How to Troubleshoot Ceiling Fans

Ceiling Fan and Light Control Options

There are several ways to control ceiling fans and lights.

No switch - power goes directly to the fan fixture. Pull chains can be used to control the fan and lights. A remote and receiver can also be used.
1 switch - to turn power on/off to the fan lights. This can be replaced by a wall control switch.
2 switches - one switch turns power on/off to the fan, the other to the lights.
Wall control - to adjust fan speed and lights. Wall controls are available for either 2 or 3 wire NM configurations. A wall control switch may or may not use a receiver. Find ceiling fan wall control
Remote control switch - is paired with a receiver inside the fan canopy to control the fan and lights.
Find ceiling fan remote control kit

Common Causes of a Switch not Working

Loose wire(s) on the switch terminals.
A bad wire nut connection. This can happen because ceiling fans wobble. This could cause a poor wire nut connection to become a bad one.
The switch failed.
Tripped circuit breaker.

See Troubleshoot Switches

See Ceiling Fan Switch Wiring

Common Causes of a Ceiling Fan with a Remote not Working

Remote’s battery failed or is failing
A bad wire nut connection.
Wall switch failed or has loose wire(s) on the terminal(s).
Receiver failed
Tripped circuit breaker.

Ceiling Fan Troubleshooting Sequence

No switch or wall control, no receiver:

Check for power at ceiling fan.

No switch or wall control, remote and receiver:

Check batteries in the remote
Check for power at receiver line terminal
Check for power at receiver load terminal
Check for power at ceiling fan.

Switch or wall control, no receiver:

Check for power at switch line terminal
Check for power at switch load terminal
Check for power at ceiling fan.

Wall control, receiver:

Check for power at switch or wall control line terminal
Check for power at switch or wall control load terminal
Check for power at receiver line terminal
Check for power at receiver load terminal
Check for power at ceiling fan.

Troubleshoot Ceiling Fan Receiver

A ceiling fan receiver is an electronic switch that is controlled by a wall switch or a remote. The best way to troubleshoot a ceiling fan remote is with a voltage detector. Always use a voltage detector on a known good circuit before use to verify the detector is working properly.