Fix a Broken Fan Pull Chain Switch (with Photos)
Your ceiling fan pull chain has just broken off inside of the fan, or you pull on the chain but can no longer change the fan speed. In both cases, what you will need to do is replace the pull chain switch. At first, the task might seem intimidating, but with a little guidance, replacing a fan pull chain switch can be a breeze.
Instructions
1. Locate your fuse box, and flip the switch that will cut power to your fan. If you do not know which circuit your fan is on, then you will have to turn off everything.
2. Unscrew the screws that are holing the round, central casing onto your fan. You should be able to find the correct screws on the outside rim or "lip" of the casing. If these are not enough, unscrew more screws until the casing comes off. Do not worry about the casing falling to the floor; it will still be attached to the fan by a central cord (see photo).
3. Detach the casing fan by "unplugging" the cord that is still connecting the casing to the of the fan (see photo above). If the cord connection is tight, you might need to wear rubber gloves in order to get a good grip, and then wiggle the plug back and forth as you pull. If you cannot detach the casing from the fan, you could always work with it hanging from the fan; however, if this is your first fan repair, it will be best if you can find someone who can detach it for you.
4. With the fan casing detached from the main body of the fan, it will be much easier to work on replacing the pull chain switch. Locate the switch inside of the casing (the switch is green in the photo), and unscrew the round metal piece where your chain normally comes out (located on the outside of the fan casing).
5. Before you detach the wires from your old fan pull switch, make a diagram that matches the colors of the different wires with their corresponding holes, which are numbered (see photo). When you install the new switch, you will need to know which colors go with which numbers.
6. Now, you will need to detach the wires from your old fan pull switch. Uncoil the end of a large paperclip, forming a straight metal "pin." If you hold a flashlight up to each hole where the wires are coming out of the switch, you should see a metal "clip" (visible in the photo). Push the end of the paperclip into the hole and press on the spring-loaded clip until it releases the wire and you can pull it out. Try using one hand to push the pin into the hole, while you use the other to pull the wire out. You can also try to do both with the same hand.
7. Using your diagram from STEP 5, match the colored wires with their corresponding numbers on your new switch. Then, simply push each wire into its proper hole. The clip will hold it in place; lightly tug on the wires to make sure that they are secure.
8. Push your new fan switch through the hole in the casing and screw on the metal piece mentioned in STEP 4 (initially, you will have to unscrew it from the new switch before sliding the switch through the hole). Refer to the photo; the casing is now ready to be reattached to the main fan body.
9. Plug the fan casing back into the main fan body. Before you replace the screws, turn the power on and test the fan. If the switch does not work correctly, make sure you have accurately matched the colored wires with their numbers (refer to your diagram from STEP 5). If this is correct, then you do not have the correct switch.
10. If the new switch is working properly, replace and tighten the screws from STEP 2. If you want, reattach the piece of your old pull chain (that originally broke off) by pressing the ball of one half into the clip of the other (see photo). The job is done!
Tags: main body, pull chain, from STEP, from your, pull chain switch