Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    scarymary's Avatar
    scarymary Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 23, 2008, 09:19 AM
    Ceiling Fan Won't Run
    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!
    rsain2004's Avatar
    rsain2004 Posts: 207, Reputation: 6
    Full Member
    		  
    #2

    Jun 23, 2008, 09:51 AM
    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...
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Jun 23, 2008, 04:27 PM
    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
    scarymary's Avatar
    scarymary Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Jun 23, 2008, 08:21 PM
    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.
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Jun 24, 2008, 10:03 PM
    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
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Ceiling Paint is peeling while painting ceiling. [ 5 Answers ]

While painting the ceiling the wet paint is peeling the old paint in different areas of the ceiling... It has been raining a long period... Could that be it? This is only happening in the bathroom... It did not happen in the kitchen except under the newly installed light fixture... The living room...

Ceiling light on makes ceiling fan turn off [ 6 Answers ]

I installed 2 ceiling fans yesterday in two separate and am having the same problem with both. Before I removed the old fans I disconnected 1 wire at a time from the ceiling to see what stopped working. So I think one wire is the neutral and made both light and fan stop working, 1 wire was for...

Ceiling fan hanging on sloped ceiling [ 2 Answers ]

Replacing a ceiling fan, how to connect the ceiling mounting bracket to the existing electrical box , there are two tabs? On the electrical box in opposite corners, are these used to connect the mounting bracket, if so that will rotate the mounting bracket to an undesirable position.

Water mark with mold on ceiling of 1st floor ceiling [ 4 Answers ]

Hello, I've just noticed a fairly large water mark with mold in the center located on the ceiling of a downstairs closet - I believe the closet sits below an upstairs shower. I'm a new home owner and would appreciate your advice on what sort of questions I need to ask a plumber to resolve...

Hanging ceiling fan from vaulted ceiling peak [ 2 Answers ]

Want to install Hampton Bay's Berlini model 729395 on a cathedral ceiling with a single ridge beam. Want to hang fan from the peak and there's not enough room for the canopy to cover the hanger bracket. Is there any extenders for this?

View more questions Search