or the pressure in the tank?
If the tank pressure mostly stays, but the hose pressure drops way off, your regulator is sick/bad. Replace it.
My Kobalt portable compressor Model F15DKL needs a manifold assembly regulator, part #E101627 but I can’t find a source.
Yeah, cheap junk and they’re out of them.
Unless you can find another unit with the unbroken part, your options are junk it, or if you’re a bit inventive, fashion a functional equivalent with a regulator and some pipe fittings.
Good luck. And if you succeed, send pix. Please.
I have a kobalt 15gal compressor model 215902 when u turn switch nothing happens
Please start with this:
https://about-air-compressors.com/reasons-compressor-will-not-start/
Let us know what you find.
On my Kolbalt 8 gal compressor, I cannot adjust the PSI pressure setting. I turn it from Max to Min and it stay at 30 PSI.The tank does not go any higher that 30 psi and that is also where the pressure stays at. Any thoughts?
Dave, are you saying you are adjusting the pressure regulator from min to max and there’s no change in the pressure going out the air line? Please respond with a photo of the air compressor so we can see exactly which model you have. Thanks.
“The tank does not go any higher that 30 psi” means there is something wrong with the pump (or very rarely, the gauge itself). Max to Min on the knob has nothing to do with the tank pressure, other than it can’t make the pressure go *higher* than the tank, only lower.
Bill,
The pressure gauge stays at 30 PSI and the compressor gauge stays at 30 PSI. The compressor does not shut off either. When I shut it off, the compressor maintains the 30 PSI in the tank.
Attached is a picture of the compressor as you requested.
Dave
Sometimes my Kobalt compressor will build up pressure and not start compressing air after using for a few minutes.
Could you give us a clue of what you have? Like a model number or even a few pix?
8 gal., 1.8 hp, about 5 to 7 years old, used sparingly.
That’s something, but not “a model number or even a few pix?”
How to release pressure when finished
Not certain what you’re asking –
But typically you’d want to drain the tank of both air and water before storing your compressor. Usually there is a drain valve near the bottom to the tank.
If that’s not your question, please clarify and give your make/model or send a couple of pix.
hello, i have a 30 gallon oil bathed compressor, was working great but now it turns on, motor will spins a few turns and then stops.
I have release some air below cut off psi and same results, any ideas?? thank you
Start here:
https://about-air-compressors.com/reasons-compressor-will-not-start/
Good luck.
I have a 60 gallon cobalt air compressor and the air compressor pulley keep coming off
A model number might be helpful.
How long have you had it? Have you checked the tension on the belt (should move about 1/2 inch with moderate finger pressure, probably).
Are the pulleys secure and aligned?
If all that is good, have you tried a new belt?
I have a kobalt 8 Gal. That will not turn on . It has only 5 working hours! Is there a reset switch or something?
5 hours running? Continuous? Maybe burnt out.
Read the manual and give your model number, please.
If you can’t locate the manual or model, at least send a couple pix of it.
Compressor leaks while Compressing and after it. Does not hold pressure in tank after turned off.
Howdy, and please let us know, where is it leaking from?
i have a 60galon kobalt air compressor, will not turn on, even if you hit the reset switch nothing, and has full power going to the tank. worked one day and next day nothing, any ideas ?
I suspect you mean that you have full power going to the pressure switch, yes? If so, on the motor side of the switch, with the tank empty of air, is there power? Please advise.
I have a kobalt 60 gal it run pumps air to 30-40 psi then the motor shuts off kicks breaker any idea
Sure, that’s covered on the pages on linked from the troubleshooting page on this site. Have a look, do the checks, and advise if you still need help.
I have a 60 gal Kobalt it will not produce any air at all. It runs but no air is built up in the tank. I am new to these. I am assuming it might be a seal somewhere
Good assumption. This page, on this site, has links to lots of information about what to do when an air compressor runs but won’t build pressure: https://about-air-compressors.com/troubleshooting-your-compressor/
Maybe have a look and come back with what you found on your compressor when you did the checks. Cheers.
I have a small 8 gal air compressor #0470442 it will not pump up over 55 psi it keeps running but will not get any higher
Sure Fred, lots of help for you here on about-air-compressors.com. Start here and let us know what you found, OK?
https://about-air-compressors.com/compressor-why-not-build-pressure/
I have a brand new cobalt 26 gal .Ran when first plugged in went back out next day wont come in