April 19, 2023

Range Hood: Why doesn't my range hood's fan work?

A failed electronic control board, faulty user interface, bad fan switch, wiring failure or failed fan motor can keep a range hood fan from running.

Unplug the range hood and check the wire harness connections between the control and the fan motor. Reconnect any loose wires and repair any damaged wires. With the range hood still unplugged, check the electronic control board for burn marks that indicate a control board failure and replace the control board if you find burn marks on the circuit board.

If your range hood uses a user interface control to start the fan, you may need to replace the user interface if it isn't sending signals to the electronic control board when you press the fan button. A user interface control is a keypad and display panel that sends signals to the electronic control board through a ribbon wire cable when you press its selection buttons. DIY testing of the user interface control isn't available for most range hoods. If the electronic control board doesn't activate the fan when you press the fan button on the user interface control, you'll likely need to replace the electronic control board. If the fan still doesn't work after replacing the electronic control board, you'll likely need to replace the user interface control.

If your range hood uses a switch to activate the fan motor, test the fan switch for continuity using a multimeter (with the range hood still unplugged) to see if the switch allows current to flow to the fan when you turn the switch on. Replace the fan switch if you measure no continuity through the switch with the switch turned on. If the switch or the electronic control board sends current to the fan motor but the fan motor doesn't run, replace the fan motor.

range hood

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR RANGE HOOD PROBLEM

JC-RH-Replace-the-range-hood-electronic-control-board

Replace the range hood electronic control board

The electronic control board operates the exhaust fan and cooktop lights in the range hood. If the electronic control board is getting power but won't activate the fan or lights, replace it. The electronic control board also operates the sentry system on models equipped with that feature. Replace the electronic control board if it isn't operating the sentry system correctly.

Range hood electronic control board

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-RH-Replace-Range-Hood-Electronic-Control-Board-Intro-Image
December 01, 2013

How to replace a range hood electronic control board

If your range hood's fan or lights don't work, the electronic control board could be the problem. This step-by-step repair guide shows range hood circuit board replacement.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-RH-Replace-the-range-hood-fan-motor

Replace the range hood fan motor

The fan motor spins the fan blade. If the fan motor hums or won't run properly when activated, replace it.

Range hood fan motor

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-RH-Replace-Range-Hood-Fan-Motor-Intro-Image
December 01, 2013

How to replace a range hood fan motor

If your range hood's fan motor hums or the range hood fan isn't working, the fan motor might be worn out. This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace a range hood fan motor in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-RH-Replace-the-range-hood-fan-switch

Replace the range hood fan switch

Some range hoods use an electro-mechanical switch to control the exhaust fan. The fan switch activates the fan and controls the fan speed. If the fan switch doesn't work properly, replace it.

Range hood fan switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-RH-Replace-Range-Hood-Fan-Switch-Intro-Image
December 01, 2013

How to replace a range hood fan switch

If your range hood fan won't turn on, the fan switch might be broken. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace a range hood fan switch in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-RH-Replace-the-range-hood-user-interface-control

Replace the range hood user interface control

The user interface control sends selection signals to the electronic control board to operate the fan and lights in the range hood. If the electronic control board doesn't receive the selection signals when you press buttons, replace the user interface control.

Range hood user interface control

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your range hoods

Choose a symptom to see related range hood repairs.

Main causes: bad fan switch, electronic control board failure, faulty user interface control, wiring failure…

Main causes: bad light bulb, broken light switch, bad electronic control, user interface control failure, bad light sock…

Main causes: sentry feature trips due to high cooktop temperature, bad temperature sensor, electronic control board fail…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad electronic control board, faulty user interface, fan and light switch failure…

Main causes: clogged air filters, air duct problems, fan motor failure, broken fan blade…

Main causes: loose mounting screws, bad fan motor, damaged fan blade, worn fan motor bearings…

Main causes: electronic control board failure, bad user interface control, light and fan switch failures, wiring failure…

Most common repair guides to help fix your range hoods

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

How to replace a range hood fan motor

How to replace a range hood fan motor

If the fan on the range hood won’t run, it’s likely that the fan motor has failed. Follow the steps in this guide to rep…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a range hood fan switch

How to replace a range hood fan switch

The fan switch activates the fan motor in the range hood. If the fan switch is defective, replace it using the detailed …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a range hood light socket

How to replace a range hood light socket

When you replace a light bulb and it still won’t work, the socket is likely defective. Use the detailed steps in this re…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your range hoods

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your range hood.

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

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