A ceiling fan pull switch is an essential part of your ceiling fan. It controls the fan speed and the light. The pull switch can wear out or become damaged causing the fan to malfunction.
Fixing broken fan switch and pull chain
Fixing a ceiling fan pull switch is a simple task that you can accomplish on your own. We will walk you through the process of diagnosing, repairing, and replacing a faulty ceiling fan pull switch.
Is The Ceiling Fan Pull Switch Bad?
Determine if the switch is the cause of the malfunction. Here are some tips and tricks to help you diagnose a faulty ceiling fan pull switch:
Observe The Fan
- Turn on the fan and pull the chain to cycle through the various fan speed settings. If the fan doesn’t respond to the pull chain or only works on one speed, the pull switch may need repair or replacement.
- If your fan has a light, try pulling the light switch chain to see if it works as expected. If the light doesn’t turn on or off, the pull switch may be the issue.
Check The Wiring
- Turn off the power to the fan at the circuit breaker before checking the wiring.
- Remove the fan’s cover to access the wiring.
- Inspect the wires connected to the pull switch for any loose connections or damaged wires. If you find any issues, the pull switch may be the cause.
Test The Pull Switch
Use a multimeter to test the pull switch for continuity. If the switch doesn’t have continuity, it is likely faulty and needs replacement.
Repairing A Ceiling Fan Pull Switch
If you’ve determined that the pull switch is the issue, you can attempt to repair it. Here are some tips and tricks for repairing a ceiling fan pull switch:
Tighten The Pull Chain
- Remove the fan’s cover to access the pull switch.
- If the pull chain is loose, use a pair of pliers to tighten it by gently pulling the chain away from the switch.
Repair Damaged Wiring
- Turn off the power to the fan at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the fan’s cover to access the wiring.
- If you find any damaged wires, use wire strippers to remove the damaged section and reconnect the wires using wire nuts.
- Secure the wires with electrical tape to prevent them from coming loose.
Pull chain for a ceiling fan light switch
On off switch for a ceiling fan
Replacing A Ceiling Fan Pull Switch
If repairing the pull switch doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace it entirely. Here’s a step-by-step guide to replacing a ceiling fan pull switch:
Gather Your Tools And Materials
- New pull switch (ensure it’s compatible with your ceiling fan model)
- Screwdriver
- Wire stripper
- Wire nuts
- Electrical tape
Remove The Old Pull Switch
- Turn off the power to the fan at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the fan’s cover to access the pull switch.
- Disconnect the wires from the old pull switch by unscrewing the wire nuts and separating the wires.
- Unscrew the old pull switch from the fan housing and remove it.
Installing The New Pull Switch
- Insert the new pull chain through the hole in the fan housing.
- Secure the new pull switch to the fan housing with the provided screws.
- Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires, if necessary.
- Connect the wires from the new pull switch to the corresponding wires in the fan using wire nuts. Ensure that the connections are secure.
- Wrap the wire nuts with electrical tape to prevent them from coming loose.
- Replace the fan’s cover and restore power to the fan at the circuit breaker.
- Test the new pull switch to ensure that the fan operates correctly.
Ceiling Fan FAQ
How do I know if my ceiling fan pull switch is faulty?
If your fan doesn’t respond to the pull chain, only works on one speed, or the light doesn’t turn on or off, the pull switch may be the issue. Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity to confirm if it’s faulty.
Can I repair a ceiling fan pull switch, or do I need to replace it?
In some cases, you may be able to repair a faulty pull switch by tightening the pull chain or fixing damaged wiring. However, if the switch itself is faulty, you will need to replace it.
How much does it cost to replace a ceiling fan pull switch?
A new pull switch typically costs between 20 to 40 dollars, depending on the brand and model of your ceiling fan. Replacing the switch yourself can save you the cost of hiring a professional.
Fixing a ceiling fan pull switch can be a straightforward DIY project that can save you time and money. With a little effort and the right tools, you can fix it in no time.
How do I know if my pull chain is broken. I went to turn on my ceiling fan lights and the chain wouldn’t work. So I took of the glass light and pulled again the lights went on Then I put back on the glass and now the pull chain doesn’t work. My pull chain to the fan blades works fine. Which one is it the pull chain broken or a switch?
I have tried 3 different light switches for a ceiling fan and no matter what it trips the breaker when chain is pulled to turn on even when only one light fixture is attached. I have checked the continuity and for shorts but all is ok,and all work fine without the switch and can turned off by the wall switch but cannot turn off lights with the switch so you can leave the fan running without turning off the lights with the switch. Anyway you could help would be much appreciative,sincerely Chad.
Aaron C,
Check that there is a wall switch not turned OFF.
If the light fixture is getting power, then the switch is bad or not wired properly.
Also be sure the light bulbs are not bad.
Recheck all wiring in the light housing fixture.
Use a meter to be sure!
-RR
Ceiling fan lights don’t work. Changed the pull switch. Still don’t work. Help
Katt,
Did you already purchase the 3 wire switch? If not find a switch that matches your old one. We cannot suggest which of the 3 wires on the new switch should go as this can be a hazard if wired wrong.
But here is a hint… black, red, and other colors are either always live or carrying current from a switch. So we would wire only the red and black to the existing wiring and cut out the blue wire. But that is only in theory, your switch may be different depending on brand and where it was made. Whatever you decide to do, please use caution.
-RR
my ceiling fans old light switch has 2 wires (both black), but was only able to find replacement switches with three wires (black,blue, and red). Can this be used and if so whuich wire goes where?
Dale,
Try to match the new switch wires and wire colors to the one you are replacing. Cut, strip, and replace.
-RR
Do you just cut the two black wires and attach to the new switch, or buy a special screwdriver to open up the switch. Would an Allen wrench work?
Jarib,
We assume you know it is the pull switch that is bad and not the component it controls…. Did the pull switch fall apart or is it still intact but not supplying power? If you can repair it go for it, but a pull switch is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online for a few bucks.
-RR
I need help fixing a pull switch for my bathroom do i have to buy a new on or can i just fix it
Jane,
If the wall switch turns the light on and off and the pull switch does not, then the wiring to the pull switch is probably incorrect. Have you double checked the wiring? Watch this video to be sure it was done correctly…. Replacing a broken pull chain switch on a ceiling fan
-RR
My ceiling fan light will not turn off with the pull chain. I replaced the pull chain unit with a new one and it still will not turn off with the pull chain. What else could be wrong? It is a Hunter ceiling fan. No remote. It turns on and off just fine with the switch. The pull chain for the fan works fine.
Juan,
Are you wiring the ceiling fan light fixture to a new switch ON the fan or are you trying to wire the ceiling fan light switch on the wall?
-RR
My ceiling fan light has three wires blue, black, red and l have a two wires switch do l have to get the three wires or can l use the two wires switch can you help.
Jeff,
Are you wiring the actual light to the fan or the switch on the wall?
-RR
my ceiling fan has a three wire light switch I need to change it to a two wire light switch how can I do that