Hi

I want to replace a timer extractor fan with one that switches on and off with light pull. Having taken off the old one I have been left with 3 core and earth cable and extra insulated extra core cable. The new fan however only needs a neutral and live connection.

I connected together the neutral and live connections and the yellow 3 core to the extra core cable but this just make the fan stay on permanently. I also tried changing between the other earth cables but now am stuck as I seem to have no light and no fan on.

Can anyone help?

You are not very clear with the cores (here in the USA we call them wires or conductors) that you have, what was connected to what, and what you connecting to now.
Can you be more detailed with the wires you have, which are switched, etc. I am an electrican and do not understand your description. If someone else here can help you without more detail ,more power to them, no pun intended.

Ummm... sure. Well first off as I believe most of the people that will be helping you here are yanks and therefore electricians, as opposed to "sparkies", you might want to repost that. First off are you on 110 or 220. Secondly, please describe in more detail what color the wires are and how many you have. Finally, how many wires are in the fan itself? It is always possible it could be fed up in the fan houseing and not at the switch.

Its OK a bit of fiddling and I've fixed it thanks for the offer of help anyway