What to do if fan motor is not working?

Author: Orland Considine  |  Last update: Sunday, December 21, 2025

  1. Testing a Fan Motor. ...
  2. Make sure the thermostat is turned on. ...
  3. Check your circuit breaker. ...
  4. Investigate your filters. ...
  5. Check the windings on the fan motor. ...
  6. Check the capacitor.

What to do when the motor fan is not working?

Try to jump start your fan by pushing it with your hands after starting it. If that doesn't work, then check the fan's wiring- find an electrician, or call the fan's company and check if you still have warranty.

How do you fix a fan motor that won't spin?

  1. Step 1: Start to Dismantle. ...
  2. Step 2: Disassemble the Plastic Motor Covers. ...
  3. Step 3: Taking Apart the Motor and Checking the Capacitor. ...
  4. Step 4: Take Out Rotor and Clean Bearings. ...
  5. Step 5: Reconnect Capacitor and Re-fit in Plastic Covers. ...
  6. Step 6: Re-attach Rear Fan Guard, Fan Blade and Front Guard.

What happens if a fan motor fails?

The fan motor is critical for your air conditioner. When it stops working correctly, the air conditioner cannot move hot air out and distribute cool air inside your home.

How do I reset a fan motor?

Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release. Replace the Panel and Restore Power.

Broken fan motor diagnosis for repair

How do you fix a fan that suddenly stopped working?

Try troubleshooting some issues yourself first:
  1. Replace Batteries. ...
  2. Remove Fan Blockages. ...
  3. Ensure the Reverse Switch Isn't in Neutral. ...
  4. Check That the Wall Switch & Chain Are On. ...
  5. Frequently Tripped Circuit Breakers. ...
  6. Loose Wiring. ...
  7. A Faulty Fan Motor. ...
  8. Overheating or Faulty Fan Capacitor.

How do I know if my fan motor is bad?

7 Signs and Symptoms of a Bad AC Fan Motor
  1. AC Fan Doesn't Start. Even though you have the AC turned on, the fan does not start.
  2. AC Fan Doesn't Stop. ...
  3. Slow Rotating Blades. ...
  4. Outside Fan Blades Are Still. ...
  5. Rattling, Humming, and Buzzing Noises. ...
  6. AC Runs Intermittently. ...
  7. No Cold Airflow.

How much does it cost to replace a fan motor?

What's the Cost of Repairing or Replacing a Fan Motor? The average cost of a condenser fan motor is between $300 and $500 (not including installation). If the compressor breaks, you are looking at a much costlier problem which could cost up to $2000. In some cases, your fan motor may be under warranty.

What can cause a fan motor to go bad?

Overheating. Overheating is one of the most frequent occurrences that can render the blower motor inoperative. If the motor has overheated, it may shut itself down to prevent damage. You should keep your HVAC clean and clear of any blockages or debris to avoid overheating and maintain efficiency.

What is the first thing to check if the electric fan is not functioning?

When your electric fan does not seem to work like it used to, the first thing you should do when troubleshooting is to make sure that the power supply to our power outlet works well. Turn your fan on to see if the motor works.

Why is my fan motor humming but not spinning?

The capacitor is responsible for starting the motor and enabling the fan blades to spin. If it's faulty, you'll likely hear a humming noise while the fan remains stationary. Additionally, your ceiling fan might hum but not spin due to an issue with the fan's wiring or connections.

Can you oil a fan motor?

Every A/C unit is different, so follow the manufacturer's instructions for oiling your model. Use a high-quality oil designed for high-speed motor shafts and bearings. Do not use oil containing a detergent, such as automotive motor oil.

Why is my standing fan motor not working?

Whether the standing fan blades don't spin or make a loud noise, most problems with standing fans are caused by a lack of lubrication or clogged heat sink holes. To fix these problems, you can take the electric fan apart, lubricate the middle fan shaft and bearings, and clean the heat sink holes and motor housing.

How to fix a fan that doesn't spin?

Whether the blades aren't spinning or the fan is making tons of noise, most issues with an electric fan are caused by poor lubrication or blockages in the vents. To solve most problems with an electric fan, disassemble the fan, lubricate the central pin and bearings, and clean out the vent and motor case.

What causes a fan motor to burn out?

Generally, when power vent motors burn out early it is caused by a lack of intake ventilation. If there is not enough intake for the CFM rating of the power vent (CFM = cubic feet of air moved per minute), the fan will be working harder than it should.

How do I know if my fan relay is blown?

If the cooling fan relay has failed, you may see warnings, such as the check engine light and the temperature warning light, pop up on the dash, but first, you may notice that the A/C stops cooling. More about that in the next paragraph. The check engine light illuminating may indicate a faulty cooling fan relay.

What to do when motor fan is not working?

If the motor is not working, it may need to be replaced. Test the Fan Switch: Use a multimeter to test the fan switch for any issues. If the switch is faulty, it may need to be replaced. Additionally, check the wiring and connections to the switch to ensure they are secure and not damaged.

Can AC work without a fan?

Your AC is rendered useless without a functioning fan or furnace blower motor. This could also mean that you need a furnace repair or should start looking at costs for blower motor replacement. In addition, you will either suffer from no air or weak airflow with fan problems.

What is the life expectancy of a fan motor?

A blower motor should last at least 10 years, and could last up to 20, depending on the type of HVAC unit you have in your home. There are a few warning signs that your blower motor is damaged, including little-to-no airflow coming from your vents, a burning smell, and skyrocketing energy bills.

Is it worth it repairing a fan?

Repair services on your current fan won't do much to increase its energy efficiency, so if you're ready to get a little greener, replacement is your best option. Finding the right energy efficient fan for your home is all about blending performance and style.

How long does it take to replace a fan motor?

It typically takes one to four hours for the technician to replace the AC fan motor. Normally, good technicians will check for other issues during this replacement. If more problems are found, they will be repaired as well.

What happens if fan motor fails?

Reduced Cooling Capacity: The primary function of the condenser fan motor is to dissipate heat from the refrigerant in the system. When the fan motor fails, heat cannot be effectively released from the system. As a result, your HVAC system's cooling capacity diminishes.

How do I know if my capacitor or fan motor is bad?

Signs of a bad AC capacitor include humming noises coming from the unit, slow starting or stopping of the fan motor, and frequent cycling on and off. AC capacitor troubleshooting should begin with checking for any visible signs of damage such as bulging capacitors or leaking fluid.

Should the outside fan run when AC is on?

The short answer: Definitely not. (Unless you have manually engaged your outside fan to run constantly, but it shouldn't be running for hours on it's own.) If your HVAC is functioning correctly, it should keep your house cool by cycling on for 15-20 minutes at a time—with distinct pauses in between each cycle.

Why do fan motors go bad?

Overheating. Dirt buildup and general wear and tear can cause the AC fan motor to overheat, leading to increased energy consumption and potential system failure.

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