Ceiling Fan Troubleshooting Guide - Settings, Wobble And Switches

The following are questions and answers of ceiling fan problems that have occurred in the past along with common ceiling fan troubleshooting procedures. Del Mar Designs can solve most ceiling fan problems you run into. If Del Mar Designs or the ceiling fan manufacturer can't solve the problem, we will send you out the same ceiling fan you purchased from us at no charge. If you do not find the answer to your ceiling fan problem below please call 1-800-724-5501 and ask for tech support to assist you with your problem.

If you need help installing a ceiling fan check out our How to Install a Fan guide for easy step by step instructions.

Common Ceiling Fan Problems - Questions and Answers

Q:	Why won't my ceiling fan spin in the reverse direction?
A:	Many of our ceiling fans come with either a remote or wall control that has the ability to select the reverse or forward direction of the air flow from the control. In very rare occurrences when you press the reverse / forward button nothing happens. If this is the case with your ceiling fan, then you have a defective receiver module. Call Del Mar Designs (800) 724-5501 with your invoice number and ceiling fans model number. We will then send out a new receiver module for your ceiling fan.
Q:	Sometimes my ceiling fan turns on by itself?
A:	Remote controlled ceiling fans come from the factory with default frequency dip switch settings. On the remote and the receiver there are frequency dip switch settings that must be the same for each the transmitter and the receiver. Each unit has four sets of on/off switches that determine what setting the frequency is on. When you receive a new fan with a remote the default settings are set to 1-on, 2-on, 3-on, and 4-on. If you have other ceiling fans in the house that are operated by remote then the frequency settings might be the same. So, every time the other ceiling fan is turned on the other is too. This applies to apartment buildings too; most likely the frequency settings are the same as the other ceiling fans in your apartment building if this problem is occurring. You can change the frequency dip switch settings on the ceiling fan remote and ceiling fan receiver that is turning on by itself.
Q:	Why does my ceiling fan wobble on high speed?
A:	After a ceiling fan is newly installed it should be run on high speed to verify the integrity of the installation. Most of the time if there is a wobble on high speed it is due to certain nuts and screws of the ceiling fan not being tightened enough. Or the junction box in the ceiling is loose. Go to our How to Balance a Ceiling Fan Guide for fan wobble solutions.

Ceiling Fan Troubleshooting

Problem 1. Fan will not start.

Probable Cause:

1. Fuse or circuit breaker blown.
2. Loose power line connections to the fan, or loose wire connections in the switch housing.
3. Reversing switch in neutral position.

Suggested Remedy:

1. Check main and branch circuit fuses or circuit breakers.
2. Check line wire connections to fan and switch wire connections in the switch housing.
3. Make sure reversing switch position is all the way to one side.

WARNING: Make sure main power is turned off.

Problem 2. Fan sounds noisy.

Probable Cause:

1. Blades not attached snug to fan.
2. Loose screws in motor housing.
3. Screws securing fan blade flanges to motor hub are loose.
4. Switch housing binding against the blade hub.
5. Wire connectors inside switch housing rattling.
6. Screws holding blades to flanges are loose.

Suggested Remedy:

1. Tighten all blade screws to fan before operating.
2. Check to make sure all screws in motor housing are snug (not over-tight).
3. Check to make sure the screws which attach the fan flanges to the motor hub are tight.
4. Check to make sure that the switch housing does not bind against the blade hub.
5. Check to make sure wire connectors in switch housing are not rattling against each other or against the interior wall of the switch housing.
6. Tighten screws securely.

WARNING: Make sure main power is turned off.