How to replace a downdraft vent blower motor

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a blower motor in a downdraft vent. The blower motor, located in the housing on the air box, turns the fan blade that draws smoke and moisture away from the cooktop. Replace the blower motor with the manufacturer-approved downdraft ventilation system part if the motor is worn or locked up.

Use these basic repair steps to replace the blower motor in common Kenmore, Broan, GE, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Frigidaire and Electrolux downdraft vents.

Instructions

1. Disconnect power and remove the downdraft vent from the counter

Unplug the cooktop and the downdraft vent.

Remove the cooktop from the counter. Remove the downdraft vent from the counter. Wear work gloves to protect your hands.

Tip: Use the installation manuals for the cooktop and downdraft vent to guide you when removing the appliances from the counter.

2. Remove the gear motor cover

Remove the mounting nuts from the clamp channels and then remove both clamp channels.

Remove the screws from the gear motor cover.

Pull the gear motor cover up. Disconnect the gear motor wires and then pull the wires out of the gear motor cover.

3. Remove the blower housing cover

Remove the mounting screws from the blower housing cover and pull the cover off.

4. Remove the blower motor

Loosen the Allen-head set screw and lift the blower fan wheel blade off the blower motor shaft.

Pull the rubber boot up on the motor capacitor.

Place a slot screwdriver with an insulated handle across the capacitor leads to make sure it no longer has an electrical charge.

Disconnect the wires from the capacitor.

Pull the wires out of the boot.

Carefully tilt the top of the blower housing up and disconnect the blower motor wire harness.

Flip the blower housing assembly over and lay it on the air box.

Pull the capacitor wires through the blower housing grommet.

Remove the motor mounting nuts and pull the blower motor out.

5. Install the new blower motor

Position the new blower motor on the mounting studs and reinstall the mounting nuts.

Thread the capacitor wires through the blower housing grommet.

Flip the blower housing assembly upright and position it on top of the air box cover.

Tilt the blower housing assembly up and plug in the blower motor wire harness.

Lower the blower housing assembly into place.

Feed the capacitor wires through the rubber boot.

Connect the wires to the capacitor.

Reinstall the rubber boot on the capacitor.

Align the flat part of the motor shaft with the set screw on the blower wheel and push the blower wheel down.

Position the blower wheel 1/8-inch above the top of the motor shaft and tighten the set screw.

6. Reinstall the blower housing cover

Place the blower housing cover over the blower housing and reinstall the mounting screws.

7. Reinstall the gear motor cover

Thread the wires through the gear motor cover and reconnect the wires to the gear motor.

Position the gear motor cover over the gear motor and reinstall the mounting screws.

Reinstall the clamp channels and secure them using the mounting nuts.

8. Reinstall the downdraft vent and cooktop

Reinstall the downdraft vent and cooktop in the counter following the directions in the installation guides.

9. Restore power

Plug in the power cords for the downdraft blower and the cooktop.