How to Fix a Tower Fan That Won’t Oscillate in 8 Simple Steps

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Oscillating tower fans efficiently ventilate your bedroom, living room, garage, and other parts of your home. The back and forth rotation prevents still pockets of air, optimizing airflow whenever they’re on. However, minor inconveniences can prevent a tower fan from oscillating as it should. Today, we’ll get to the source and fix the problem.

To fix a tower fan that won’t oscillate, unscrew the bottom plate and ensure the knob is aligned with the track. Push it into the U-shaped slot, then seal the plate. Next, test the electrical connections and ensure there’s no moisture inside. Make sure the motor’s bearings aren’t corroded, too.

This article will also teach you the following info about why your tower fan won’t oscillate:

  • Step-by-step instructions to make your tower fan oscillate like it used to
  • Different issues that cause tower fans to stop rotating
  • Helpful tips to keep your fan operating as good as new

Inspect the Fan’s Power Cord

It might seem silly, but the power cord might be the reason your tower fan won’t oscillate. If it’s not fully plugged into the wall, it won’t have enough electricity to function. Check the connection and make sure the cord isn’t loose. Wiggling connections can cause all sorts of problems.

In most cases, your tower fan won’t even turn on if it’s not plugged in all the way. Oscillation is a part of the process, so it’s highly unlikely your tower fan will operate under these conditions. Nevertheless, it’s worth checking out every component to ensure you have it all lined up.

Test the Electrical Connections

Use a multimeter to check if you’re getting enough electricity. Test the outlet with the tool, then test your tower fan. You can see if your fan needs 120V or 220V. Knowing all of the electrical requirements of your tower fan is essential if you want to keep it running for a long time.

If you’re uncomfortable testing the power outlet and tower fan, you can contact a professional. That being said, if there’s an LED display and it’s illuminated, there’s almost always enough power. Flashing, dull letters and numbers are a sign that it’s time to check the connections.

Put It Back on Its Track

One of the main reasons tower fans stop oscillating is they’ve fallen off their track. Misuse, bumping, and many other issues can knock the fan off its base without showing any signs (other than a lack of oscillation).

So, how can you put your tower fan on its track so it oscillates correctly?

  1. Unscrew the bottom plate. Most tower fans have four to eight screws you can remove. My Vornado tower fan has four screws that hold one quadrant each. Remove all four screws and the bottom plate, then head to the next step.
  2. Remove the C-clamp from the base. Most tower fans have a small C-clamp around the bolt so it doesn’t fall off. However, if you take off the clamp, it’ll let you put the bottom portion of the fan downward. Set the plate and base aside. It’ll reveal a track and a knob (there might be rolling bearings on your tower fan’s base, too.)
  3. If the roller of off the track, line it up and press it in until you hear a click. If it’s not, replace everything as you found it. Secure the base, faceplate, and screws when you’re done.

Don’t worry if any of that sounded confusing. If you prefer a video format, check out this helpful guide from Masguapoako on YouTube:

Remove Clogs to Stop the Fan from Overheating

Too much hair, dust, dirt, and debris will clog any fan; Your tower fan isn’t any different. Check the filter (if it has one) and clean it to remove excess buildup. Overheating is a primary cause of deterioration and motor problems for floor fans.

If your tower fan doesn’t have a removable face plate, wipe it down to remove dust. Make sure it’s at least 18 inches away from the wall to increase its airflow. When a fan sits too close to another surface, it limits the ventilation and makes the motor work much harder than it should.

Check the Tower Fan’ Motor Bearings

Open your tower fan, locate the motor, and check the bearings. They shouldn’t look rusted, corroded, or out of place. If any of these issues are present, you might have to get a new fan. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to find a fan company that sells motors or bearings.

It’s worth calling the manufacturer and asking about a parts list. This simple step can save you quite a bit of time and keep your fan pushing for several more years. Make sure you have the diagram to work on the tower fan before you try anything.

Corroded bearings often make a grinding noise. It might start off as a subtle hum, but it’ll eventually turn into a loud growl, making the fan annoying to deal with. If you’re tired of screaming tower fans, check the motor for rusted bearings.

Get Rid of the Moisture

According to Hunker, quite a few tower fans are ruined from water spills. Don’t leave open containers near your fan if you want to prevent it from getting ruined. Water damage is easy to spot through the following signs and symptoms:

  • Grinding, hissing, or humming could indicate water exposure to the bearings.
  • Failure to turn on or limited power can be signs of moisture getting into the motor.
  • Sparking or burning odors are often caused by water on the electrical connections of the tower fan.

All three of these factors can limit or prevent a tower fan from oscillating.

Fix the Fan’s Tilt Sensor

Some tower fans come with a tilt sensor that turns off the power when it tilts beyond a 45-degree angle. While this feature is designed to prevent overheating and malfunctioning, it can quickly become a problem. If a tower fan’s tilt sensor is blocked or damaged, it might not let the fan oscillate.

Check the parts manual to find out if there’s a tilt sensor. If you can’t find one, skip this step and proceed to the next section. If there’s a tilt sensor, order a new one from the manufacturer and replace it. Some manufacturers offer a warranty that’s worth reviewing to see if you qualify.

Adjust the Tower Fan’s Oscillation Settings

If your fan has several oscillation settings, test all of them. Buttons often jam, preventing them from working as they should. Try everything before worrying about replacing the tower fan. Sometimes, all you have to do is replace the display.

Listen closely every time you test each oscillation setting. Random clicks and skipping noises are a sign the motor might be in trouble. The higher the setting, the louder the sounds will be. If that’s the case, get the parts guide and replace the motor (if possible).

Conclusion

Oscillating tower fans provide excellent airflow, which is one of the main reasons people use tower fans in a bedroom. Fortunately, repairing a tower fan that won’t rotate is usually very straightforward. Spend about five to ten minutes finding the cause, then use one of the steps above as a solution.

This is what you should’ve learned today:

  • Moisture, overheating, and track misalignments are the most common reasons your tower fan won’t oscillate.
  • Remove clogs and jams by taking off the faceplate.
  • Unplug the fan before unscrewing and working on it.
  • Check the voltage if your tower fan won’t turn on.

Jonah

Jonah enjoys finding new DIY methods to fix common problems around the house. If he's not writing for one of his blogs, he's likely playing acoustic guitar, listening to audiobooks, or watching movies.

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