Electrical – How to repair a ceiling fan that hums, but doesn’t turn

ceiling-fanelectric motorelectrical

The ceiling fan/light has power. The lights work, but the fan doesn't turn even though it hums.

Why is this, and how can I fix it?

Best Answer

I just wanted to post what worked for me. There are some common issues that can easily be fixed if you hear a hum but it does not spin.

  1. The switch used to reverse the fan direction (not found on all fans, typically found on the side of the fan when present) is between the two settings. Move the switch to either of the two settings.

  2. The bearing has seized. If you open the fan up, take the motor apart, there is a bearing that spins the fan. Spray that with some WD40 and it will fix the issue (this fixed it for me).

  3. The fuse is gone. There will be a small fuse that needs replacing, this happens when the power gets too high for the fan.

  4. The wires have become loose. Check to make sure that the soldering is secure at the ends of the wires to where they connect to the coils.

  5. The motor is covered in dirt and dust. Take the motor apart and vacuum out all of the debris.

Hope this helps someone.

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