IR P185WIR & XP185WIR Troubleshooting: Compressor Won’t Start or Run
Nothing’s more frustrating than hitting the start button on your Ingersoll Rand P185WIR or XP185WIR—and getting absolutely nothing. If your compressor won’t start or immediately shuts down after trying, here’s how to systematically track down the problem and get it running again.
Common Causes When the Compressor Won’t Start or Run
- Low battery voltage: A weak battery may not have enough power to crank the starter motor.
- Blown fuse: A blown fuse in the start circuit or shutdown system can block all starting attempts.
- Malfunctioning start switch: If the switch is bad, the starter circuit may never get the signal to engage.
- Clogged fuel filters: No fuel flow = no start.
- Out of fuel: Always double-check the basics first—sometimes it’s as simple as an empty tank.
- Compressor oil temperature too high: Some models will prevent restart until the oil cools below a safe threshold.
- Engine water temperature too high: Similar to oil temp—high coolant temperatures can lock out the starting system.
- Engine oil pressure too low: Low pressure signals a problem and can prevent startup to protect the engine.
- Loose wire connection: Loose terminals, corroded battery cables, or damaged wires can interrupt start signals.
- Defective switches: A bad oil pressure, temperature, or shutdown switch can falsely block starting attempts.
- Malfunctioning relay: If the starter relay is stuck or failed, it won’t send voltage to the starter motor.
- Engine malfunctioning: Internal issues like timing problems, no compression, or fuel injection failures can prevent starting.
- Airend malfunctioning: If the airend is seized or putting too much load on the engine, the starter won’t be able to turn it over.
Recommended Fixes
- Test and replace the battery if voltage is too low to crank the engine.
- Inspect and replace any blown fuses related to starting or shutdown circuits.
- Test and replace the start switch if it fails continuity checks.
- Inspect and replace clogged fuel filters that are blocking fuel flow.
- Top off fuel if necessary.
- Allow the unit to cool down if oil or water temperatures are too high before attempting restart.
- Check and tighten loose electrical connections at the battery, starter, and shutdown switches.
- Inspect and replace defective shutdown or sensor switches if they’re falsely preventing start-up.
- Test and replace malfunctioning relays in the starting circuit.
- If basic electrical and fuel checks don’t solve the problem, deeper diagnostics on the engine and airend may be needed.
Wrap-Up
When your compressor won’t start, it’s almost always either an electrical, fuel, or shutdown system issue. Walking through these basic checks can get your P185WIR or XP185WIR back up and running without wasting time on guesswork.