Bath fan light and fan not working: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

Use a multimeter to test switches for continuity and find defects. Set the meter to ohms setting. Touch the probes to the switch terminals in the "on" position. No beep means open contacts and a bad switch. Bathroom fan switches can control separate fan, light, and heater circuits. Test the switch for the non-working part. Check the wiring diagram to find the right switch. Replace any that don't show a closed circuit when turned on. Switches with continuity are likely okay. Those with no meter reading in the on position need replacement. Turn off power before testing. Compare to a known good switch to confirm. Defective switches won't pass along electricity when toggled on. Continuity testing diagnoses issues before replacing parts. Check switches first before assuming other components are bad. Faulty ones are a common cause of bathroom fan and light problems.

How to Replace Bath Fan Switch Kit

1. Turn off power to the fan at the breaker box and verify it is fully disconnected.
2. Remove the fan grill on the ceiling by unscrewing the screws. Disconnect and label wires.
3. Remove the existing switch by unscrewing it from the junction box and disconnecting the wires.
4. Connect the wires on the new switch kit according to the wiring diagram and your labeled wires. Usually there is a hot wire, neutral wire, ground wire and wire to the fan.
5. Secure the new switch in the junction box with the mounting screws. Make sure it is oriented correctly.
6. Neatly tuck wires into the junction box and secure switch faceplate cover.
7. Replace the fan grill and reconnect wiring to the fan unit.
8. Restore power and test the new switch to verify proper operation before finishing.
9. Complete installation by replacing grill and insulating any exposed wiring.
10. Restore power and enjoy your new, functioning bath fan switch!

Repair Instructions:

First check if the bathroom fan plugs into an outlet or hardwires into a circuit. For outlet-connected fans, verify power by plugging in a working lamp or electronic device. If the test device turns on, the outlet has electricity. If not, inspect the breaker or fuse box. Reset any tripped breakers switching off the fan outlet. Replace any burnt-out fuses for the circuit. Hardwired fans tap directly into a home's electrical system, not an outlet. Use a voltmeter to test the wiring for power at the electrical box. No voltage at the wires indicates an issue in the circuit breakers or wiring. Check all fuses and breakers related to bathroom fixtures. Restore power to enable fan operation. Test outlets first or use a voltmeter for hardwired units. This checks if electricity is reaching the fan.