If your TCL Window Air Conditioner is not turning on, follow these step-by-step instructions to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Step 1: Check the Power Connection

• Ensure the air conditioner plug is fully inserted into the outlet.
• Do not use a power strip or surge protector—the AC should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
• If the AC cannot reach a wall outlet, use an appliance-rated extension cord (not a standard extension cord) temporarily.

Step 2: Ensure the AC is Not Sharing a Circuit

• The AC should be plugged into its own dedicated wall outlet.
• Do not plug other devices into the same outlet, as ACs require a large amount of power.
• If the AC cannot reach a wall outlet, use an appliance-rated extension cord temporarily.

Step 3: Test the Outlet with Another Device

• Plug another device (such as a lamp or phone charger) into the same outlet to check if it is receiving power.
• If the outlet is working, move to the next step.

Step 4: Check the Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box

• Inspect the house fuse box or circuit breaker panel for a blown fuse or a tripped breaker.
• If a fuse is blown, replace it.
• If a circuit breaker is tripped, reset it and try turning the AC back on.
• If the fuse or breaker is fine, proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Check for Recent Power Failures

• If there was a recent power outage, the AC unit will automatically restart when power is restored.
• There is a protective time delay of approximately 3 minutes before normal cooling starts again to prevent compressor overload.
• If no power failure occurred, move to the next step.

Step 6: Test the Power Plug (Safety Test)

• Press the TEST button on the power plug.
• This should trip the circuit and cut all power to the air conditioner.
• If the indicator light remains on after pressing TEST, this means current leakage has been detected.
• Do not attempt to reset the plug. Move to Step 8.

Step 7: Reset the Power Plug

• Press the RESET button on the power plug while the AC is plugged in.
• If the button makes a popping sound, the plug is receiving proper power.
• Check if the AC turns on.
• If the AC does not turn on, move to the next step.

Step 8: Power Cycle the AC

• Unplug the AC unit for 5 minutes.
• Plug it back in and retest using the TEST/RESET buttons.
• If the AC responds but still does not turn on, move to Step 10.
• If the AC does not respond to the TEST/RESET buttons and the plug does not make a popping sound, the AC may not be receiving the correct power.

Step 9: Test the AC on Another Outlet

• Plug the AC into a different wall outlet in the home that is on a separate circuit.
• If the AC still does not respond to the TEST/RESET function, the thermostat may be defective or unresponsive.

Following these steps should help determine why your TCL Window AC is not powering on.