Question concerning 3-way switch

I have a 3-way switch controlling the light and fan in my bathroom. The switches used to work just fine. With both switches down or both switches up, the light and fan would be on. With switches in opposite positions, the light and fan would be off.

About a month or so ago, the switches stopped working properly. Now, the light and fan only come on when both switches are down.

I tried replacing both switches, carefully transferring each wire from the old switch to the corresponding position on the new switch. However, it's still the same problem. The light only works with both switches down.

Any ideas what could be wrong? Please try to phrase any suggestions in relatively simple language as I'm pretty much an electrical novice.

Thanks.

 

One of your two travelers has been broken or disconnected. Often the travelers run through the light fixture, making a connection there. So I suggest that you look in the fixture box for a loose connection.