Official GE downdraft ventilation system parts

Most common GE downdraft vent parts that need replacing

• Gear motor. The gear motor raises and lowers the pop-up vent when you push the activation switch. Limit switches shut off the gear motor when the pop-up vent reaches its destination.
• Grease filters. The grease filters are aluminum mesh filters that trap grease suspended in the exhaust. The grease filters attach at an angle inside the vent opening.
• Limit switch. The limit switch detects the position of the pop-up vent and stops the gear motor from operating when the vent reaches the full up or down position.
• Up/down switch. The up/down switch on the right side of the pop-up vent starts the gear motor to raise or lower the pop-up vent when pressed.

What to do when the fan isn't pulling much air in your GE downdraft ventilation system

When the downdraft vent fan isn’t pulling much air, clogged grease filters, air duct problems, a fan motor failure or a broken blower wheel could be causing poor air suction.

First, check the condition of the grease filters and wash or replace them if dirty.

Next, check the air damper on the vent duct cap attached to the outside of your house. That air damper keeps outside air from flowing into your home when the downdraft vent fan isn’t running. Repair or replace the air damper if it doesn’t open to allow downdraft exhaust air to flow out of the exhaust duct.

Check the blower wheel for damage because a damaged blower wheel won’t move air through the downdraft vent properly. Replace the blower wheel if damaged.

A weak fan motor won’t turn the blower wheel at the right speed to move air through the downdraft vent. If the fan motor makes noise or doesn’t turn the blower wheel at full speed when activated, replace the fan motor.

When you need GE service to fix an appliance problem, schedule your repair though Sears Home Services. We fix GE appliances fast.