Like most ceiling fans, at some stage you may encounter a problem with the overall functionality of your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan, and one of the main problems we generally tend to find is the Light Kit not working even though the ceiling fan may still spin. Being a bit of a do-it-yourself handy man, I researched as much information on why your Harbor Breeze Light Kit is not working and have presented it below in an easy step by step process.
If your Harbor Breeze Light Kit is not working then you will need to check if the light bulbs need replacing, check if the light kit needs rewiring and check for any loose wires connecting the light kit to the housing.
That’s the short answer now let’s take a look a little deeper into each possible situation. But first some precautions.
It is not advisable to open your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan unit and light kit if you have no technical or electrical expertise. If you must open it up and work on any electrical components then always ensure power is turned off at the circuit breaker and switch.
Check and Replace Burnt Out Bulbs
The first thing to check is the light bulbs. They may not appear burned out but on close examination, you may see that the filament is broken. Although you might be tempted to replace the bulbs with standard light bulbs from your local store, it is not a good idea as ceiling fan light bulbs designed specifically for your ceiling fan are made to withstand the vibrations of the motor and spinning blades.
Check and Replace Burnt Out Wires
A quick indication your light kit wires need replacing is to look for burn marks on the light bulb or socket. These burn marks indicate a short in the wires. Whenever you open up your ceiling fan to replace any wires make sure that you turn off the power at the breaker first. If the burn marks appear on the socket you may find it easier to replace the light kit. Check our article: Harbor Breeze Replacement Light Kits
Check and Tighten Loose Wires Connecting Light Kit to Housing
You will need to gain access to the light kit wiring. Again, make sure you switch off the power at the breaker. A quick tip to ensure your power is correctly switched off is to leave the fan running at a low speed. Go to the breaker box and switch off the breaker associated with the fan. Make sure the fan has stopped turning. If it has stopped spinning you have correctly switched off the right breaker. Check for loose wires and connections. You may need to use new wire nuts if any connections are loose.
Check Light Socket for Corrosion
After turning off power from the breaker you will need to remove the light bulb to expose the socket. Using a light socket brush carefully remove any corrosion. Wipe the socket with a dry cloth to remove and debris. Return light bulb to socket and make sure it is firmly tightened but don’t over tighten.
Check and Ensure Light Socket Metal Tab is Making Contact with Light Bulb
Once power is turned off from the breaker remove the light bulb from the socket. Using a small flat head screwdriver pull the metal tab up a little to ensure that it will make contact with the bulb when the light bulb is screwed back in.
Replace Damaged Pull Chain
If your ceiling fan has a pull chain, which many of the older models came with, then you might need to replace the pull chain. Some pull chains will toggle the fan off and on and also the lights. You can find how to get replacement parts on our post: Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Replacement Parts. To find how to change your pull chain please consult your manual. You may also search for your manual on our website.
Reset The Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote Control
If your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan lights are turned off and on from a remote you may need to change the remote control batteries. Turn your remote control off and remove the old batteries. Wait for 10 or more seconds and replace with new batteries.
Check and Ensure Power is Reaching Ceiling Fan
Check another outlet in the same room to ensure power is making it to the room. If other power sockets within the room are not getting any power then check your power box and reset the breaker for the room your ceiling fan is in.
Tip: When you replace bulbs make sure you use gloves. If you use bare hands the oil on your hands may be left on the bulb and cause it to short out earlier.
Here is a simple table to show you why your Harbor Breeze light kit is not working.
| Solution | Indication |
|---|---|
| Replace Light Bulbs | Check for broken filaments by shaking the bulb or examining the filament if visible. |
| Replace Burnt Out Wires | Check for burn marks on bulb |
| Tighten any Loose Wires | Check loose wires and connections. Replace wire nuts if connections are loose |
| Clean Light Socket | Check Light Socket for Corrosion |
| Lift Light Socket Metal Tab | Check and Ensure Light Socket Metal Tab is Making Contact with Light Bulb |
| Replace Damaged Pull Chain | Check For Wear on Pull Chain |
| Reset The Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote Control | Check batteries in ceiling fan remote control |
| Reset Breaker | Check and Ensure Power is Reaching Ceiling Fan |
As with any electrical work, please consult or use a qualified electrician if you are not competent with electrical wiring. We do not encourage you to do any electrical work if you are not qualified. This information is presented as merely a guide to help you pinpoint the problem that may be causing your light kit to malfunction.
Why Does My Ceiling Fan Work But the Lights Don’t
This can be a troubling experience especially when you know your light bulbs are still working fine but they just don’t work in your ceiling fan.
If your ceiling fan works but the lights don’t then you will need to check for any loose wire connections from the wall switch through to the light kit. Broken pull chains along with damaged sockets can also prevent the lights from working, so these will need to be inspected and replaced if damaged.
To easily check the ceiling fan light socket for damage is to use a noncontact voltage meter inside the light socket. Be sure to turn off the power at the breaker first.
Remove the light bulb from the socket and hold the noncontact volt tester inside the socket. If there is any voltage the light on the volt tester will light up. If the volt tester does not light up then you are good to go with cleaning the socket.
If the volt tester lights up then you have not turned off the power from the correct breaker. Ensure the power is switched off at the correct breaker before proceeding.
Using a light socket cleaning brush wipe any corrosion that may have built up.
Using a screwdriver carefully pry up the small metal tab in the socket to ensure it will make contact with the bulb when the light bulb is inserted.
If you are still experiencing problems with the lights not working then check the light kit wiring to ensure all wires are connected correctly and securely. Be sure to turn off the right breaker first before checking the wire connections. Tighten any loose connections with new wire nuts.
If after trying the above you are still seeing no light then replace the pull chain. Refer to your manual for the correct procedure for replacing your particular pull chain.
You may need to replace the light kit if you are still experiencing problems. Please check our article: Harbor Breeze Replacement Parts.
How Do You Troubleshoot a Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan?
The best way to troubleshoot your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan is to follow the few steps below before making any repairs.
To troubleshoot your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan you will need to check there is power to the fan, making sure that reversing switch is not in-between positions but is selected to either forward or reverse. If the fan makes a groaning sound while trying to turn then the motor will need replacing.
Check out the warranty as your motor usually has a Limited lifetime guarantee and may be replaced free of charge. We have warranty information on this post: Harbor Breeze Fan Parts
For Installation instructions for your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan please check out this article: Harbor Breeze Fan Installation
If you are having problems troubleshooting your remote control then please check this article: Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote
For accessories for your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan check out this post: Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fans & Accessories