Hi, We have a ceiling fan that runs fine, and then all of a sudden it won't start. It never stops once it's going. Any ideas? Thanks. Lisa

When it doesn't start take your hand and give it a turn. If it starts the starting capacitor (part of a single phase motor)is gone and the fan will have to be replaced.( to work 100%). Some fans might have have a different motor, I'm not up on all the different motors they use for ceiling fans

Thanks for the response, eric. We have tried that. It doesn't help. It seems to be an electrical thing, and only sometimes. For one whole week it wouldn't start until after 11am or noon. Could it be a temperature thing?

Not likely. Hard to say without knowing the type of motor.. sorry to say but it sounds like motor problems. Probably the cheapest to replace the fan

The switch in the fan, replace it,

The switch 'in' the fan, or the control switch on the wall? The one on the wall has been replaced. Is there something in the fan itself we can replace, or do we just replace the whole fan? Thanks.

The switch 'in' the fan, or the control switch on the wall? The one on the wall has been replaced. Is there something in the fan itself we can replace, or do we just replace the whole fan? Thanks.

Ok, first of all, before you try anything:

What make/model is the fan?

Most of the above advise is incorrect.

Canarm cp36

Does it not start on all speeds?

When it won't start, it won't start on any speed. When it does start, it works beautifully. It is the intermitent non-starting that is the mystery.

Both directions?

In troubleshooting, these appear to be possibilities:

1) Motor - doubt it
2) Reversing switch - if works in one direction and not the other, then yes. Usually this is a complete and not intermittant failure.
3) Speed switch - doubt it
4) Friction - doubt it based on your answers
4) Capacitor - this is likely the probable cause. This component can be affected by temperature. It probably looks like a cube with 3 leads and marked #.#.up, #.#.uf where #'s are numbers. Examples: CeilingFanParts.com - Switchco Products - Capacitors

Guys, please stop throwing things out there before we know everything.

My records show that a Canarm CP36 is a 3 blade metal industrial fan, 36", that does not have a light or pullchain. Is this correct?

Also, Canarm is a Canadian brand. Are you in Canada, the US, or somewhere else?

That Is Correct A 3 Blade Industrial Fan... I Am Going To Cross Over The Capicator And See If It Sparks, If Not Planning To Replace The Capicator..

What do you mean cross over the capacitor?

You cannot run the fan without the capacitor, nor can you run it with the capacitor shorted.

If you are planning to temporarily short the capacitor in order to watch it discharge, keep in mind it may have already discharged. Just because it doesn't spark doesn't mean it's bad.

I highly doubt the capacitor is the issue.. . It could be, but it's unlikely. Sounds more like a bad connection somewhere. It could be in the fan, at the ceiling, at the wall control, or anywhere else along the wiring.

I would start by checking all the wiring connections inside the lower canopy, make sure they are tight. Some fans have wiring nuts, some fans have a wiring block (uses screws) others have both. Check also the connections at the ceiling, and at the wall. If this doesn't solve the problem, you will want to get a volt meter, and start testing where there is/is not power when the fan is not functioning.

Report back.

Tks .all Good Advice... Hoping To Not Have To Check In The Ceiling As The Elec Box Is Up On A Rafter And Will Require Cutting A Inspection Hole In The Drywall. But That May Have To Be Done.. The Capicator Was Swelled A Little.. Will Try All Connections.. Tks Again

A swelled capacitor might be a sign of problems, however I don't see it causing intermittant operation. Not a bad idea to replace it regardless.

You can't access the ceiling box by simply dropping the upper canopy?