Range hood fan not working
A range hood fan that stops working, or runs but barely pulls any smoke, tends to have a simple cause. Greasy filters, a tripped breaker, a loose plug or a stuck damper account for most problems. Some hoods also shut themselves off when they get too hot and come back once they cool. These checks take under an hour, and you only need to open the hood after the power is off at the breaker. Greasy filters cause more weak range hoods than anything else, and they're the easiest thing to fix.
How a range hood works
A range hood is a fan and a light in a metal box. Power comes from a plug inside the cabinet above it or from a wire run straight to a circuit. The fan pulls air through metal grease filters and pushes it out a duct, past a flap (the damper) that keeps outside air from coming back in.
Many hoods also have a small safety switch that cuts the motor if it overheats. When something blocks the airflow, the motor works harder, runs hotter and can trip that switch or wear out early.
Why the fan stops or weakens
Weak suction and a loud, straining fan.
A loose plug or tripped breaker.
The safety switch cut it off until it cools.
Air can't move, or the fan won't spin.
| You notice | Likely cause | Start at |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing works, fan or light | No power | Step 2 |
| Fan quit mid-cooking | Overheat shutoff | Step 3 |
| Weak suction | Greasy filters or stuck damper | Steps 4 and 6 |
| Light works, fan doesn't | Stuck fan or failed motor or switch | Steps 5 to 7 |
| Hums, grinds or rattles | Worn motor or loose part | Step 7 |
Let's fix it
- Check the controlsTry every fan speed and the light button separately. If the light works but the fan doesn't, power is reaching the hood and the problem is inside it. If nothing works at all, start with the power.
- Check the plug and breakerOpen the cabinet above the hood and make sure the plug is pushed all the way into its outlet. Then check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker, which will sit in the middle or off position. Flip it fully off, then back on.
- Let it cool downIf the fan quit while you were cooking on high heat, the built-in overheat switch may have shut it off. Turn the hood off and wait 30 minutes to an hour for it to cool, then try again. If this keeps happening, dirty filters or a blocked duct are usually why.
- Clean the grease filtersPop out the metal filters using the tabs or latches on their edges. Soak them in very hot water with degreasing dish soap and a few spoonfuls of baking soda for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and let them dry. Clogged filters are the most common reason for weak suction and a loud, straining fan. Many metal filters can also go in the dishwasher; check your manual.
- Turn off the power before looking insideSwitch off the hood's breaker at the panel, then unplug it if it has a plug. Use a non-contact voltage tester near the switch and fan area to make sure it's dead. Don't rely on the hood's own buttons being off.
- Check the fan and damperWith the filters out and the power off, shine a light up into the hood. Spin the fan blade or blower wheel by hand; it should turn freely. Look for grease buildup or anything blocking it. If you can reach the damper flap at the top where the duct connects, make sure it swings open easily and isn't stuck shut with grease.
- Test and listenPut the filters back, restore power and run the fan on each speed. A fan that hums but doesn't spin, turns slowly or grinds usually has a failing motor. A rattle often means a loose filter or a damper flapping in the duct.
Watch it done
- The fan runs on every speed
- It pulls steam and smoke up quickly
- It runs quietly without humming or rattling
Still hums or won't run? The motor or switch likely needs replacing.
If it still won't work
If the light works but the fan never runs on any speed, the switch or control board may have failed. Some switches are simple to swap, but it means working with wiring, so shut off the breaker first or call a pro.
If the fan runs but still pulls poorly after cleaning the filters, the duct may be long, crushed or clogged, or the damper outside may be stuck. Check that the outside vent cap opens when the fan runs.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): An appliance or electrical service call usually runs $100–$250. Replacing a hood fan motor typically costs $150–$400 including parts and labor, and a new basic range hood installed runs about $300–$800.
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Range hood questions
Why did my range hood fan stop working?
Often a tripped breaker, a loose plug, or an overheated motor that shut off to protect itself.
Why is my range hood not sucking up smoke?
Usually clogged grease filters, a stuck damper or a duct that's blocked or too long.
How often should I clean range hood filters?
About once a month if you cook often, or whenever they look greasy.
Is it worth replacing a range hood motor?
On a good hood, often yes. On a basic hood, a new unit may cost about the same.
Why won't my stove fan turn on?
Check the plug and breaker first, and let it cool if it got too hot, since some hoods shut off until they cool down.