I have an older, very well built ceiling fan made by Harbor Breeze, which I understand is a Lowe's exclusive, but because it is older, cannot get any info on repairs from Lowe's or anywhere else. The problem is, the fan will sometimes run, but then the next time will not come on at all. We've narrowed it down to getting it to run when it is set in the one speed position and if you give it a little manual spin to get it going. Then it will stay running. If you turn it off and turn it on again, it won't start again. Is this a motor problem or something to do the part called the capacitor? (which I'm not sure what that part does?) Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!

A capacitor provides an initial burst of energy to overcome inertia during start. It helps "starting current in-rush" to overcome the dead weight of stopped parts. These things fail with age as insulation breaks down. Since the fan operates when manually pushed, the cap may be the problem. A motor starting cap most likely resembles a small silver can with one or two wires coming out. It should be held in place with screws. Turn off power to the fan, locate the cap and remove it. A local HVAC shop will probably test it for you, and have a suitable replacement, if needed... good luck...

Is it a remote fan?

Do the blades spin freely by hand and coast when pushed?

General ceiling fan troubleshooting and help FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More

No it does not have a remote. The blades spin freely with a push, and when set in the right speed setting, with a little push start, the motor will operate, but you can easily grab the motor and stop it with no problem.

It does sound like a bad capacitor.

Ceiling fan capactors - troubleshooting and resources - Ceiling Fans N More

Contact Harbor Breeze for a replacement, or try CeilingFanParts.com Home