and I put a meter outside to see that power was going to the unit. I found this guy's videos helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C82HvbvP08E

There's a "plunger" that was stuck so it wouldn't kick on the compressor. I used a screwdriver to pop it in and out a few times to loosen it up. That got it working again.

About a week later however my breaker was tripping when the outside unit came on. I'd reset the breaker and try again, but it wouldn't work. Checked the plunger and it was still working fine so it was something else this time.

I banged on the housing of the compressor to see if it was locked up. It moved a little but ultimately couldn't get going. I called a friend that installs commercial units and he recommended i replace the outside unit. An AC company wanted $8k. to replace it and recommended I replace the entire system (of course) for almost $12k. I politely invited them to leave before I sprayed them with a hose.

Called my friend back and he and I replaced the outside unit together for a total of $2400 (i paid him for labor).

If you have to replace it I recommend you go fishing for someone in your neighborhood that moonlights with these things. Going direct through an AC company is a huge waste of time.