April 19, 2023

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.

downdraft ventilation system

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DOWNDRAFT VENTILATION SYSTEM PROBLEM

JC-RH-Replace-the-downdraft-fan-control-switch

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-DWND-Replace-Downdraft Vent-Fan-Control-Switch-Intro-Image
November 01, 2015

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-RH-Replace-the-downdraft-blower-fan-motor

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-DWND-Replace-Downdraft-Vent-Blower-Motor-Intro-Image
November 01, 2015

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-RH-Replace-the-downdraft-blower-wheel

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

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

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

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

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

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 blower motor

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 …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a downdraft vent up/down switch

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a downdraft vent gear motor

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

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.

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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.…