I have (I believe) an old ceiling fan that has a three speed pull chain switch. The chain broke off inside the switch. The switch has four leads, purple, blue, pink (or flesh) and white. My problem is I can't find a switch that matches this configuration. I purchased a three way pull switch that has three leads brown, black and red. I can get the fan to turn on but depending on which wire I use in the fan, I can only get that speed the other two positions are dead.

The colors don't matter. The numbers should match up, L-1-2-3

http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-pullchain-replacement-and-repair.php

Thanks, that will help if I can find the right switch. My problem is I can't find a switch with four leads. The one I purchased only has three RED,BLACK,BROWN. The new switch doesn't have enough wires to match the wires in the fan. The fan has +, -, two blue, pink, purple, and a bunch of wires for lights, I guess, which I do not have. HELP

Gary, I am a new member also and have the same problem as you, only I found the correct switch at Lowe's and replaced it, I have some electrical back ground and the switch is wired correctly but still only have one speed. I think maybe the capacitor is shot also and may need replacement but since I don't have a meter for this test I would only be guessing. I could use some help with this problem if anyone reads this message. Dave Parniske

Thanks, that will help if I can find the right switch. My problem is I can't find a switch with four leads. The one I purchased only has three RED,BLACK,BROWN. The new switch doesn't have enough wires to match the wires in the fan. The fan has +, -, two blue, pink, purple, and a bunch of wires for lights, I guess, which I do not have. HELP

The four wire switches are very common, in fact they are the most common, you should be able to find one, if not contact the manufacturer.

Gary, I am a new member also and have the same problem as you, only I found the correct switch at Lowes and replaced it, I have some electrical back ground and the switch is wired correctly but still only have one speed. I think maybe the capacitor is shot also and may need replacement but since I dont have a meter for this test I would only be guessing. I could use some help with this problem if anyone reads this message. Dave Parniske

I doubt, if the fan worked correctly before the switch broke, and now you have only one speed, that the problem is anything BUT the switch.

1. Are you sure it is wired correctly? The colors need to match the same contacts on the new switch as the old

2. There are various 4 contact switches switch different switching patterns. You likely do not have the correct switch. What make is the fan?

http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-pullchain-replacement-and-repair.php

In regards to the wiring of the switch, it is exactly as the old one and the type of fan is a Hampton Bay, the switch was purchased at Lowe's and is a four wire I have not looked to see if the sequence is different from the original,( to many progects in the works since Ive returned from six month away) so I don't know if the fan actually worked on all speeds before the problem. I may have to direct wire each speed to verfy its working function, I guess I was looking for a quick fix, and since I have never messed with a Hampton Bay fan Im not sure of all the little quirks that are involved, I would appreciate any advice for this problem and if Im on the right track. Thanks, Dave