Repairing ceiling fans can be tricky and it often means you’ll have to take the fan apart, but if you need to know how to fix a ceiling fan that won’t turn on, then this article will tell you exactly what to do.
Here are the steps that will get your ceiling fan back up and running in no time at all!
Fix#1. Replace The Light Switch
Turn off the power to the ceiling fan and confirm that it is in fact not working. A quick way to do so is by using a circuit tester that can be purchased at any hardware store.
If there is no power going to your switch, you will want to turn off your main breaker. After that confirm which wire coming from your breaker goes to your light switch.
Once you have determined which wire goes to your light switch, disconnect that wire from its current location in order for you to attach it with a new one later on. After you have removed your old wiring connection, screw a new one into its place.
Fix#2. The Wiring is Bad Or Loose
Before you replace your ceiling fan, first make sure that it’s not a simple fix. Check to see if any of your wires are loose and if anything is preventing your fan from turning on.
If so, check out our guide on how to fix a ceiling fan. After you’ve fixed these issues, test to see if your ceiling fan is working again.
If it still isn’t functioning properly, then we suggest replacing it with a newer model (as repairing a damaged or old model can get pricey).
Fix#3. Something Hit The Blades
When a ceiling fan just stops spinning, it’s usually because something in your home came into contact with it. If you’re lucky, that something is nothing more than a toy or pet.
Unfortunately, there are times when you get hit by a runaway object, like a golf ball or baseball. There are also times when you can accidentally bump into your ceiling fan while walking around your home.
Whatever happened to cause it to stop working, how do you make sure it won’t happen again? In many cases, all that’s needed is to repair or replace whatever caused it to stop working in the first place.
Fix#4. Test The Circuit Board
A short circuit board can stop a ceiling fan from working. Typically, when you flip a switch on your wall or remote to turn on your ceiling fan and nothing happens, you know there’s an issue with either your power source or wiring.
That’s not always the case, though! A loose connection inside of your switch housing could easily cause power to travel directly through wires without actually turning on your fan.
If that sounds like what might be happening in your home, then checking for a short in your ceiling fan’s circuit board is a must-do.
What is a Circuit Board? The technical term for an electrical circuit board is printed wiring board (PWB), but that doesn’t sound very intuitive!
Fix#5. Check the Circuit Breaker
The issue can happen due to the circuit breaker if it is tripped or blown out. So, you need to check the position of the circuit breaker and other electrical equipment working on it.
Test the breaker and turn it ON. If necessary, replace the breaker. Loose wiring at the circuit breaker can also cause such issues.
Fix#6. Troubleshoot the Remote Control
Is your fan is controlled by a remote? If yes, find the the remote control and reset it. Remove the batteries from the remote, wait a few seconds and then reinsert the batteires.
Sometimes, a glitch in the remote can cause such issues. Moreover, if the wrong buttons are pressed on the remote, the fan does not work properly.
Also read: Hampton Bay Ceiling Fan Stopped Working Issue Fixed
Conclusion
Fixing your ceiling fan can be as simple as resetting it. Most fans have a wall switch or pull string that turns them on and off.
If your fan wasn’t on when you last turned it off, simply turn it back on to see if it starts working again. If not, then you might have a more serious problem with your fan and need to call a professional in for assistance.
