Replacing A Ceiling Fan Switch

[@irenemartin9249]

I decided to fix the ceiling fan in my bedroom after waiting for weeks for my husband to fix it. This video is so simple to understand and follow that I know I can do with very little effort. Thank you!!

[@melissawasserman869]

Yaaay! I just fixed my ceiling fan. I'm a non-handy woman in her 50s. Very satisfying. Thank you for this video!

[@wmajordan]

That’s great to hear!! Glad I could help.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

You’re handy now! 👍🏻👏🏻

[@stephanedartois6596]

*Great unit that’s easy to install and use. It’s relatively quiet compared to window units and **Fastly.Cool** , and it cools down our whole living room, side room and bathroom; which is a large space for any unit to cool.*

[@theresahobgood3149]

No, it doesn't. I'm trying to send the picture that I took give me a minute. I'm new at this

[@hanniasmith24]

60 year old grandma here 👍🏻. Thank you for this. Replaced my switch without a problem 👍🏻👍🏻

[@craigsxchange]

Thanks for mentioning the numbers on top of the switch. It helped me to figure out why my replacement switch wasn't working. It had two of the numbers in a different order. I got the fan to work after matching the wire to the correct numbered slot. Also, my old switch didn't have tabs to be able to take it apart. I used a mini screwdriver to insert into the slot and push back the holding pin. I was able to easily remove the wires. Definitely turn off the circuit breaker, and use caution.

[@wmajordan]

So happy things worked out for you

[@MattyFatty365]

I can't get the wires to slide into the housing. I'm about to burn my house down all that will remain is the switch housing.

[@patadams8636]

Me too!!!!!!! Can’t get the old wires to go into the new switch

[@jersal873]

Hey Bill! Thanks for this video! Definitely an easy fix like yah said. 10-15 mins and done. BUT, I reused the soldered wires that were originally in broken switch! Made life much easier especially if you can recover those stab style wires! Had trouble with 1 red wire but eventually got it in! Job done! Thanks again!

[@ronantonette7055]

Adding a comment to thank you for this - very thoroughly explained. We were able to replace the pull chain in about 10 minutes after viewing. Thank you!

[@harleyk19]

OK, but what if I forgot to take a picture of where the wires were? How do I know where to put them back in?

[@gingervegan4050]

I am trying to put wires in. They are bending - not going in. Can I stick a screwdriver in the slot to push them in like I did to get the wires out?

[@DougCeleste]

GREAT video and easy to understand. Thanks! I DID document which wires go to which numbers but I have misplaced that paper. If I cannot find it, then do I have to buy another ceiling fan? (I sure hope not!)

[@mregan3855]

Thank you for video. I just replaced the switch & my fan is working again! For those not able to push wire in. Look in hole, one side is blocked & other side is open for wire to slide in. I had to get my flashlight out to see what I was doing wrong. From then they slipped right in.

[@ChristopherMoler-hs7fm]

Looks great, and with a brighter bulb installed that’s all the light you need. kzbin.infoUgkxWF88GpljEn-0o34vtLFazEQ5h5Q33SjU As far as ease of installation- this was my first ceiling fan and it took about 3 hours because I had no idea what I was doing and also it’s helpful to have a second set of hands and a magnetic drill bit. Works great.

[@MrBrandonRTR]

thank you for this video! one suggestion is to swap the numbers 1-2-3 to 3-2-1 depending on whether you want the fan to start on low-medium-high instead of high-medium-low.

[@CeilingFanVideosOnYT]

It only works on certain pull chain. The ones that go L-1, L-2, L-3 or L-1-2-3, L-2-3, L-1-3, L-1-2. If you do it on one that goes L-1, L-2-3, L-3, it would have two high and one low.

[@dankirila3552]

I have different color wires then you black purple yellow and pink wear do they go I have same replacement switch

[@90sbaby1]

If there are two pull chains, do they each have their own switch compartment? Or do both chains share the same one?

[@donaldjones2106]

Thank you. What a great view of how to do it. I never new about the numbersl When you call an electrician out . The bill is so padded. Now I know. I will do this. Thanks

[@suneventer8987]

This was the best video I’ve seen for this. Thank you so much!!

[@wmajordan]

Thank you. Glad it helped. If you haven’t already, please subscribe. I’ll be posting more frequently.

[@jeraldatchison1234]

Can't get the stripped wires into the new replacement 3-speed switch...how do you do that ?

[@connievandyke5479]

Hi William, Thanks Bunches & yes I do enjoy getting things repaired on my own in my home. I've replaced my 3-way (4-wire) ceiling fan switch making sure to match color wires to correct matching numbers looking at the old / broken switch (picture also). The 4th wires that are red (lead) wires come together from ceiling above & small transfer box which I removed the plastic cap from & plugged both twisted together into the new switch (marked 'L'). After turning fuse box on again, I was sure the fan would work since the lights were on again but no luck. What I'm doing wrong? Thanks for your help. Connie

[@RobertMcGuckin-ws6pe]

Was the pull chain switch off?

[@patriciahofer9244]

1/4/2025 Thank you! Your suggestions made this process easy. In my younger days I did everything myself my kind of got out of the habit since my neighbor is always available to help. But I made a new year's resolution to try to do it myself first. I know my limitations but . . . . new year, new experiences! Thank you!

[@larry-z9m]

What to do if remover took out and didn’t document the disconnect?

[@thumbchicken]

Thank you! The existing switch on my mom's fan has 3 sections to it. There are two wires connection L, 2 and 3 each. All the connected wires except the thicker black one run into an unknown (to me component) except one which is connected to the switch at one end and to absolutely nothing on the other end. I'm, uh, confused. Able to shine any light on this? Thanks so much

[@43-705]

One of my wires bent and doesn’t want to go in. I mange to put in the others what should I do?

[@scottboswell6514]

Same issue my black wire will not connect back

[@krichter1951]

William...I replaced the blue, red, and black wires into the 4-way switch (leaving the L spot open). Everything worked exactly as you described. However, when I put power back to the fan/light combination, the fan still works but none of the lights will light. I am confident that the wires are correctly placed into the switch as I took a picture and labelled which wires went to the three positions. Is there a possibility that I am using a wrong switch? Are there any switches out there that might make me think I was using the right switch even though...??? I am beyond frustrated...

[@tommartin358]

So, assuming my fan is hanging down from the ceiling instead of sideways from a workbench, after removing the three screws for the light assembly, do you just let that assembly hang while you replace the switch? Is there a plug to remove the wiring for the light so it can be set aside? I would have preferred to see a start to finish, hanging from the ceiling demonstration like they actually get done in the real world. Not many of us have ceiling fans mounted to the back of our work benches.

[@wmajordan]

You can let the assembly hang if you want. There are hundreds of different fans so if it’ll hang, then let it hang. Some fans have plugs, some don’t. If it has a plug, then unplug it if it’s in the way. Again, hundreds of different fans. And the fan is on my workbench because we replaced it and i thought I’d do a video to help people out. There are a bunch of other videos of ones still hanging if you want to see it that way. I’m sorry my video wasn’t up to your standards. Hope it helped anyways.

[@zekemowad6501]

Yeah OK how do you push stranded wire into the new switch? It just folds over. NOT Stiff enough to enter the holes in the switch

[@moviegoer9021]

MINE HAS A GRAY WIRE ,I DID NOT SEE ONE ON YOUR SWITCH, AND MINE HAS A LIGHT,THE GRAY WIRE WAS HANGING LOOSE WHEN I TOOK IT APART, I ONLY HAD ONE SPEED,I HOKED IT TO 2 OTHER GRAY WIRES NOTHING CHANGED.DO ALL WIRES FROME THE SWITCH RECONNECT TO THE SAME COLORS OF THE FAN?

[@MonicaMLBH]

Excellent instructions. Thank you!

[@melmoland8809]

The real difficulty is working with a fan hanging from the ceiling. Twice now I have taken it apart and I just put in a new switch and I only get slow speed. The wires are rather short too and limited space makes for a trying experience plus arms get tired. Now I'm wondering if it's the capacitor. Now I'm left to guess.

[@johnrickelsr.3524]

I have a gardner bender 3spd pull chain switch gsw-34, need to know where wires go on switch. I have a blue, yellow, white, black. Thank You

[@wmajordan]

Hi John. Check out this link and hopefully this will help you out. community.homedepot.com/howto/DiscussionDetail/Replacing-Fan-Switch-9065000000005mO

[@johnrickelsr.3524]

Thank You much

[@drobins8166]

great video for those of us mechanically challenged. Thanks Mate! Cheers!

[@sharonfowler4215]

So my husband tore the fan apart and now can't remember which wire goes where. How can I put the new switch in if I don't have that information?

[@sylviaferrer3691]

What if the one you taking off doesn't have the same numbers. I bought the one you showing but the one on the fan has two black cables. Which cables goes on the numbers.

[@hersonlamolli6276]

You are a great teacher and thank you.

[@wmajordan]

Thank you!

[@blackgoddess7914]

The replacement switch that you used is what I am trying to remove. How can I pry it open, if that's possible, so that I can replace it? This video is so helpful, THANK YOU!!!!!

[@wmajordan]

If it’s the same switch, there should be 3 small clips on the side. Using a small screwdriver, you should be able to pry those clips up and the top will come off. If there are no clips, then you should be able to free the wires by sticking something small like a paper clip inside the small holes. Push the clip in and pull the wire at the same time. It might be stubborn so you might have to fiddle with it a bit. Hope that helps!

[@redlinechavez]

The fan chain broke from inside the fan switch so I replaced the switch from one that looks exactly like the one you used from Home Depot. I took a picture of the wire layout and replaced the switch but the fan only runs at High Speed. Do I need to order a switch of the same model instead?

[@wmajordan]

That’s probably what I would recommend.

[@Inchonseoul]

Thank you, your video was very detailed. It was really helpful!

[@JorgeGonzalez-be9vh]

Enjoyed your video, but I disconnected the wires and did not make a point to see where they came out from. How do I know where to place the wires on the new switch.

[@wmajordan]

My best guess would be to try and google it. Try searching ceiling fan switch and the colors.

[@deborhad546]

Ok...so I didn’t watch this video before removing the switch in my ceiling fan, and of course didn’t take a picture of the wiring connected to the switch either. How can I find out where to connect the black, blue and red wires on the new switch??

[@Redstarchaw1]

Wondering if you solved this. I did the same LOL. I know the black is always to L

[@deborhad546]

Thank you for responding but I have 2 black wires....lol

[@bearofthunder]

How do you find out what wire goes where if you did not document the old switch layout?

[@wmajordan]

See if you can research images of the switch for the brand and model fan that you have. You should be able to find something. If you have any issues, let me know. I’ll try to help.

[@bearofthunder]

@@wmajordan Well... my problem is that I have searched everywhere for an identical switch to what i had. I found two outlets in china, but they both cancelled my orders, so i guess that they no longer have it. I found another on eBay, buy when it arrived is was not the same switch as on the pictures. I proceeded to try all the switches i had aquired. I carefulle marked the cables by numbers before i took out the old switch. I have now three different unoriginal switches, and all of them only give me the max speed setting, while the others are dead. I have even tried to mix up the cables in different variations, but always the same result, only max speed works. I have spent a lot of time on this now and I think i have to get myself an education in electronics to go forward... I am out of ideas at this point. I was hoping to find an easy way to measure the cables output under different conditions, and by that know for sure what cable goes where in an unoriginal switch. Thank you for your kind answer.

[@wmajordan]

What brand and model do you have?

[@reecew27]

I cut the wires at the clicker, did I screw up?

[@jetknight5051]

Do recommend the power off if changing one when fan is still on the celing. ?

[@wmajordan]

Of course! The breaker must be off or you stand the chance of being fried. Thanks for the comment.

[@markmanning5683]

If your Fan has recently been plugged in to Electrical Circuit - PLEASE look into the Housing of the Switch and you see a Rectangular Box, BEWARE - that is a Charged Capacitor!

[@kyleluedecke8193]

I have switched the fan switch and compacitor and when i turn on i can feel thr motor hum but i can get it to spin. I am not aure if its wired corretly we bought the house and wanted to get it working. When i opened it the compcitor was exploded and switch was broke but still nothing any ideas???

[@theresahobgood3149]

I'm trying to change one right now. And I cannot get the little plastic piece apart

[@jrauser6484]

Was trying to figure out how to put wires into new switch & it is not shown here. I tried to insert theme& they wouldn’t go in the new switch.

[@wmajordan]

If you’re having a difficult time pushing them in by hand, try using needle nose pliers and grabbing the wire with them. Then give a slight wiggle as you push. They should give way and go in. Hope this helps.

[@713blackout]

My wire isn’t wanting to go inside the replacement switch. What’s going on with it?

[@houstonwong7903]

Hi Wiliam, my reverse switch is bad, and how to replace, did you have the video for replace reverse switch, thanks

[@wmajordan]

I have never done a reverse switch but found the following video. Hope it helps out. Good luck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2XaqX2Hg7Wcick

[@steve4321able]

Which color is the HOT? Blue? I just want to disconnect the fan control until I can get the new switch.

[@wmajordan]

It should be black but I’m not 100% sure how you are wired.

[@MrKingnick200]

I literally have 3 of them in but the last one just won’t go in, any tips?

[@Mynerva8]

Is this what needs to be replaced, if I only have low speed now? thanks

[@wmajordan]

It’s quite possible

[@Sjaubi-qf6wd]

What if the fan originally had a 6 wire pull switch?

[@juliefraser-lindseypeaceou9024]

My replacement fan switch has wires already in it and it doesn't have an easy way to open it like you had. Any ideas about what I should do?

[@wmajordan]

Are the wire colors the same? Also, are the two switches numbered by each wire?

[@DynamicoDesigns]

Thank you sir, you helped me out a ton! 😊

[@cletabrewington8504]

Very helpful...clear easy directions👍

[@theresahobgood3149]

I'm trying to change a switch right now. I can't even get the little thing apart. And it always has 2 black wires coming out of that. So what does that mean?

[@wmajordan]

Are there numbers on the switch where the wires go in?

[@theresahobgood3149]

drive.google.com/file/d/15jeKtlizrRilohSBWufPgb_mS_0wezAT/view?usp=drivesdk

[@notsure1101]

Took me approx 1/2 hr install time with the unit still on the ceiling. Turned on the juice and cycled through the speeds. Didn't work. Fan motor must've puked. Otherwise, great tutorial! Thanks!

[@em1016]

Thank you. You helped me and made it nice and easy.

[@wmajordan]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for the comment!

[@fideauone3416]

The holes are there to insert a small pin or paper clip and then the wires come out. You don't have to pry the switch apart.

[@thomaswood7495]

I tried that thinking the same, but they didn’t come out. I ended up splitting it apart and that worked as well.

[@DRIVING_GRX4]

When I removed it, it was in pieces

[@heroknaderi]

Very Well Explained. Thanks.

[@DidYouReadEULA]

Thank you, you helped me replace the broken switch in our ceiling fan!!

[@wmajordan]

You’re very welcome. Hoping to post more videos soon about odd jobs around the house. Please follow. Be safe!!

[@eosme]

my hunter fan speed won't change when i pull on the chain. could it be the switch you are replacing that went bad on mine?

[@wmajordan]

That’s what it sounds like. Give it a go and let me know the outcome.

[@eosme]

William Jordan what’s the Part number for the switch?

[@wmajordan]

You need to know how many speeds your fan is and then go to your local hardware store and they should have them there. Whether it be a 2 or 3 speed, it’ll specify on the packaging.

[@wayneandjen]

Going to attempt this later. Well explained.

[@wmajordan]

Good luck. Hope things work out for you.

[@susanbarbee5258]

If you have a 5 wire switch, can you replace with a 4 wire switch? Help please.

[@wmajordan]

Good question. I’m sorry but I have never encountered a 5 wire seitch

[@albertorynda740]

I replaced the wires in the same # spots and the fan switch won't turn it off. It's switching between medium and high speed

[@janetjordan8787]

I am having the same problem. I'm guessing I got the wires crossed since I didn't take a pic before hand. Did you figure out a fix?

[@albertorynda740]

@@janetjordan8787 switch placements. What it said it should be plugged into was wrong. Switch around until it works

[@pa16146458]

Thanks for posting...It made my work easier. God Bless!

[@wmajordan]

Thank you for the comment. Glad it worked out for you. Stay safe and healthy!

[@dairyist]

Thank you !! I purchased the exact same replacement switch and this video is very helpful!! New subbie here!! Wondering if you may show how to replace the capacitor in a caring fan? My other ceiling fan only runs on low speed. Always has. I wasn't home when it was initially installed but I have the exact same fan is in a different room and it has 3 speeds that work. Do you have any troubleshooting suggestions I could try before I order a new replacement capacitor from the manufacturer?

[@wmajordan]

Hi Kelz. Replacing the capacitor doesn’t look all that difficult. I have never done it so I couldn’t tell you for sure. I would bet there are videos for that specifically though. Good luck and thanks for reaching out.

[@dairyist]

@@wmajordan I'm a bit frustrated because I removed the broken switch but didn't take a darn picture of it first! I know the black=L, gray=1, but the brown and purple I'm not sure. I looked in the fan downstairs that's exactly the same an its got the brown=2 and purple=3. So I did that. Now the fan switches from high, extra low and low. No medium.

[@craigsxchange]

It's possible that two of the wires are not in the correct numbered slot. I experienced your same or similar issue when I first replaced my switch. It ran on low, but none of the other positions worked. My L-slot and 3-slot on the new switch were in reverse positions. When I changed the wires to match the correct slot, the fan works on all speeds.

[@dairyist]

Update: the fan that always ran on low speed was installed with a bad capacitor. I purchased 2 new capacitors directly from manufacturer for about $20 and installed them myself and both fans work perfectly!! Easy peasy!! Very satisfying!!

[@4touchdownsinonegame178]

Purple black yellow green what numbers?

[@Mike-gq3mq]

I replaced fan switch as shown in video. However, when i reconnect the fan, it only works on High. Med and Low are off. I have tried two new switches, with same results, any suggestions?

[@wmajordan]

Is the new switch the same brand as the fan?

[@ChristopherRocha-nw3cl]

Great video! Thanks!

[@lili0075]

I can't get the wire to go into the numbered holes. I stripped the wire a bit more but the wires don't get clamped into the new switch. They end up just falling out. What am I doing wrong?

[@wmajordan]

Try using needle nose pliers and grabbing them down low and pushing into the hole.

[@paulparrish2958]

Thanks for the video. Was helpful

[@teresajones69]

Does it have a certain model switch for different fans

[@wmajordan]

teresa jones Sort of. It depends on the existing switch. Some are three wire, some four. It depends on the fan and how many speeds there are to it. But the replacements are sold and available at any big box hardware store.

[@eyeonart6865]

Show how to change capacitor on that fan please?

[@scottrbees]

Most Helpful, Thank you!

[@puimung]

How do you remove the wires from the old switch? I am unable to remove the wires from the old.

[@wmajordan]

There should be a small hole on the side next to each wire port. If you push a small pick, like a small nail or something, into the hole port and pull the wire, it should come right out. If not, you might have to separate the two switch pieces and do it that way. Hope that helps. Good luck.

[@puimung]

@@wmajordan How do you separate the two pieces? I know in the video it pops right out for you.

[@wmajordan]

Do it look like two pieces snapped together? If so, pry them apart. There might be some clips you have to manipulate

[@rebeccaconnors927]

I wish you people would stop saying its easy, lol.... the wires just won't "grab". What is the matter? Any suggestions? They just keeping popping out

[@wmajordan]

If the wires won’t grab, try grabbing them down low with a pair of needle nose pliers and pushing them in. If they still won’t grab, maybe try cutting the ends and stripping a new portion to put in.

[@craftygirl9666]

@@wmajordan I appreciate that you still reply to this video. About stripping a bit of new wire - in your video you said to make sure the wires are twisted together and soldered, but does that mean it's ok/ safe to just strip a new portion of wire, twist it tightly, then insert it into the new switch?

[@wmajordan]

I believe the wires are just factory soldered together for ease of install. If they’re tightly twisted together, you should be fine. I would definitely recommend you try using the needle nose pliers first though.

[@theresahobgood3149]

I only have one wire and it's blue and I can't get the little thing apart.

[@darlenequinn193]

I can't get my wires to go into the holes on the new switch. I bought another switch and still the wires don't seem to go into the holes. Any suggestions?

[@sjckb04]

Thanks Bill did it with ease 👍

[@wmajordan]

Glad to hear it!

[@timholt5236]

Worked great, thanks for showing how to do I!

[@wmajordan]

Thanks for the feedback!! Glad it worked out for you!

[@robbiejsemperfi1033]

One thing I would recommend after watching 2 of these videos and too mention for the idiots like me that you need to make sure you go to Lowe’s or Home Depot or the bigger store and make sure you get the same type of switch. I went to a smaller ACE in my smaller town and got the only switch they had. Got home and get ready to install it and it looks just like this one except it’s got two black wires coming out of it and no place to put the other two. Now, anyone with basic electrical knowledge probably knows exactly what to do in this situation. However, I’m an idiot who barely understands that I need to cut the power before working on this, so for all the idiots out there save yourself the trouble and make sure when you get the replacement switch with the space for 4 wires.

[@TheAnselma123]

WHAT THE NUMBER FOR EACH COLOR

[@ColinCollectsFans]

If it’s stuck, just spray some WD-40 In there once. It usually does the trick, if it doesn’t get a new chain.

[@benebel9746]

Thank so much for this video it was so helpful

[@susannaylor3971]

It worked. Very easy. thank you.

[@wmajordan]

susan Naylor Glad it worked out for you. Stay safe!

[@reapin469]

What if you put a wire in the wrong slot? Tried to remove it but it's not working

[@Lila22.11]

Someone mentioned to use a paper clip.

[@beepang1]

Thank you for this video!

[@chyhart]

Easy? How do I push them in with no solder! I don't have that

[@wmajordan]

No solder needed. If you push hard enough, they’ll grab in there. Might need to use a small pair of needle nose pliers to grab near the bottom and force into hole. Hope that helps.

[@amberharmon3522]

Thanks for sharing . this was very helpful in my repair. Awesome video.

[@wmajordan]

Amber Harmon you are very welcome!

[@JoshSneaks]

Do you have to get a switch that matches your fan or any switch can work??

[@wmajordan]

It’s best to get a switch that matches. It doesn’t have to be the same brand, just one that allows you to basically replace the broken one.

[@cccopado]

I replaced the switch but the fan will not turn off. When I pull the chain, the fan speed goes from slow to fast but will not urn off. Any ideas?

[@wmajordan]

Make sure you have the right colors in the right slots. Hopefully you documented this or took a photo before you removed the old ones. If it still doesn’t work, you may have to buy a different switch from a different supplier.

[@ptd1069]

Can’t get the wires to click into the new case...

[@wmajordan]

Some people may have that problem with some new switches. If you have tweezers or needle nose pliers, grab the wire close to the end and firmly push. You may have to wiggle it a bit while pushing. It should eventually go in. Hope that helps! Tweezers work best.

[@h3ll0_2]

Mine does not have clips. How on earth do I get it open?!

[@wmajordan]

Are there holes that you can press something into to release the wires?

[@richardchase7391]

I remove the wires from my 3 speed fan now I dont remember where they are from I black 1 purple 1 brown1 gray I need help

[@wmajordan]

What’s the model of your fan

[@PastorBillwillard2147]

My switch fell apart before I could see the diagram Now what do I do?

[@hedleylint7622]

need help with 3 speed 5 wire wiring diagram

[@wmajordan]

My apologies but I have no idea. Never encountered a 5 wire switch.

[@trutho7]

What if you don't remember were the wires came from

[@wmajordan]

Oof. Can’t really help you there. That’s why you have to document them before they’re out. Maybe you can try to google the four colors and see if there’s an article or another video?

[@trutho7]

Okay thanks!

[@ALBERTOHERNANDEZGLEN]

Good Job 👍 thank you William

[@wmajordan]

And thank you!

[@josephblurton3793]

I replaced the switch in my fan the other day and put the wires in the corresponding holes on the new switch where they were on the old one and when I turned the power back on at the break and went to turn the fan on nothing happened. I wanted to go get another switch and try again but for now I have a useless fan

[@wmajordan]

Did you check all the wires to make sure none were compromised? Sounds like a problem other than the switch.

[@CeilingFanVideosOnYT]

The new switch chain sequence would be like off, off, buzz, off because you're using a wrong one. The old switch is L-1-2-3, L-2-3, L-1-3 and the new switch is L-1, L-2, L-3.