Whether your fan light or the fan itself isn't working, most of the time, there are minor issues you can fix on your own. It requires some basic tools and DIY skills. This article is all about finding the cause of a ceiling fan light not working and how to fix the issue. We will take you through the step-by-step process so that you can fix the fan light without any hassle.
Bonus tips: If you don’t want to fix a ceiling fan light, upgrade to a smart solution like Govee ceiling fan lights for instant lighting and cooling control without repairs.
Part 1: Why Ceiling Fan Light is Not Working? 5 Reasons
If the ceiling fan light is not working, there could be two probable causes. Firstly, the bulbs installed could be faulty. Secondly, the electric supply to the bulbs could be interrupted. In both these cases, the lights will not work.
Here are some common reasons behind faulty bulbs and interrupted supply:
- Burned-out Bulbs: Bulbs have a limited life span. Once they complete their expected life, they could burn out. If there are LED lights, the problem could be with the LEDs or the driver. If the fan uses incandescent bulbs, its filament could be broken. LED lights can last 25,000 to 50,000 hours, while incandescent bulbs last 1,000 to 2,000 hours.
- Loose Wiring: If the wiring is loose, it won’t complete the electrical loop for the passage of current. So, the lights will not turn on until you tighten them.
- Wattage Limiter: Usually, fans have an integrated wattage limiter according to the US energy standards. It restricts users from installing bulbs having a total wattage higher than 190W. If you install high-wattage bulbs, the limiter won’t let them glow.
- Broken Wire: If the wire is broken, it means the supply has been interrupted. That’s why the bulbs won’t glow.
- Faulty Breaker: The circuit breaker connected to the fan could be faulty. Once it is replaced, the lights will turn on.
This was a quick ceiling fan light troubleshooting. Let’s check out different scenarios and how to fix the light.
Scenario 1: Ceiling Fan Works But Light Does Not
Question: Why is my ceiling fan working but not the lights? How do I fix it?
This is the most common scenario that almost everyone faces. The ceiling fan is working, but the lights are not. The good news is that the fan is receiving power from the main supply and is running, so the problem is with the lights, fixtures, or internal wiring.
Here are some common reasons and how to fix the issue.
Reason 1: Faulty Bulbs
It’s the most common cause. If the bulbs are faulty, they will not glow. The only option is to replace it.
Step 1: Remove the bulbs from the fan.
Step 2: Install them one by one on any other compatible fixture in your home to check if they are working or not.
Step 3: If all of them work, it means they are perfect. If they do not glow, you should replace them.
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Reason 2: High Wattage
If the total wattage of bulbs is higher than 190W, they will not work in fans because of the wattage limiter.
Step 1: Check if the bulbs work in other fixtures.
Step 2: If they do, add their wattage and see if it exceeds the limit.
Step 3: If it is over 190W, you need to install lower-wattage bulbs. For instance, if there are three bulbs, you can install a 12W LED bulb in each fixture.
Reason 3: Faulty Socket/Fixture
When the bulbs are working in other fixtures, and the total wattage is also lower than 190W, the probable cause is a faulty socket. Even if you install a new bulb, it won’t work in this case.
Keep in mind that replacing a faulty socket/fixture is not an easy job. Make sure to turn off the supply before doing anything.
Step 1: Get a similar replacement socket/fixture.
Step 2: Remove the screws that hold the light fixture to the fan.
Step 3: You will see two wires coming out of the socket. Disconnect those two wires.
Step 4: You can either replace the socket alone or the whole light assembly/fixture. Replacing the fixture is straightforward, as you only need to connect the wires and put the screws back on. To replace just the socket, you have to unscrew it from the fixture and then replace it with the new one.
Reason 4: Loose Connection
It’s rare, but it could happen. The light fixture or socket is connected to the fan via two wire connectors. If they are loose, the light won’t glow.
Step 1: Remove the screws of the light fixture.
Step 2: You will see the connectors. Tighten them.
Step 3: Put the screws back and secure the fixture.
Scenario 2: Ceiling Fan Not Working But Light Works
Question: Why does my ceiling fan light work but the fan won’t spin? How do I fix it?
If the ceiling fan is not spinning, but the lights are working, it indicates an issue with the fan capacitor, reverse switch, or remote.
Reason 1. The Reverse Switch
Most fans have a reverse switch to change their direction according to the season (winter/summer). If that is stuck in the middle, the fan will not spin in any direction.
Step 1: Locate the reverse switch.
Step 2: Toggle it left or right.
Reason 2. Dead Remote Cells
If your fan turns on through a remote, check the cells. When the cells are dead, the remote does not send the command to turn on the fan.
Step 1: Take the old cells out of the remote.
Step 2: Install new cells and check again.
Reason 3. Capacitor Failure
The capacitor in your fan is necessary to produce the starting torque. Without it, the fan will not spin and produce a humming sound.
Step 1: Turn off the power supply.
Step 2: You need to access the capacitor. Open the switch housing above the blades.
Step 3: You will see a cube or cylindrical capacitor. Disconnect it and install a new one having the same capacitance value.
Reason 4. Blow Motor
Another cause of the fan not spinning is a blown motor. In this case, you will experience the “burnt” odor. It’s not a DIY repair. A better option is to get a new fan.
Scenario 3: Ceiling Fan and Light Not Working
Question: My ceiling fan and light both stopped working—what could be wrong?
If neither is working, it means the issue is not with the bulb or fan. It’s actually the interrupted power supply.
Reason 1. Tripped/Faulty Circuit Breaker
The supply to your fan comes from the connected circuit breaker. Check if the breaker is tripped or not. If it’s tripped, turn it on and see whether the fan works or not. If the breaker trips again, it means there is either a short circuit or a faulty breaker.
Secondly, if the breaker is faulty, it might not flip or complete the path. In all these cases, it’s better to call a licensed electrician. He might look for the short circuit or replace the circuit breaker in the electrical panel.
Reason 2. Loose Wire
Fans vibrate, which could lead to loose connections over time. That’s why it could be the cause of the issue.
Step 1: Turn off the power supply through the circuit breaker.
Step 2: Slide down the decorative canopy to access the wires and connectors.
Step 3: Tighten the wire nuts or replace them with new ones.
Reason 3. Faulty Wall Switch
The wall switch could be faulty. They work for a limited time. Even if it seems like it is working fine, it could be broken internally.
Step 1: Flip the breaker to OFF.
Step 2: Remove the switch cover plate. Take out the screws.
Step 3: You will see wires connected to the switch through screws. Unscrew and remove the connections.
Step 4: Replace the switch with a similar one. Connect the wires and screw them.
Step 5: Put the plate back on and tighten the screws.
FAQs About Ceiling Fan Light Stopped Working
Do LED ceiling fan lights burn out?
Yes, LED ceiling fan lights burn out. They have a limited life of around 25,000 to 50,000 hours, but they can also fail sooner. Either the LEDs in the light fail or the driver. If any of them burn out, the light will not glow.
How to reset ceiling fan light switch?
Turn off the wall switch, and then flip the breaker for the room to OFF. Wait for 30-60 seconds to let the capacitors discharge fully. Flip the breaker to ON and turn on the fan.
What happens when a ceiling fan light pops and doesn't work anymore?
When a ceiling fan light pops and doesn’t work anymore, it indicates bulb failure. It might also trip the circuit breaker. Flip the breaker to ON, and if the fan works fine but the light doesn’t, it means you need to replace the light. But if the breaker trips again, call a certified electrician, as it indicates a short circuit.
Conclusion
Before you try to fix the ceiling fan or light, you must find the root cause. It makes fixing the problem much easier. We have shared some common reasons why ceiling fans and lights stop working. Depending on the scenario, you can find the probable cause and follow the simple steps to fix the issue.
