I have a 52-rdt ceiling fan that has stopped working. The lights still work but the fan won't spinn. After removing what I believe is an after market light kit I found a melted capacitor in the switch housing. The capacitor is connected to the chain pull and direction switch. I think it may be a remote sensor but as I have no remote I am not sure. The fan came with the house and is about 7 years old. My question is can I remove this capacitor and just buy a new chain pull switch? Is this capacitor needed?

Is this capacitor needed?
Yes, fan motor will not run with out capacitor.

seven year old fan? Time for a new one...