Downdraft Ventilation System: Why won't the fan on my downdraft vent blow air?
A failed fan control switch, wiring failure, bad blower fan motor or broken blower wheel can prevent the downdraft fan from blowing.
Unplug the downdraft vent and check the motor wire harness connections. Reconnect any loose wires and repair any damaged wires.
If the wires are okay, turn on the fan control switch and check for continuity through the fan control switch using a multimeter (with the downdraft vent still unplugged). Replace the fan control switch if you don't measure continuity through the control switch.
Replace the blower fan motor if the motor doesn't run when activated.
If the motor runs but the fan doesn't move air, check the blower wheel and replace if damaged.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DOWNDRAFT VENTILATION SYSTEM PROBLEM
Replace the downdraft fan control switch
If the fan control switch will not change the motor speeds or turn the blower motor off, replace the fan control switch. If the blower motor will not run, check the two limit switches for proper operation.
Downdraft fan control switch
How to replace a downdraft vent fan control switch
If a downdraft vent blower blows at the wrong speed or if the fan won’t start, the fan control switch could be to blame. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a downdraft vent fan control switch in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the downdraft blower fan motor
If the blower fan motor doesn't run when the vent pops up, check the limit switches and the fan control switch. If the switches are okay, replace the blower motor.
Downdraft blower fan motor
How to replace a downdraft vent blower motor
A downdraft vent blower motor that won't start could have a worn-out motor. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a downdraft vent blower motor in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the downdraft blower wheel
If the blower motor has excessive vibration and noises when running, check for loose mounting nuts and fan bracket securing the blower motor. If the fan bracket and mounting nuts are tight, the blower wheel is likely unbalanced, replace the blower wheel.
Downdraft blower wheel
Most common symptoms to help you fix your downdraft ventilation systems
Choose a symptom to see related downdraft vent repairs.
Main causes: lack of electrical power, up/down activation switch failure, bad vent gear motor…
Main causes: electrical power failure, up/down activation switch problems, vent gear motor failure…
Main causes: problems with the vent limit switches, up/down activation switch failure…
Main causes: fan control switch failure, bad blower fan motor, broken blower wheel, wiring failure…
Main causes: clogged grease filters, air duct problems, fan motor failure, broken blower wheel…
Most common repair guides to help fix your downdraft ventilation systems
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your downdraft vent.
How to replace a downdraft vent up/down switch
The up/down switch starts the gear motor to raise and lower the air vent. Replace the up/down switch if defective.…
How to replace a downdraft vent blower motor
The blower motor spins the fan blade that removes smoke and steam from the cooktop area. Replace the blower motor if it …
How to replace a downdraft vent gear motor
The gear motor raises and lowers the air vent when you push the activating switch. Replace the gear motor if defective.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your downdraft ventilation systems
Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your downdraft vent.
Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…
See what to check if you are having a problem with a retractable downdraft vent.…