Range vent hood fan or light not working: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

To see if the thermal fuse is working, use a multimeter to check if electricity can flow through the fuse. Put the multimeter probes on each end of the fuse to test it. If the multimeter shows no continuity, the fuse has blown or stopped working. When this happens, the fuse needs to be replaced with a new one so the appliance will work again. Getting a new fuse that matches the old one and installing it will fix the problem.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Thermal Fuse

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect all wiring to the thermal fuse.

2. Remove access panel - Remove any access panels on the vent hood housing to access the thermal fuse.
3. Detach wiring - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the thermal fuse terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove any mounting screws securing the thermal fuse in place.
5. Remove old thermal fuse - Carefully remove the blown thermal fuse from the vent hood housing.
6. Install new thermal fuse - Align and insert the new replacement thermal fuse into position.
7. Replace mounting screws - Reinsert and tighten any mounting screws to secure the new fuse.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new thermal fuse.
9. Replace access panel - Replace any access panels that were removed from the vent hood.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.

Repair Instructions:

The switch on a range hood controls whether the fan and light turn on. If the fan switch is broken, it will prevent the fan or light from receiving power even when turned on. A bad switch can physically crack or melt, causing an open circuit so electricity cannot pass. Or the contacts inside the switch can wear out over time, no longer making a solid connection for power to flow when flipped on. If the fan or light randomly turn off, it could point to a switch not maintaining contact. Troubleshooting a non-working fan or light should start by testing the switch. A multimeter can check if electricity flows through the switch contacts when turned on. If not, the switch needs replacing so solid power is sent to the fan and light again when operated.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Fan Switch

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove filter or baffle - Remove any filter or baffle obstructing access to the fan switch.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the fan switch terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the small mounting screws securing the fan switch to the vent hood.
5. Remove old fan switch - Carefully remove the old fan switch from the vent hood.
6. Install new fan switch - Place the new fan switch into position, aligning any mounting holes.
7. Replace mounting screws - Insert and tighten the small mounting screws to secure the new fan switch.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new fan switch.
9. Replace filter or baffle - Replace any filter or baffle that was removed.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
11. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new fan switch is functioning properly.

Repair Instructions:

The on/off switch controls power flow to the fan and light on a range hood. If this switch fails, it will prevent electricity from reaching the fan or light even when toggled on. Physical damage like cracks or melted spots can open the internal circuit and break the switching function. Or years of use can wear down the metal contacts so they no longer connect properly in the 'on' position. This intermittent contact will make the fan or lights randomly shut off even when switched on. To diagnose, use a multimeter to check if power flows through the switch when turned on. If not, the switch needs replacing. A new on/off switch that securely closes the circuit when flipped on will send steady power to the fan and light again. Replacing a faulty, worn out switch restores regular operation to the range hood.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood On-Off Switch

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect the wires leading to the switch.

2. Remove filter or baffle - Remove any filter or baffle obstructing access to the on-off switch.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the on-off switch terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the mounting screws securing the old on-off switch in place.
5. Remove old on-off switch - Carefully maneuver the old on-off switch out of the vent hood housing.
6. Install new on-off switch - Align and insert the new replacement on-off switch into position.
7. Replace mounting screws - Reinsert and tighten the mounting screws to secure the new on-off switch.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new on-off switch.
9. Replace filter or baffle - Replace any filter or baffle that was removed from the vent hood.
10. Restore power and test - Restore power and test that the new on-off switch operates properly.

Repair Instructions:

To check if the micro switch is working properly, use a multimeter to see if electricity flows smoothly through the switch. Put the multimeter probes on each terminal of the switch to test continuity. If the multimeter shows the switch has no continuity, that means the switch is broken and needs to be replaced. A micro switch that is defective will not allow a complete circuit for electricity to pass from one side to the other when flipped on. Replacing the faulty micro switch with a new one that has good continuity will fix the problem.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Micro Switch

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect the wires leading to the micro switch.

2. Remove access panel - Remove any access panel that obstructs access to the micro switch.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the micro switch terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the small mounting screws securing the old micro switch in place.
5. Remove old micro switch - Carefully maneuver the old micro switch out of the vent hood housing.
6. Install new micro switch - Align and insert the new replacement micro switch into the proper position.
7. Replace mounting screws - Reinsert and tighten the small mounting screws to secure the new micro switch.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new micro switch.
9. Replace access panel - Replace any access panel that was removed from the vent hood.
10. Restore power and test - Restore power and test that the new micro switch clicks properly.

Repair Instructions:

To check if the switch kit is working right, use a multimeter to test whether electricity flows smoothly through the switch contacts. Put the multimeter probes on the switch terminals to check for continuity. If the multimeter shows the switch does not have good continuity, it means the switch kit is faulty and should be replaced. A defective switch kit will not let electricity complete the circuit when the switch is turned on. Replacing the bad switch kit with a new identical one that has proper continuity will fix the issue.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Switch Kit

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove filters or baffles - Remove any filters or baffles obstructing access to the switch kit.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the switch kit terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the mounting screws securing the old switch kit to the vent hood.
5. Remove old switch kit - Carefully remove the entire old switch kit assembly from the vent hood.
6. Install new switch kit - Place the new switch kit assembly into position, aligning any mounting holes.
7. Replace mounting screws - Insert and tighten mounting screws to secure the new switch kit.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach all wiring connectors to the terminals on the new switch kit.
9. Replace filters and baffles - Replace any filters or baffles that were removed.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
11. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that all switches are functioning properly.

Repair Instructions:

To check if the rocker switch is working properly, use a multimeter to test whether electricity flows all the way through the switch. Put the multimeter probes on each terminal of the rocker switch to check for continuity. If the multimeter shows the switch does not have good continuity, the rocker switch is defective and needs replacement. A faulty rocker switch will not allow electricity to complete the circuit when flipped on. Replacing the broken rocker switch with a new identical one that has proper continuity will fix the issue.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Rocker Switch

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove filter or baffle - Remove any filter or baffle obstructing access to the rocker switch.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the rocker switch terminals.
4. Remove mounting nuts - Remove the small mounting nuts securing the rocker switch to the vent hood.
5. Remove old rocker switch - Carefully remove the old rocker switch from the vent hood.
6. Install new rocker switch - Place the new rocker switch into position, aligning any mounting holes.
7. Replace mounting nuts - Insert and tighten the small mounting nuts to secure the new rocker switch.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new rocker switch.
9. Replace filter or baffle - Replace any filter or baffle that was removed.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
11. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new rocker switch is functioning properly.

Repair Instructions:

To check if the rotary switch is working properly, use a multimeter to test whether electricity fully flows through the switch. Put the multimeter probes on each terminal of the rotary switch to check for continuity. If the multimeter shows the rotary switch does not have good continuity, it is defective and needs replacement. A faulty rotary switch will not allow electricity to complete the circuit when turned. Replacing the broken rotary switch with a new identical one that has proper continuity will fix the issue.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Rocker Switch

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove filter or baffle - Remove any filter or baffle obstructing access to the rocker switch.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the rocker switch terminals.
4. Remove mounting nuts - Remove the small mounting nuts securing the rocker switch to the vent hood.
5. Remove old rocker switch - Carefully remove the old rocker switch from the vent hood.
6. Install new rocker switch - Place the new rocker switch into position, aligning any mounting holes.
7. Replace mounting nuts - Insert and tighten the small mounting nuts to secure the new rocker switch.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new rocker switch.
9. Replace filter or baffle - Replace any filter or baffle that was removed.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.

11. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new rocker switch is functioning properly." "How to Replace Range Vent Hood Rotary Switch

12. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

13. Remove filter or baffle - Remove any filter or baffle obstructing access to the rotary switch.
14. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the rotary switch terminals.
15. Remove mounting nuts - Remove the small mounting nuts securing the rotary switch to the vent hood.
16. Remove old rotary switch - Carefully remove the old rotary switch from the vent hood.
17. Install new rotary switch - Place the new rotary switch into position, aligning any mounting holes.
18. Replace mounting nuts - Insert and tighten the small mounting nuts to secure the new rotary switch.
19. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new rotary switch.
20. Replace filter or baffle - Replace any filter or baffle that was removed.
21. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
22. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new rotary switch is functioning properly.

Repair Instructions:

The control board that operates the user display might be broken. But these boards are often thought to be bad when they actually work fine. Before replacing the user control and display board, first check the other parts that more often go wrong. Things like switches, sensors, wires and fuses should be tested first when there is a problem. That's because those cheaper parts fail most of the time, not the control board. Only replace the board if testing proves the switches, sensors, wires and fuses are okay. Jumping to replace the control board is expensive if it's not really faulty.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood User Control and Display Board

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect all wiring to the control board.

2. Remove access panel - Remove any access panels from the vent hood to access the control board.
3. Detach all wiring connectors - Disconnect all wiring harness connectors attached to the control board.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove any mounting screws securing the control board in place.
5. Remove old control board - Carefully maneuver the old control board out of the vent hood.
6. Install new control board - Align and insert the new replacement control board into proper position.
7. Replace mounting screws - Reinsert and tighten mounting screws to secure the new control board.
8. Reconnect wiring harnesses - Reattach all wiring harness connectors to the correct pins on the new control board.
9. Replace access panel - Replace any access panels that were removed from the vent hood.
10. Restore power and test - Restore power and test that the new control board functions properly.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board that operates everything could be broken. But these boards are often assumed bad when they actually still work. Before replacing the main control board, first check the other parts that fail more often. Things like switches, sensors, wires and fuses should be tested first if there's an issue. That's because those cheaper parts usually go wrong more than the control board. Only replace the board if testing shows the switches, sensors, wires and fuses are fine. Jumping to replace the control board is pricey if it's not really faulty.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Main Control Board

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove filters and baffles - Remove any filters, baffles or covers obstructing access to the main control board.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect all wiring harnesses and connectors attached to the main control board terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the mounting screws securing the main control board to the vent hood.
5. Remove main control board - Carefully remove the old main control board from the vent hood chassis.
6. Install new main control board - Place the new main control board into position, aligning any mounting holes.
7. Replace mounting screws - Insert and tighten screws to secure the new main control board.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach all wiring connectors to the terminals on the new main control board.
9. Replace filters and baffles - Replace any filters, baffles or covers that were removed.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
11. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new main control board is functioning properly.

Repair Instructions:

To check if the selector switch is working right, look at the wiring diagram for the vent hood and use a multimeter to test if electricity flows through the switch contacts. Put the multimeter probes on the terminals of the selector switch to check for continuity. If the multimeter shows the selector switch does not have continuity, it means the switch is faulty and needs replacing. A defective selector switch will not let electricity complete the circuit when switched on. Replacing the bad selector switch with a new identical one that has good continuity will fix the issue.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Selector Switch

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove filter or baffle - Remove any filter or baffle obstructing access to the selector switch.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the selector switch terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the small mounting screws securing the selector switch to the vent hood.
5. Remove old selector switch - Carefully remove the old selector switch from the vent hood.
6. Install new selector switch - Place the new selector switch into position, aligning any mounting holes.
7. Replace mounting screws - Insert and tighten the small mounting screws to secure the new selector switch.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new selector switch.
9. Replace filter or baffle - Replace any filter or baffle that was removed.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
11. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new selector switch is functioning properly.

Repair Instructions:

To check if the switch is working properly, use a multimeter to test whether electricity flows all the way through the switch. Put the multimeter probes on each terminal of the switch to check for continuity. If the multimeter shows the switch does not have continuity, it means the switch is faulty and needs replacement. A defective switch will not allow electricity to complete the circuit when turned on. Replacing the bad switch with a new identical one that has proper continuity will fix the issue.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Switch

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove filter or baffle - Remove any filter or baffle obstructing access to the switch.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the switch terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the small mounting screws securing the switch to the vent hood.
5. Remove old switch - Carefully remove the old switch from the vent hood.
6. Install new switch - Place the new switch into position, aligning any mounting holes.
7. Replace mounting screws - Insert and tighten the small mounting screws to secure the new switch.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach the wiring connectors to the terminals on the new switch.
9. Replace filter or baffle - Replace any filter or baffle that was removed.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
11. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new switch is functioning properly.

Repair Instructions:

If testing shows the thermal fuse is okay and the control board is getting power, the control board may be broken. But these boards are often assumed faulty when they actually still work. Before replacing the range hood control board, check other parts that fail more often first. Things like switches, motors, capacitors, wiring and fuses should be tested before the board. That's because those cheaper parts usually go bad more than the board. Only change out the control board if those components check out fine. Jumping to replace the control board can be pricey if it's not really broken. Make sure to troubleshoot the other common problem parts first before deciding the control board needs replacing.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Control Board

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove filters and baffles - Remove any filters or baffles obstructing access to the control board.
3. Detach wiring connectors - Disconnect all wiring harnesses and connectors attached to the control board terminals.
4. Remove mounting screws - Remove the screws securing the control board to the vent hood.
5. Remove control board - Carefully remove the old control board from the vent hood.
6. Install new control board - Place the new control board into position, aligning any mounting holes.
7. Replace mounting screws - Insert and tighten screws to secure the new control board.
8. Reconnect wiring - Reattach all wiring connectors to the terminals on the new control board.
9. Replace filters and baffles - Replace any filters or baffles that were removed.
10. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
11. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new control board is functioning properly.

Repair Instructions:

If testing shows the thermal fuse is working and the touchpad control panel is getting electricity, then the touchpad is probably broken and needs replacing. Check the thermal fuse with a multimeter to confirm continuity. Also use a multimeter to verify power is reaching the touchpad when switched on. If those check out okay but the touchpad still does not operate properly, it will need to be changed out. Get an identical replacement touchpad made for your specific appliance model. Carefully install it following the wiring diagram to connect all the wires correctly.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Touchpad and Control Panel

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove mounting screws - Remove the screws that secure the control panel/touchpad assembly to the underside of the vent hood.
3. Detach control panel - Carefully lower the control panel/touchpad assembly down from the vent hood.
4. Disconnect wiring - At the rear, disconnect any wiring connectors or terminals leading to the control board.
5. Remove and replace touchpad - Take out the old touchpad from the control panel and replace it with the new touchpad.
6. Reconnect wiring - Reconnect all wiring connectors and terminals to the control board.
7. Reinstall control panel - Place the control panel assembly back up into position and replace the mounting screws.
8. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
9. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new touchpad and controls operate properly.
10. Reassemble vent hood - Replace any other components or covers that were removed during the repair.

Repair Instructions:

If testing shows the thermal fuse has continuity and the touchpad control is getting electricity, then the touchpad is probably broken and needs replacing. Use a multimeter to check the thermal fuse for continuity. Also verify with a multimeter that power is reaching the touchpad when turned on. If those check out okay but the touchpad still does not work right, it will need to be swapped out. Get a replacement touchpad made specifically for your appliance model. Follow the wiring diagram carefully to connect all the wires when installing the new touchpad. This should restore proper function if the original touchpad was faulty.

How to Replace Range Vent Hood Touchpad

1. Turn off power and disconnect electrical supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the vent hood and turn it off. Disconnect any wiring connectors.

2. Remove mounting screws - Remove the small screws that secure the touchpad to the vent hood.
3. Detach touchpad - Gently pry off the old touchpad from the vent hood. Take care not to bend or damage it.
4. Disconnect wiring - At the rear, disconnect any wiring connectors attached to the touchpad.
5. Attach wiring to new touchpad - Connect the wiring to the terminals on the back of the new replacement touchpad.
6. Position new touchpad - Place the new touchpad into position on the vent hood, aligning any screw holes.
7. Secure with mounting screws - Insert and tighten the small mounting screws to secure the new touchpad.
8. Restore power - Restore power to the vent hood.
9. Test operation - Turn on the vent hood and test that the new touchpad powers on and activates fan speeds properly.
10. Reassemble vent hood - Replace any other components or covers that were removed during the repair.

Repair Instructions:

Range hoods are usually wired directly to the circuit breaker box. But sometimes a hood is plugged into an outlet behind a cover panel instead. In both cases, testing if power is reaching the hood can be hard without removing a big cover first. If the hood plugs into an outlet you can reach, plug in a small appliance to check if the outlet works. If you can't easily get to the hood's power connection, look at the circuit breaker feeding the hood. Make sure it has not flipped off to cut power. Turn it back on if it tripped. That may fix the hood if the breaker was the issue. But if you can't access the outlet or wires, the breaker is on, and the hood still doesn't work, the problem is likely with the hood itself. More troubleshooting of the fan, lights and internal parts will be needed to find out what's wrong.

Repair Instructions:

Check all the wires for damage. Look to see if any wires are cut, frayed or have bare spots. Also check that the wire connectors are fully pushed onto each wire at junctions and terminals. Wiggle the wires to confirm the connectors are gripping tightly and not loose. If any wires are damaged or connections are loose, those need fixing. Carefully repair any bad wires using electrical tape. Tape any exposed copper wire. If a wire is cut completely or badly damaged, splice in a new section of the same gauge wire using wire nuts. Replace any worn out or melted connectors that are loose with new ones properly sized for the wires.