Ceiling fan speed adjustment
 

One of our ceiling fans has a four-setting pull chain which currently operates as: fast, slow, stopped and off

Is there an adjustable gadget inside the fan that would let me make it: fast, medium, slow and off?

Thank you

Ok. I give up. What’s the difference between stopped and off? As I’m sure you’re aware, it should have three speeds, then off. It sounds to me like the capacitor in your fan is shot. A very inexpensive and easy fix, if that is the case. I’ve replaced dozens of them and found the best place to purchase them is Amazon.

And if you have a Kichler fan, such as one The Villages uses in new homes, you’ll more than likely need a 5 wire unit such as this.

On the third pull (from "Off") the fan stops going round, but maybe there is a small current flowing, just not enough to drive the blades? The next pull makes no difference, so I assume is the true "off" position.

Again, my money is on the capacitor. It happens frequently. Another symptom is noticing the high speed isn’t as fast as it should be.

Thank you

The "Fast" setting isn't a problem - any faster and the roof would lift off :icon_wink:

Haaa!

If it's not the capacitor, it could be a defective switch. One option would be to buy a remote control device from Home Depot or Amazon and install it. If the fan is an original builder installed fan, it is not worth a lot of effort to fix it. You can buy a new one for about a hundred dollars.

Capacitors are $6.99. And not to belabor the point, the Kichler fans the builder installs aren’t cheap. I’ve replaced many fans for people here, and it’s the all white color that makes people want to swap them out.

I agree on any Monday’s or trash pickup day you get free one out on the street when people replace them. I seen 3 out in front of one house. Not worth fixing IMO.

Artic fox, you probably have a bad capacitor or switch, the switches are available on an end cap at Lowe's, possibly the capacitor, as there are a couple of variations. The last one I had to replace had 5 leads, and was close to $10 and i had to order no local stock. These replacements are a small job, any of several handymen should be able to do this.

Thank you all for your helpful replies.

I'll do some research on the model of fan I have and see if I can get a replacement capacitor.

Hopefully that will fix it, and I won't electrocute myself in the process.

Spare parts
 

I replaced one of my hunter fans and you are welcome to it for spare parts if it is hunter you have. See pictures.

What about a new switch in the wall. No ladder required. I have four speeds and off. And did not go near the fan itself.

That's a great idea, if the problem is caused by a bad switch. But, if the capacitor is bad, I don't think it will solve the problem.

Also, you need a 4th wire for the wall switch option (if hard wired), or a remote installed in the fan, in any case the fan must be operating correctly first as noted above.

Take the free fan for parts.

My builder-installed fans have an on/off switch on the wall, as well as a chain switch to adjust the fan speed. Can't you just replace the wall switch with a multi-speed switch sold at Home Depot and set the chain speed on the highest setting? That is, assuming the capacitor is still functional.

Absolutely you can. Just make sure the switch is rated for ceiling fan use, and it only controls the fan.

Basically The Villages runs a 14/3 or 12/3 to the ceiling fans. The extra wire (red) is capped and not used, but is in place in case you want to replace the wall switch with a combination switch (so you can control the ceiling fan light and fan separately).

Install a remote in the fan. I've done many and it's a pretty easy task. 30 minutes. If you can't do find an electrician. All of your fans should have remotes...

Fan
 

Now that's FUNNY!:bigbow:

Thank you - very kind

I'll check my fan and get back to you if it is a Hunter

Fan
 

Ok...for anout $100.+/- $ i replaced my fans with REMOTE controlled fans with the capability of various fan speeds and dimming lights. Hunter fan from home depot.

I didn’t expect to get my biggest laugh of the day from your ceiling fan problem...but thanks.

Ceiling Fan Issue
 

If you have a remote controller on the wall and pull string speed adjustment on the fan itself, make sure the pull string adjustment setting is on high and not one of the other slower speeds.

If I might pile on, one of our ceiling fans is unusable because it started making a fairly loud grinding noise on medium and high speeds. Low speed is okay. It was on pretty constantly for 3-4 years before it pooped out.

I took the path of least resistance and bought a stand fan.

Does the fan motor need to be oiled somehow? Is it something an electrician would need to fix or should I just buy a new one?

Thanks.

I have an indoor wiring insurance plan thru Duke Energy and the Electrician will replace one ceiling fan for free during one contract year. I have the upgraded plan and it is about $10 a month. No more ladders for me! Not gonna do it! Wouldn't be prudent at this juncture! :1rotfl::1rotfl: