Ceiling fan not working, or the light works but the fan won't spin
Most fans that stop are not getting a signal: a wall switch, a pull chain, a tripped breaker or dead remote batteries. If those check out, the problem is inside the fan, which is a job for an electrician.
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Before you start. If the fan smells hot, shows burn marks, or hums without spinning, switch it off and call a licensed electrician. Do not open the fan housing or canopy.
Every question and answer on this page, in order
Question 1: Does the fan smell hot, show burn marks, or hum without spinning?
Listen close to the fan with it switched on, then switch it off.
Question 2: What works?
Try the wall switch, the pull chains and the remote.
- Nothing: neither the fan nor its light: Likely cause: no power reaching the fan
- The light works but the fan does not spin: go to question 3
- The fan has no light, and it does not spin: go to question 3
Question 3: How do you normally control the fan speed?
- A pull chain on the fan: go to question 4
- A handheld or wall-mounted remote: go to question 5
- A wall switch or wall control only: Likely cause: a part inside the fan
Question 4: Pull the fan chain slowly through each click, pausing a few seconds each time. Does the fan start on any setting?
Make sure the wall switch is on first.
- Yes, it starts: Likely cause: the pull chain was set to off
- No, nothing on any click: Likely cause: a part inside the fan
Question 5: Put fresh batteries in the remote, stand closer to the fan, and try again. Does it work now?
Make sure the wall switch for the fan is on.
- Yes, it works now: Likely cause: weak remote batteries or range
- No, still nothing: Likely cause: a part inside the fan
Possible results
Need the words for the phone call? Build a what-to-tell-the-electrician checklist, or read when to call an electrician.