3-speed fan suddenly would only run on high speed - replaced switch - no change; replaced capacitor (identical spec), no it runs only on low speed with new switch and new capacitor, but again only on high speed with old switch and new capacitor.
I am stumped - please help!

First switch may be bad, and second switch may not switch identically as original?
Do you have numbers from both switches?

Thanks for quick reply! Switches same spec, same letters on back for wire placement, new one smaller physically, different brand. The old capacitor did have a part of case melted, so I am sure it was bad.
I'm thinking either new switch or new capacitor is bad - but the way it behaves with the old and new switch makes me think the new capacitor must be good?

Most Fan spped switches have a L, 1, 2, and 3. However some make different connections for each speed.
Is their any other numbers other than L 1 2 3?

After several years finially found the switching done on different Zing Ear Fan Speed Switches:
ZING EAR ENTERPRISE CO.,LTD. (http://www.zingear.com/newEbiz1/EbizPortalFG/portal/html/CategoryList.html?ProductExhibitList_Mode=button&CompID=ProductExhibitList&CompName=BasicSearchResult&ProductExhibitList_CurPage=3&ProductExhibitList_NextPage=1&ProductExhibitList_OrderField=code&ProductExhibitList_Order=ascending&CategoryID=c373e913309498788f7bc6decf6c1e32&time=1268924376671)
CeilingFanrepair, If this is not on a Sticky, may be useful to add?

Most Fan spped switches have a L, 1, 2, and 3. However some make different connections for each speed.
Is their any other numbers other than L 1 2 3?

Nope - just those, in same pattern on both switches...

They all have the same pattern L 1 2 3.
If there are no other numbers It will be difficult to replace with exact.
If you click on the above link, then a fan switch, it will also say the connections for each pull.
High is L+1, medium is L+2, and low is L+1+2, another switch switches opposite from that, still another uses L+3 for high, L+2 for medium, and L+1 for Low. The correct switching is Important..
Need numbers other than L123. Thanks

Stratmando - I hugely appreciate all your help! After work tonight I got the old switch out. On one side is: SANTA E70469 3A-250VAC 6A-125VAC Patent 15119; the other side has, in addition to the L123, LJY280A and 108
Thanks again for your efforts.

Put the old switch back in with the new capacitor. THEN what does it do?

Ceiling fan pullchain replacement and repair - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-pullchain-replacement-and-repair.php)

[QUOTE=ceilingfanrepair;2279792]Put the old switch back in with the new capacitor. THEN what does it do?]

In the order I've tried them:
Old switch, old capacitor - high speed only
New switch, old capacitor - high speed only

New switch, new capacitor - low speed only
Old switch, new capacitor - high speed only

Still looking for your switch, found these to add to a possible Sticky:
CeilingFanParts.com - Switchco Products - Pull Chain Switches (http://www.ceilingfanparts.com/images/pullchainsw.htm)

[QUOTE=Stratmando;2280101]Still looking for your switch, found these to add to a possible Sticky:

Thanks for the link - I called them; they don't carry Santa switches; the nice gal there suggested I try switching the position of the white and black wires on the new switch. I did that (new switch, new capacitor); now I have high and low speed, no movement on middle speed.
Progress at least! Thanks again

I googled this number and found 1 had sold on Ebay and found no more, the number that helped was:
LJY280A

I don't think the problem is the switch. Usually when they fail, they don't work at all. The only case I've seen is when fans were left on low in a greasy environment for decades, the contacts got so dirty they wouldn't work on other speeds.

The replacement switch wouldn't need to be the same brand. Ceilingfanparts.com has a way to match them up.

CeilingFanrepair, what is the crossover number?
I have seen things with multiple contacts where 1 contact, not all, fail at the same time.

Crossover number?

Hes trying to find a switch that is Identical or will crossover to a
LJY280A.
I had no luck finding on ceilingfanparts.com, you may know how to navigate their site and find a replacement? Thanks

Appreciate the help, guys - the ceilingfanparts.com link you sent (toll-free phone)carries a ZingEar replacement, Stratmando, so I'll be good to go when it gets here. Thanks again!

Good deal, what a pain huh.
If you forgot the colors to numbers on the switch, give us the colors of the wires and we may have the solution.

NOOOOO.

Don't forget to number the color of wires on the switch!!