How to fix a bathroom fan that won’t turn on

A quiet, effective bathroom fan is key to clearing out humidity and funky smells. If it suddenly decides it won’t do a thing, you’re left with a damp restroom, and that’s definitely not ideal. Here are some steps you can run through right now to get your bathroom fan spinning again.

The information here may not match every appliance model exactly. We aim to offer helpful tips for various makes and configurations, but the specifics can vary based on each appliance’s design. For the best guidance, check the manual for your exact model or reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re here to help!

Why your bathroom fan doesn’t start

If your bathroom fan isn’t turning on, several parts could be the culprit. Here are the most common ones to check:

• Power switch: The switch may be faulty or broken, preventing the fan from receiving power.
• Blower motor: If the motor is malfunctioning or burnt out, the fan won’t run.
• Capacitor: A failed capacitor can stop the fan motor from starting by not providing the necessary electrical charge.
• Wiring connections: Loose, damaged, or disconnected wires can disrupt the flow of electricity to the fan.
• Fan blade obstruction: Debris or dirt blocking the fan blades can stop the motor from turning or create resistance that prevents the fan from starting.

Check for power supply issues

Always begin by checking the most straightforward culprits. A tripped breaker, a blown fuse, or a faulty switch can sometimes render your fan silent. Verifying that the fan is getting power should be step one. If you need to figure out precisely which fan you’ve got, see our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

1. Locate your home’s electrical panel or fuse box.
2. Look for a tripped circuit breaker for the bathroom. It may look partially switched off.
3. If you have fuses, check for one that’s blown or looks discolored.
4. Turn the breaker fully off and then on again, or replace a blown fuse with the same amperage.
5. Test the fan by switching it on to see if it starts running.

Examine the wall switch and wiring

Most bathroom fans use a regular wall switch to complete the circuit. If that switch is bad or a connector has worked itself loose, the fan won’t get the power it needs. Give the switch area a quick look for any obvious red flags before going further.

1. Switch off the breaker to ensure no electricity flows to the switch.
2. Take off the faceplate with a screwdriver, then use a non-contact voltage tester on the wires to confirm no current is present.
3. Check for discoloration, fraying, or burn marks. Secure or tighten any wire nuts or screw terminals that seem loose.
4. If the switch looks damaged, replace it with the same type (usually a single-pole switch).

If the switch appears fine, put the cover back and power up the breaker. Give the fan another go. If it’s still not turning on, your next stop is the fan’s internal parts.

Open the fan housing for inspection

Once you know the fan is getting power, the next move is taking off the fan cover or grille. Most covers have tabs or springs you can gently push or squeeze to release.

1. Remove any screws holding the fan assembly in place.
2. Check for any plug-in connectors. Some fans have a motor that just plugs into a small outlet inside the housing.
3. Set the motor assembly on a stable surface for closer examination.
4. Look for burnt wires or weird odors around the motor.

Test the fan motor

If the fan’s getting power and the switch is functioning, the next step is to measure the motor’s resistance with a multimeter. A break in the motor’s internal windings can keep it from spinning.

1. Set your multimeter to the ohms/resistance setting.
2. Find the motor leads, the wires connecting it to power.
3. Touch one multimeter probe to each motor wire terminal.
4. Check the meter reading. Compare it with the normal range stated in your fan’s manual.
5. If you get an infinite reading (open circuit), the motor likely has a broken winding and needs replacement.
6. If the reading is way above or below the expected limit, the motor could be faulty too.

A motor that shows the wrong resistance usually needs to be swapped out. Check repair help or reach out to us at AppliancePartsPros.com to match the right motor for your fan.

Examine the fan blades

Don’t jump to changing the motor until you confirm the blades aren’t stuck or jammed. If the blades are clogged with debris or bent, they might freeze the motor, causing an overload. Clearing them out might solve your problem without extra parts.

1. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust or debris.
2. Give the blades a test spin by hand. Check for anything that rubs against the housing.
3. If a blade is bent, gently bend it back to stop it from hitting the housing.
4. Spin the blade again. If it moves freely and your motor readings were good, you might have fixed the problem without replacing anything.

Inspect the capacitor (if applicable)

Some bathroom fans need a capacitor to kick-start the motor. If it’s bad, the fan can sit there and do nothing, even if the rest of the system is fine. Not all fans use a capacitor, so it depends on your specific model. Signs of a bad capacitor:

• Swelling or leakage along the top or sides.
• Black or charred areas indicate potential overheating or damage.

If your fan has a capacitor and it looks suspicious, test it with a multimeter that supports capacitance measurements. A failing capacitor should be replaced with one that has the same specs. Double-check your manual, because many bathroom fans don’t include an external capacitor or have parts you can easily reach.

What if your fan still doesn’t run?

If you’ve retraced all these steps and the fan is still dead, the motor may be bad or there’s a hidden wiring issue inside. You might need a new motor or an entirely new fan assembly. If you’re not sure which model you have, check out our advice on how to find your appliance’s model number. You can also stop by our repair help page for more thorough pointers and part-matching support.

Finishing touches

We’d love for you to visit AppliancePartsPros.com for parts and advice to keep your home appliances in top shape. If you need more guidance or have questions, reach out through our site. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more DIY tips and updates. We’re happy to back you up on your next DIY repair.

For questions about this particular fix, to find the right replacement parts, or for personalized suggestions, contact us at AppliancePartsPros.com. Our customer service team is ready to help you keep your bathroom fan running like a champ for years to come!

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