Ceiling Fan Troubleshooting Guide - Settings, Wobble And Switches

Discount ceiling fans a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to cool and heat a home throughout the year. However, even the best of fans like a Casablanca fan can become problematic due to installation errors, settings, and usage. The following are questions and answers to common ceiling fan problems as well as troubleshooting procedures. If you do not find an answer to your problem, please call to speak with our tech support regarding your specific question.

If you need help assembling, installing or wiring a ceiling fan, see our guide on fan installation.

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 include a remote or wall control that has the ability to select the reverse or forward direction of the airflow from the control. This allows homeowners to switch the direction in which a ceiling fan rotates each season, provided a cool breeze in the summer and a warm draft in the winter. To learn more, see our guide on reversing fan rotation. In rare occurrences, the reverse and/or forward function may not work when the button is pressed. This may be the result of a defective receive module. In this case, call Del Mar Fans & Lighting at 1-800-724-5501 with your invoice number and the ceiling fan's model number. We will gladly replace the receiver module by sending out a new one.

Q:

Sometimes my ceiling fan turns on by itself?

A:

Remote ceiling fans come from the factory with default dip switch settings. The remote's receiver module has frequency dip switch settings that must be the same for the transmitter and the receiver. Each unit has four sets of on/off switches that determine what setting the frequency is on. The default settings for a new remote ceiling fan are 1-on, 2-on, 3-on, and 4-on. If there are other ceiling fans in the house with remote controls, then those ceiling fans might have the same frequency settings. Therefore, each time one ceiling fan is turned on so is the other. This also applies to apartment buildings. If this problem is occurring, most likely the frequency settings are the same as the other ceiling fans in the apartment building. 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 installing a new ceiling fan, run the fan on high speed to verify whether the installation is reliable. If the fan is wobbling while on a high speed, this is most likely the result of loose nut, screws or junction box. See our guide on balancing a fan for additional tips on wobbly and shaking fans.

Ceiling Fan Troubleshooting

Below are quick remedies to common ceiling fan problems.

Problem 1. Fan will not start.

Probable Cause:

1. A blown fuse or circuit breaker
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

Problem 2. Fan sounds noisy.

Probable Cause:

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

Suggested Remedy:

1. Tighten all blade screws to fan before operating
2. Check to make sure all screws on motor housing are snug (not over-tight)
3. Check to make sure the screws that attach the fan brackets 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 all screws securely

NOTE: If the ceiling fan is 42 inches or small ceiling fans, there may be a different cause altogether. Generally, running the fan on high in reverse mode for a few minutes eliminates the noise.

WARNING: Make sure the main power is off while troubleshooting.

Article Written by +Colby Harris