chaosmagnet and bws48: Thanks for the quick responses. Also, I did a visual inspection of the compressor/coil/fan housing. A zip-tie or whatever they used to hold the flexible metal conduit failed. The cord is now lying across the fan blades preventing them from turning. Time to flip the main panel breaker and outside breaker and make it better.

My initial question wasn't that clear regarding the thermocouple. Clarification: Could I measure the surface temperature of the copper lines that enter and leave the unit in the house? Would that be a different general indication than the air temperature readings through the pinholes?

Again, thanks a ton.