If the fan symbol on your Farberware air fryer is blinking, there are a few possible causes to be aware of. The blinking fan light typically indicates some sort of issue with the fan or heating element that requires troubleshooting and potentially repair or replacement of parts.
The Fan Symbol Blinking Means the Fan is Not Working
The most common reason the fan symbol blinks is because the internal fan is not spinning or working properly. Air fryers rely on a built-in fan to circulate hot air around food to cook it using convection heat. This fan is essential for the air fryer to operate correctly.
When the fan symbol is blinking, it means the air fryer is detecting that the fan is not spinning as it should. This could be caused by a faulty fan motor, damaged fan blades, obstructions blocking the fan, or issues with the wiring connected to the fan.
If the fan itself is broken and not physically working, the entire fan assembly may need to be replaced. Blockages like food debris or foreign objects could also prevent the fan from spinning and would need to be cleaned out.
Faulty Heating Element
In some cases, the blinking fan light on a Farberware air fryer may indicate issues with the heating element not working properly. The fan and heating element work together to circulate and generate hot air.
If the heating coil is damaged or burned out, it may disrupt the air fryer’s operation enough to cause the fan symbol to blink. The heating element would need to be tested with a multimeter and potentially replaced to resolve this type of issue.
Temperature Sensor Malfunction
Farberware air fryers have a temperature sensor that monitors the internal temperature. The fan symbol can blink if this sensor malfunctions or fails.
The air fryer uses readings from the temperature sensor to adjust power to the heating element and fan speed accordingly during cooking. If the sensor is not providing accurate readings, it could toggle the fan light and disrupt cooking.
Replacing a faulty temperature sensor is often necessary when this component is the root cause of a blinking fan symbol.
Electrical and Wiring Issues
Problems with the internal wiring and connections can also lead to the fan symbol blinking as a warning of malfunction. Loose, damaged, or corroded wires can interrupt the power supply to the fan, causing it to turn off intermittently.
Electrical shorts or bad control boards may prevent proper voltage from reaching the fan as well. Carefully inspecting the wiring and control electronics can help diagnose and resolve these types of electrical faults triggering the blinking fan light.
How to Troubleshoot a Blinking Fan Symbol
When the fan symbol on your Farberware air fryer blinks, use the following troubleshooting tips to identify the cause:
- Check for any obstructions to the fan blades inside the air fryer basket. Remove debris, plastic packaging, or other blockages.
- Inspect the fan assembly for damage. Replace it if the blades are cracked or the motor feels rough when spun.
- Test the heating coil and temperature sensor with a multimeter. Swap damaged components.
- Examine internal wiring for loose connections, shorts, corrosion, or damage.
- Try restarting the air fryer by unplugging it and plugging it back in.
- Reset the air fryer to factory default settings in case of control board issues.
- Open up a support ticket or contact Farberware if troubleshooting does not resolve the problem.
Going through these steps methodically can help get to the bottom of what’s causing the fan symbol to blink. Identifying and addressing the underlying issue will stop the blinking light and get your air fryer working again.
Why Proper Air Fryer Fan Function is Important
When the fan fails or malfunctions in an air fryer, it can have wide-ranging effects on performance and cooking:
- Insufficient hot air circulation – The fan distributes hot air from the heating element around the food. Without proper airflow, food cooks unevenly.
- Overheating – Lack of proper ventilation from a broken fan can cause components like the heating coil to overheat dangerously.
- Sensors misread temperatures – Fan issues trick sensors into setting the heating element too high, leading to burner problems.
- Hot spots in the unit – With uneven airflow, pockets of overly hot air can form and damage the air fryer housing components.
- Food doesn’t cook or burns – Inconsistent air circulation leads to improperly cooked food, either underdone or burned.
Diagnosing and fixing fan issues quickly prevents the more serious secondary problems an non-functional fan can create in an air fryer over time.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Farberware Air Fryer Fan?
A fan repair or replacement for a Farberware air fryer typically costs $50 to $120, depending on the specific model and whether just the fan or other parts need replacing. Here is a breakdown of typical costs:
| Repair | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Replace air fryer fan | $55-$95 |
| Replace fan motor | $65-$115 |
| Replace heating element | $40-$75 |
| Replace temperature sensor | $15-$30 |
| Replace internal wiring | $30-$60 |
| Replace control board | $90-$150 |
Keep in mind each air fryer model varies, so costs may be higher or lower. Fan repairs on newer digital air fryer models also tend to be more expensive than fixing fan issues on analog models.
Tips to Prevent Air Fryer Fan Issues
You can practice a few simple habits when using your Farberware air fryer to help avoid fan malfunctions and blinking lights:
- Clean the air fryer basket thoroughly after each use to prevent food buildup blocking the fan.
- Do not overload the basket, as too much food restricts airflow.
- Avoid putting foil or other objects in the basket that could come loose and interfere with the fan.
- Make sure the air fryer has several inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation.
- Do not operate the air fryer without the basket in place.
- Regularly inspect the fan area and listen for odd noises that could signal issues.
- Have a technician service the air fryer if the fan symbol blinks frequently.
With proper maintenance and care, you can maximize the lifespan of your Farberware air fryer fan and motor assembly.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
In some instances, it may make more sense to replace your malfunctioning Farberware air fryer rather than investing in repairs. Consider a replacement unit if:
- The air fryer is significantly old and has an inconsistent history of issues.
- The cost of repairs exceeds 50-60% of the cost of a new unit.
- Parts are difficult to source due to the air fryer model being discontinued.
- You desire upgraded features or capacity offered by newer models.
- The blinking fan light indicates multiple component failures.
- The repairs come with limited warranties less than 1 year.
Comparing repair costs to the price and warranty of a new air fryer can help determine if starting fresh is the better investment.
Conclusion
A blinking fan symbol on a Farberware air fryer typically indicates a problem with air circulation that requires diagnosis and repair. Causes range from obstructions blocking the fan to issues with the heating element, sensors, wiring, or circuit boards. Carefully troubleshooting the specific issue while being mindful of fire hazards allows you to get the air fryer working properly again, restoring ease and convenience to your cooking.