Thanks for the reply.

Yes, this is a new problem. I started noticing the loud buzz at start-up a couple
weeks ago, but I don't know when it started this on-off procedure (I'm not
usually home when it comes on). More than likely, it's been doing that for
a while, and it just eventually gets started after a few tries.

I believe the wiring is fine, since everything worked fine for the first 9 months.

Yes, it seemed to start after Winter ('though it is Texas, so it doesn't get that cold!).

Yes, it's under warranty - I've already called it in.

I thought of the starting cap, too, but like you, I'm having a hard time understanding
its failure mode, since it will start if it's unprimed. The only thing I can think
of that makes sense is if the cap has partially failed, like it's a multi-layer cap
and some of the internal layers have opened, reducing its capacitance. I doubt
the cap is multi-layer, though - if it's electrolytic, though, maybe it's somehow
dried out. I don't know, I guess we could speculate forever.

I like the contact idea, though - it definitely seems like nothing is rotating
when the buzzing is going on. I'll try whacking it next time, if I get a chance
before the techs come out. What would cause bad contacts in less than a
year, though?

I hope you don't feel like I've wasted your time, since it's under warranty. I
just like to understand what's going on, so that when it's NOT under warranty,
I can fix it myself. (Plus, I'm an engineer, and you know how they are.)

Thanks again,

Steve