3 speed, 4 wire ceiling fan pull chain switch replacement

My Hunter ceiling fan is about a year 2000 model. The middle speed ran the same as slow.
On this help site, I learned enough pieces of information to understand the fan better.
1. Since it starts, the start coil and starting 5mfd single capacitor work.
2. Since it runs on high, the run coil works.
3. There is a dual capacitor 5mfd 5mfd. On this site I learned that switches have different internal connections.
I removed the fan switch and removed its wires. I half opened four steel paper clips and stuck in the switch.
Off, hi, med, low: For each, with my meter, I looked for continuity. I learned that
L is the 120V into the switch.
HI connects L to 1, direct connect of 120V to the run coil, for highest speed.
Med connects L to 2 and 3; 120V through BOTH 5mfd capacitors in parallel, totaling 10mfd , for medium speed.
Lo connects L to 3 only; 20V to one 5mfd capacitor, for low speed.

Problem: The switch became intermittent and sparked; I heard it hissing. So it connected only ONE capacitor.
I guess when I removed it and messed with it, poking paper clips in it, it worked well enough for me to measure continuity and find out how it worked.

My solution: Lowe's had a 4 wire 3 speed switch, that connected to 1,2, or 3, NOT like the original.
Our local lighting store had a 3-capacitor block: 4.5mfd, 5mfd, 6mfd.
I used these two items.
1: again, direct connect.
2: combo of 4.5 and 5mfd in parallel
3: 6mfd.

It worked.
Signed, Henry

My 3 way switch went bad on my Harbor Breeze ceiling fan and I replaced it with a Home Depot 3 way switch. The speeds were incorrect. I traced the wires in the old switch #E218558 and found the following: 1st position was off, L=0, next position was L to 1, next position was L to 2 & 3, and last position was L to 3. Home Depot switch was straight L-1, L-2, L-3.
My wiring color code to switch was Black to L, Grey to #1, Brown to #2, Purple to #3.
My Capacitor # E189914 is Red wire to 4.5 uF, Purple wire to 6 uF, and Brown to 6 uF.
Hope this helps.
I am now searching for a correct replacement switch.

When one doesn't know the model no. of the fan it is hard to find a switch on CeilingFanParts. You have to guess at which switch configuration you have and then place an order for $25 minimum plus $10 S&H.
Someone suggested Ideal. I found they have a 4 pos 4 wire SPTT Switch that is Off On On On P/N 774034. I then found this switch available at Newark.com and AlliedElectronics.com for about $13 ea plus shipping. This only leaves determining which wire to connect to each switch wire.

Pls help i have a 4 wire replacement switch. Dont know which wires go where. The switch has a L 1 2 3. For the wires the wires r black purple yellow and orange. Black comes from fan. Purple and yellow off of a box that divides power and orange off forward and reverse switch.

artie01,

Where did you get your switch? I need one with the same color combination....

smc ceiling fan model #f-52 - replaced the 4 wire switch after I broke the chain. Now it does not operate at all. I was careful and replaced all the wires exactly in the same #'ed position as the original. Help please. really don't want to replace the fan

Their are several styles(switching combinations) of the 4 wire switch.
Does it have a number?

item #493 ??? hopefully that is it

I seen an old post of yours about repairing ceiling fans. My fan has me completely puzzled. would you be interested in hearing and maybe helping me with this? A simple switch replacement has turned into a big headache.
thanks
tom