Repair help > Downdraft Ventilation System repair > Downdraft Ventilation System symptoms

Downdraft Ventilation System: Fan won't blow

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.

November 1, 2015

How to replace a downdraft vent fan control switch

By Lyle Weischwill

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.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

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.

November 1, 2015

How to replace a downdraft vent blower motor

By Lyle Weischwill

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.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

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.

Symptoms common to all downdraft ventilation systems

Choose a symptom to see related downdraft vent repairs.

Won't go up

Main causes: lack of electrical power, up/down activation switch failure, bad vent gear motor

Fan won't blow

Main causes: fan control switch failure, bad blower fan motor, broken blower wheel, wiring failure

Goes up and down continuously

Main causes: problems with the vent limit switches, up/down activation switch failure

Fan not pulling much air

Main causes: clogged grease filters, air duct problems, fan motor failure, broken blower wheel

Won't go down

Main causes: electrical power failure, up/down activation switch problems, vent gear motor failure

Repair guides common to all downdraft ventilation systems

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your downdraft vent.

November 1, 2015

How to replace a downdraft vent blower motor

By Lyle Weischwill

The blower motor spins the fan blade that removes smoke and steam from the cooktop area. Replace the blower motor if it doesn't run when activated.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

November 1, 2015

How to replace a downdraft vent up/down switch

By Lyle Weischwill

The up/down switch starts the gear motor to raise and lower the air vent. Replace the up/down switch if defective.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

November 1, 2015

How to replace a downdraft vent gear motor

By Lyle Weischwill

The gear motor raises and lowers the air vent when you push the activating switch. Replace the gear motor if defective.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all downdraft ventilation systems

Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your downdraft vent.

April 17, 2019

Downdraft vent common questions

By Sears PartsDirect staff

The most commonly asked questions about downdraft vents are answered by our experts.

January 18, 2016

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

By Sears PartsDirect staff

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working

February 23, 2015

Troubleshooting tips for a rectractable downdraft vent

By Sears PartsDirect staff

See what to check if you are having a problem with a retractable downdraft vent.

Shopping Cart

Downdraft Ventilation System: Fan won't blow