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There have been many folks that wish to inquire about why their Kobalt 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 Kobalt air compressor troubleshooting suggestions to resolve those issues, along with existing reader problems.
Table of Contents
- Reasons Why Your Kobalt Air Compressor Won’t Turn On
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Reader Questions & Responses
Reasons Why Your Kobalt Air Compressor Won’t Turn On
The main reasons why your Kobalt air compressor not turning on is likely to be due to any of the following reasons, accompanied with them are some tips on what to do:
- Power issue – avoid using power bars and power strips.
- Fuse or breaker blows – circuit breakers will trip off when a power surge blows their fuses. If the fuses are faulty, you will need fuse replacements.
- Faulty pressure switch – unplug the Kobalt compressor from the electrical outlet before opening the drain valve releasing the air from the tank down to zero and then closing the drain.
- Faulty thermal overload switch – check the thermal overload switch to ensure it is working correctly.
- Faulty unloader valve – check the unloader valve, if the faulty pressure switch may not work.
- Insufficient oil – check the oil level, and inspect under 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 Kobalt air compressor troubleshooting & fixes!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes Kobalt air compressors, like the majority of air compressors, have a reset button. A common problem for compressors is the reset button tripping, visit our page on a Kobalt air compressor tripping reset button here!
Reader Questions & Responses
Kobalt Quiet Tech 26 Gallon Won t Turn On – Kobalt Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Question
Hi,
I purchased a Kobalt 26 Gallon Air Compressor ( From Lowes). I did not purchase the Lowes Warranty as I purchased it with the intention of very low use. Tires and light tools work.
I never had it plugged in and now the Kobalt 26 gallon air compressor won’t turn on.
I have no idea what could have happened as I never use this thing. Is there a fuse or cut-off switch?
Can I reset the thing?
Response
Nestor, based on your post I really don’t know what you have tried or have not tried in terms of getting your air compressor to run.
Maybe check the troubleshooting page on this site for things to check, please.
Post a comment here with info on what you’ve tried, and we’ll press on trying to solve your air compressor problem.
Kobalt Air Compressor Not Turning On – Kobalt 20 Gallon Air Compressor Problems
Question
20 gal tank 1.5 hp
When I start the compressor it builds air pressure as it should and I normally let it build to 90 lbs.
I use the hose for an air-driven function, at this point, the compressor digital readout starts fluctuating on the tank pressure and the tank will not build in pressure. It may jump from 60 lbs to 25 lbs and maybe 0 lbs. The compressor runs but no pressure builds up.
Response
Jay is “it builds air pressure as it should and I normally let it build to 90 lbs.” Is this the normal cut-out pressure setting for your compressor?
“It may jump from 60 lbs to 25 lbs and maybe 0 lbs. The compressor runs but no pressure builds up.” This suggests to me that it is the digital pressure gauge that is the problem. No way can the pressure in an air compressor tank “jump” from 60 PSI to 25 PSI, and then to zero PSI unless the time frame between the “jumping” is equal to the time necessary for the tank to bleed down the air to those levels. Does the digital pressure gauge ever “jump” up a reading?
Ignore the gauge for a moment. Shut off the compressor. Drain the tank. Start the compressor. Does it start and the run-up to the normal cut-out pressure? Now, use your air tool, all the time ignoring the gauge readout. Does the compressed air flow to the tool? Does the tool run? Does the air compressor cut in again after you have used some air?
Comment here with more info about what you found would be good.
Kobalt 241345 won’t release air under pressure
Question
Pressure builds up and exits ok through the relief valve. No air comes out through the exit line, however.
Response
After you check all the things referred to there, if you still have a problem, please add a comment here. I’m pretty sure you’ll find your answer there.
If you have any questions regarding the Kobalt air compressor won’t turn on, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
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Kobalt Air Compressor Won’t Stop Running & Cut Off – Solutions & Causes
Hi, I bought a used (manufactured 10/20) Kobalt 26 gal Quiet Tech. It runs right up to the shut off pressure but will not restart as I use air. It hums and buzzes and eventually will trip the breaker. After looking on the internet I looked at the check valve which is AOK, the bleeder works and does not leak. The next step was the start capacitor. I had to remove it to test it so I just replaced it. Same problem. The compressor will not restart unless I bleed it down to 25psi or so. I think the motor… Read more »
You might have a bad centrifugal switch in the motor – maybe just a dirty contact.
You might have to remove the rear housing to get at.
That’s assuming the unloader is actually working. After it gets down to cut-in pressure, and it’s tried to start and failed, switch it off for a few secs and switch back on. If it starts, the pressure switch is bad.
Thanks for the reply, Doug. I’ll check the centrifugal switch although this thing is one of those oilless motor/compressor self-contained units (in this case, a double pump) not just a motor and pump on a tank. I might have to dig a little for a schematic or exploded view. It’s like two pumps with the motor between them. I am confident the unloader is working. When the compressor shuts off the unloader hisses while it bleeds the line and then stops even though the unloader valve remains open. The air supply line visibly relaxes and remains relaxed after bleeding. Thanks… Read more »
Huh. Didn’t realize Kobalt made that type. I’ll be interested to know where the switch is, presuming it actually has one – and I believe it must, if that cap is not a run cap.
Has it got an actual model number?
The cap or the compressor? The compressor is model 3332644. It looks a lot like the California Air quiet models. Probably the same factory.
The cap is a CBB60, 250V 120uf, plastic body.
OK, that’s a run cap, so no switch to it.
So that leaves us with probably a power supply problem. Is it plugged directly into a wall socket? Can you check the voltage either at the outlet or preferably the pump switch as it’s starting?
If the volts stay close to 120, then yeah it’s either the motor is weak and/or the lube in the piston seals is gone or the sleeves are shot.
Bummer.
Hi Doug,
It is plugged in directly to a 20 amp circuit that measured 120.9 volts at the outlet, so I really do think the unit is bad.
But the good news is that the tool consigner I bought it from agreed to take it back and refund my money.
Thanks for your help. At least we got to troubleshoot the problem to its logical conclusion and I learned a lot about compressors in general.
Now the search begins for another compressor.
Thanks, again
Better luck next time. Although this experience could have been worse!
Hi
Does anyone have the number on this electric part? please share I need it
Not from that. It’s probably marked, but in a kind of light gray ink that’s hard to see. Try dusting it off and look at it from different angles.
It’s probably an SCR, but could be a regulator or power transistor.
Is this out of one of those dual voltage inflator thingies?
I have a 22 gal Kobalt air compressor and when I push the start button I get Err on the panel and it doesn’t start.
Not sure what model you have, but I’m afraid you can’t get parts for it. Not the pump, not the controller. If you’re inclined, try powering the motor directly to see if it works. If it does, you could replace the control board with regular off-the-shelf parts. If the motor doesn’t work, it might be bad brushes. Finding those won’t be easy, either. That may or may not be related to the “Err”. And finally, if all else fails (or you just don’t want to fool with it) do some research (especially reviews) and buy a new, better one, without… Read more »