Your range hood isn't pulling air. The fan runs but the suction is weak. Or the light works but the fan doesn't. Or it's making a loud grinding noise. Here are the 6 most common range hood problems and how to fix each one.
The most common "range hood not working" issue isn't the motor — it's the duct. A clogged duct or a grease-clogged filter restricts airflow, and the motor works harder for less suction.
Find it: Remove the filter (mesh or baffle). If it's coated in grease, clean it in hot soapy water or the dishwasher. Check the duct (if your hood is ducted) for grease buildup or a crushed section. If your hood is ductless (recirculating), check the charcoal filters — they saturate and need replacement every 3-6 months.
Fix: Clean the filter. Clear the duct. Replace charcoal filters. Clean the duct every 6-12 months in heavy-use kitchens.
The fan motor burns out from heat, grease infiltration, or simply age. If the motor is dead, the fan won't spin at all. If it's partially failed, it may run on low but not high.
Test: If the fan doesn't spin at any speed and the light works, the motor is likely failed. A tech can test the motor windings for continuity.
Fix: Replace the fan motor ($40-100). In some hoods, the motor is part of the blower assembly and needs to be replaced as a unit ($80-200). If the hood is more than 10 years old, replacement may be more economical.
The fan motor uses a start capacitor to get the impeller spinning. If the capacitor is weak or failed, the motor hums but doesn't start, or starts but immediately stops.
Test: If the motor hums but doesn't spin, the capacitor is the likely culprit. A tech can test the capacitor with a multimeter (it should read within 10% of its rated microfarads).
Fix: Replace the capacitor ($10-20). Match the microfarad rating and voltage. Discharge the old capacitor before handling it.
The fan speed switch or the electronic control board may be faulty. If the light works but the fan doesn't, the switch or board may not be sending power to the motor.
Test: Try all fan speeds. If none work but the light does, the switch or board is the problem. On electronic controls, check for error codes on the display.
Fix: Replace the switch ($15-30) or the control board ($50-150). Match the model number exactly.
Simple but common: the circuit breaker for the range hood has tripped, or the internal fuse (if your hood has one) has blown.
Fix: Check the breaker panel. Reset the breaker for the kitchen. If your hood has an internal fuse (check the manual), replace it. If the breaker keeps tripping, there's a short in the motor or wiring — call a professional.
Vibration from the fan can loosen wire connections at the motor, the switch, or the junction box. A loose connection causes intermittent operation or complete failure.
Fix: Turn off power at the breaker. Open the hood. Check all wire connections at the motor, switch, and junction box. Tighten any loose nuts. Reconnect any disconnected wires.