If you are having trouble with your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan remote control, then you have come to the right place. In this article I’ll show you some of the most common reasons why your remote may have stopped working and what you can do to get it working again.
If your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan remote suddenly stopped working, the first things I’d check are the batteries and whether the remote has lost its synchronization with the fan. In many cases you may be able to get the remote working again without having to replace it.
I’ll show you how to find the Learn button, how to reset and resync your remote, what to check if the fan is still not responding, and finally what you can do if you need to replace the remote.
In this article I’ll cover:
- Where is the Harbor Breeze remote Learn button and how do you use it?
- How do you reset and resync a Harbor Breeze remote?
- What are the most common Harbor Breeze remote problems?
- What battery does your Harbor Breeze remote use?
- Will a universal remote work with your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan?
- How to find a replacement Harbor Breeze remote.
- What to do if you still can’t get the remote working.
I have also included a few pictures and videos where they may be helpful in identifying any problem with your remote and helping you to carry out the suggested fix.
Where is The Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote Learn Button & How Do You Resync It?
The Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan remote learn button is situated at the back of the remote control unit near or beside the battery. You will need to remove the back cover to access the learn button. The learn button is used to sync the remote with the ceiling fan.
The Learn button on this Harbor Breeze remote is located inside the battery compartment.
Some Harbor Breeze remotes have a DIP switch or combination of DIP switches that are used when programming the remote. The exact setup can vary depending on the remote and receiver, so if your remote has DIP switches, check the instructions for your particular model.
The remote may still have 1 dipswitch that can be switched to 0 or 1. If it is switched to 0 then any ceiling fan will work with this remote within 40 feet.
If you set the dipswitch to 1 and press ‘Learn’ then the remote-control unit will find a unique code just for this remote and the ceiling fan that is nearby. Make sure that all other fans are switched off, otherwise, they will also be included in the unique code and will switch off and on with this remote.
Now, move to another ceiling fan and switch it on, while remembering to switch off all other ceiling fans that are nearby. With another remote Press, the ‘Learn’ button and the remote will find a different unique code just for this ceiling fan. There is no limit to how many ceiling fans you can have in close proximity, by using this method.
Just remember when using the ‘Learn’ button you will need to turn off the main power to the ceiling fan, then turn it back on again. Make sure that within 30 seconds, you use a screwdriver or something similar to press and hold the ‘Learn’ button on the ceiling fan remote for at least 3 seconds. The Harbor Breeze Ceiling fan will turn on and the fans light (if the fan has a light unit) will blink three times, this signals a synchronization that is successful.
Another thing to note is that on some Harbor Breeze remotes, the Learn button also functions as the reset or programming button.
If you still find that your ceiling fan is not syncing with your remote control then try holding the ‘Learn’ button while simultaneously pressing the light or fan speed button on the front of the remote.
How Do I Reset My Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote?
If your Harbor Breeze remote was working and then suddenly stopped, the first thing I’d try is resetting and resyncing it with the fan. The exact procedure can depend on the type of remote you have, so first check whether your remote has a Learn button or DIP switches.
If your remote has a Learn button
If your remote has a Learn button, follow the procedure explained above. On some remotes the Learn button is inside the battery compartment, while on others it may be located elsewhere on the back of the remote.
If the remote used to work and has suddenly stopped after the batteries became weak or were replaced, it may simply need to be synchronized with the fan again.
On some Harbor Breeze remotes, the Learn button also functions as the reset or programming button.
If your remote has DIP switches
If your remote has DIP switches instead of a Learn button, then the procedure is different. The switches on the remote need to correspond with the settings used by the receiver in the ceiling fan.
If you have more than one ceiling fan nearby, make sure the other fans are switched off while you are doing this so that you don’t accidentally program more than one fan.
Some Harbor Breeze remotes use DIP switches as part of the programming process, while others use a Learn button. If your remote has DIP switches, use the settings specified for your particular remote and receiver rather than assuming the same settings will work for every Harbor Breeze fan.
So, for example, if my remote has four dip switches numbered 1 to 4 and I set them all to position 0, then when I turn my ceiling fan on and making sure I turn the light on the fan if it has a light, I will press the ‘learn’ button. When the remote and fan have synced the ceiling fan light will blink 3 times.
Then, for the next ceiling fan and remote I would choose different a combination of dip switch settings, for example, dip switch 1 you would set to 1 and the rest to 0. Then go ahead and sync by following the same process of pressing the ‘learn’ button.
Remember, this is only for remotes that have dip switches. Some do not have dip switches, or some have one dip switch that you just set to 1 and then hold the ‘learn’ button and a unique code will be generated for each fan as explained earlier.
If in doubt then read the manual that came with your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan.
If you want to see the different DIP switch combinations, take a look at our guide to : Dip Switch Settings for Your Ceiling Fan
Common Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote Problems & How To Fix Them
There are several reasons why a Harbor Breeze ceiling fan remote may stop working. Some problems are very simple to fix, such as a weak battery, while others may mean that the remote has lost its connection with the fan. Here are some of the more common problems I’ve come across and what you can try to fix them.
Harbor Breeze Remote Suddenly Stopped Working
If your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan remote was working normally and then suddenly stopped working, the first thing I’d check is the battery. Even if the battery isn’t completely flat, a weak battery can sometimes cause problems with the remote.
If you’ve replaced the battery and the remote still doesn’t work, the remote may have lost its synchronization with the ceiling fan. This can happen when the battery gets too low or after the power to the fan has been interrupted.
Before buying a replacement remote, I’d try resetting and resyncing the remote with the fan. The procedure depends on the type of Harbor Breeze remote you have, so check whether yours has a Learn button or DIP switches and follow the appropriate instructions above.
If the remote still doesn’t work after you’ve tried those steps, there are a few other things worth checking before deciding that the remote needs to be replaced.
Harbor Breeze Remote Light Works But Fan Doesn’t
If the light on your Harbor Breeze remote is working but the ceiling fan isn’t responding, this can be a sign that the remote and fan are no longer communicating properly.
First, check that the fan is receiving power. If the wall switch or circuit breaker has been turned off, the remote won’t be able to control the fan.
If the fan has power but still doesn’t respond, try resetting and resyncing the remote with the fan using the procedure for your particular remote. Also check the battery, even if the light on the remote is still working.
If you have a remote with DIP switches, check that the settings on the remote match the settings used by the fan’s receiver. If your remote uses a Learn button, follow the Learn-button procedure described earlier in this article.
If the light works but none of the fan speeds respond after you’ve tried these steps, the problem could be with the remote, receiver, or another component of the fan rather than simply the remote’s programming.
One important point: don’t assume that the remote is faulty just because the fan isn’t responding. It’s worth checking the simple things first before buying a replacement.
Harbor Breeze Remote Buttons Not Working
If some of the buttons on your Harbor Breeze remote aren’t working, but other buttons still work normally, the problem may be with the remote itself rather than the fan.
First, try replacing the battery with a fresh one. A weak battery can sometimes cause strange behavior, even when the remote’s light still comes on.
If only one or two buttons don’t work, check whether the buttons feel different from the others. They can sometimes become worn or damaged through normal use.
You can also check the battery contacts inside the remote. If they look dirty or corroded, the battery may not be making a good connection.
If none of the buttons work, but the remote has a light that comes on when you press a button, the remote may have lost synchronization with the fan. In that case, try the reset and resync procedure described earlier in this article.
If you’ve tried a fresh battery and the correct reset or synchronization procedure and the buttons still don’t work, the remote may simply be faulty and need replacing.
Harbor Breeze Remote Only Works Sometimes
If your Harbor Breeze remote works sometimes but not every time, start with the battery. A weak battery can cause the remote to work intermittently, especially if it has been in use for a while.
If a new battery doesn’t solve the problem, check whether you need to be closer to the ceiling fan when using the remote. Try standing directly underneath the fan and see if the remote responds more reliably.
It’s also worth checking whether anything is blocking the signal between the remote and the fan. Although the remote doesn’t normally need to be pointed perfectly at the fan, nearby objects or other sources of interference can sometimes affect the signal.
If the problem started after the battery became very weak or after the power to the fan was interrupted, the remote may have lost synchronization with the fan. Try resetting and resyncing it using the appropriate procedure earlier in this article.
If the remote continues to work intermittently after you’ve tried a fresh battery and resynchronized it, there may be a problem with the remote or the receiver inside the ceiling fan.
Harbor Breeze Remote Light Works But Fan Speeds Don’t
If the light on your Harbor Breeze remote works but the fan speeds don’t, first check that the ceiling fan itself has power. Make sure the wall switch is turned on and, if necessary, check the circuit breaker.
If the fan has power, try the different fan-speed buttons on the remote. If none of them make the fan respond, the remote may have lost synchronization with the fan.
Try resetting and resyncing the remote using the procedure that matches your remote. If it has a Learn button, follow the Learn-button instructions earlier in this article. If it uses DIP switches, check that the settings match the receiver.
If the light works but the fan still won’t respond after you’ve tried these steps, the problem could be with the remote, the receiver, or the fan itself.
This is another situation where I wouldn’t immediately buy a replacement remote. Try the battery, power and synchronization checks first.
Harbor Breeze Remote Still Not Working After Reset
If you’ve reset your Harbor Breeze remote but it still isn’t working, don’t assume that the remote is faulty just yet.
First, make sure you used the correct reset or synchronization procedure for your particular remote. Harbor Breeze has used several different types of remotes, so the procedure isn’t necessarily the same for every model.
Check the battery again and make sure it is installed the right way around. If you’re not sure how old the battery is, try a new battery.
If your remote has DIP switches, make sure the settings are correct and match the receiver in the ceiling fan. If it has a Learn button, try the Learn-button procedure described earlier in this article.
It’s also worth checking that the ceiling fan is receiving power. Make sure the wall switch is on and check the circuit breaker if necessary.
If you’ve tried all of these things and the remote still doesn’t control the fan, then the problem may be with the remote, the receiver, or another part of the ceiling fan.
At that point, replacing the remote may be worth considering, but I’d check the compatibility carefully before buying one.
Need a Replacement Harbor Breeze Remote?
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps above and your Harbor Breeze remote still doesn’t work, then it may be time to consider a replacement.
Before buying a new remote, I’d recommend checking the model of your ceiling fan and the model number of your existing remote. Harbor Breeze has used a number of different remotes and receivers over the years, and not every remote will work with every fan.
You may also find that a universal Harbor Breeze remote will work with your fan, but again, check the compatibility information before buying.
If you do need a replacement, you can check the current Harbor Breeze remotes available on Amazon below.
Check Harbor Breeze Universal Remote on Amazon
How Do You Program a Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote?
To program a Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote you will need to either use the ‘learn’ button and/or set the dip switches on the remote to match the dip switch settings on the ceiling fan.
This is a fairly straightforward procedure and is explained in full above under the subject of resetting the ceiling fan.
If your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan has dip switches then all you have to remember to do is make sure that whatever dip switch settings are on the ceiling fan, should be the same as on your remote. The ceiling fan dip switch settings can usually be found on the remote receiver located on the ceiling fans housing near the ceiling.
Take a look at the video below to see an example of where you might find the dip switch settings on the receiver. Please remember that any electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
What Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote Battery Size Do You Need To Use?
The battery size for the Harbor Breeze ceiling fan remote control is an A23 12-volt battery.
if you use a Universal Remote then the battery size may differ. Some universal remotes designed for Harbor Breeze ceiling fans use AAAA while others may use a 9 volt battery, so it is best to check the manual that came with your remote or ceiling fan.
Will a Harbor Breeze Universal Ceiling Fan Remote Work Fine?
A Harbor Breeze Universal ceiling fan remote will work fine with your ceiling fan as long as you have the right model remote.
Many of the ceiling fan remotes can now be replaced with Universal Remotes which operate just fine. Many of these remotes can be located on Amazon by using the search phrase ‘Harbor Breeze Remote’ (Affiliate link to Amazon).
Read through the listing of the remote you are thinking of buying as the seller will often explain what limitations the remote may have and what requirements your ceiling fan will need. By doing a little searching you can locate easily a remote control unit that will match your ceiling fan.
For example, if you were to buy the Eogifee 35T Ceiling Fan Remote Control Replacement, which is a Universal Remote designed for Harbor Breeze ceiling fans, you would need to ensure that the original remote has FCCID: L3HFAN35T1 or L3HFAN35T written on the back of the remote or the original remote model is either FAN53T, KUJCE9103, FAN-35T, FAN-11T or FAN-HD5.
How to Get a Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote Replacement
The first place to check for a Harbor Breeze replacement remote is Lowes, as they are the main distributor and Litex Industries as they are the manufacturer for Harbor Breeze ceiling fans.
We cover in detail about how to contact both Lowes and Litex Industries in our article: Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Replacement Parts
I would recommend going to Lowes website first to see if there are any replacement remotes suitable for your ceiling fan. They would be the original and so maybe a bit more expensive than other options we mention below. However, I have found that the number of replacement remotes on Lowes website is very limited.
The next place I would look would be on Amazon using the search phrase ‘Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remotes’ (Affiliate Link to Amazon). There you will find a lot more options as they are Universal Remotes.
You will need to read the sellers description to make sure the remote will work with your particular model of Harbor Breeze ceiling fan. The prices are also very reasonable and you get the added advantage of checking what others have left in the reviews. They will often mention how successful the remote was with working with their particular model.
Finally, if you are not having any success at locating the right remote control, then call the manufacturers at Litex Industries. I have given them a call and found them to be very helpful. Take a look at the video below and take a look at the full article with contact details here: Harbor Breeze Replacement Parts
What Is a Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote app?
The Ceiling Fan remote app can be downloaded at any app store to allow your ceiling fan to be controlled with your smartphone.
To make this work you may need to have a Bluetooth remote or to buy a compatible Universal Remote that allows you to connect a smart phone.
Check out these Universal Remotes (Affiliate link to Amazon)
The remote and the smartphone will pair to enable you to control the ceiling fan. Check out the Universal Remote below that is also Wifi and Smart enabled.
You will simply add the smart fan controller to your Harbor Breeze ceiling fan to make it wifi enabled and fully remote controllable. You should be able to change the speed of your fan or control the light with your smartphone.
What Is a Harbour Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote Kit?
A Harbor Breeze ceiling fan remote kit includes a handheld remote along with a receiver that you place into the ceiling fan housing to enable the ceiling fan to be controlled by the remote.
You may need to check which remote kit is compatible with your ceiling fan by reading the sellers descriptions. These remote kits can even be used to make a ceiling fan remote controlled that normally is not remote controlled. But you need to make sure that you select the right kit for this, and need to read the sellers requirements.
One of the best is the Universal Ceiling Fan Remote and Receiver Complete Kit (Affiliate link to Amazon)
To find out what accessories are available check out the post: Harbor Breeze Accessories which covers most customizable options.
How To Install a Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Remote Control
After you open the ceiling fan canopy you will find there are three coloured wires. The white wire is the neutral wire, the black wire will power the ceiling fan and the blue wire will power the light. You will attach the remote control receiver to these wires.
Safety Precautions Before You Start
A word of caution, if you are not a qualified electrician then we recommend using a qualified electrician to make the wire connections.
Make sure that the power is turned off to the ceiling fan before starting. Remember that the power should be turned off right at the breaker.
Lets Get Started
With care, remove the screws that are holding the ceiling fan canopy in place. When removed you should be able to clearly identify the ceiling fan wiring along with the accompanying hanging bracket that is attached to the fans electrical box.
Next You Will Need To Identify the Wires
Locate the wires that are white that connect the electrical box to the ceiling fan. You will need to separate these two white wires by pulling them apart. Disconnect by untwisting the white wire from the electrical box. You will then do the same with the black wire and blue wire. There will also be a green wire, do not disconnect this wire.
The new receiver will have the same white, blue and black wires as the those that are inside the fan’s canopy. The receiver will have a ceiling fan side, which may be marked as such on the receiver, the receiver will have labels that will identify light fixture wire, the motor wire and the neutral wire.
Then on the opposite side of the remote receiver, there will also be a white, black and a blue wire that you will need to connect to the corresponding colours on the ceiling fan electrical box.
Connect The Wires
Match the receiver wires to the electrical box wires. Make sure you match up all the wire colours and then use a wire connector on each pair of connected wires. Lastly, you will need to then connect the black and white wires on the remote receiver to the matching-coloured wires on the fans electrical box. Once you have connected and matched all of the wires you can place the remote receiver behind the ceiling fans bracket.
Test the Ceiling Fan and Remote
Screw-in the ceiling fan canopy screws. Turn the power back on and then test that the ceiling fan is working. If the ceiling fan works normally, then test the ceiling fan remote.
Related Questions
Are Harbor Breeze Fan Remotes Universal?
Harbor Breeze fan remotes are universal if the ceiling fan unit has a receiver. You can also purchase remote control receiver kits to upgrade your non-remote ceiling fan.
Where is the Harbor Breeze Fan Model?
You can locate the Harbor Breeze model number on the ceiling fan motor. You can also find the model number on the inside cover where the battery is located of the included remote control unit.
How Do I Turn My Fan On Without a Remote?
To turn on a ceiling fan without a remote is by adding a pull chain onto the pull switch on the motor. The pull chain can be easily purchased from a local hardware store.
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