December 01, 2013

How to replace a range hood fan switch

How to replace a range hood fan switch

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the fan switch in a range hood. The fan switch starts the fan motor and controls the fan speed. If the fan switch no longer activates the motor or controls the fan speed, replace the switch with the manufacturer-approved range hood part.

Follow these basic steps to replace the fan switch in common Kenmore, Broan, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Frigidaire and Electrolux range hoods.

Quick links
Tools required
Phillips screwdriver
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect electrical power

    Shut off the house circuit breaker to disconnect electrical power to the range hood.

  2. 02.

    Remove the filters and the bottom panel

    Pull the latch tabs to release the air filters and pull both filters out of the range hood.

    Remove the screws that secure the bottom panel to the range hood frame and pull the bottom panel out of the range hood.

    Warning: Support the bottom panel with your hand when removing the final screw to prevent the bottom panel from falling on the cooktop.
    PHOTO: Pull the latch tabs to release the filter.

    PHOTO: Pull the latch tabs to release the filter.

  3. 03.

    Remove the fan switch

    Disconnect the wires from the fan switch. Squeeze the locking tabs together on the fan switch and push the fan switch out of the front of the control panel.

    Tip: Take a digital photo of the wire connections or note where each wire is connected to the existing fan switch.
  4. 04.

    Install the new fan switch

    Push the new fan switch into the opening in the control panel and snap the new fan switch into place.

    Reconnect the wires to the new fan switch.

  5. 05.

    Reassemble the range hood

    Slide the bottom panel into place. Secure the bottom panel with the mounting screws.

    Reinstall the air filters.

  6. 06.

    Restore the electrical power

    Reset the house circuit breaker to restore electrical power to the range hood.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your range hoods

Choose a symptom to see related range hood repairs.

Main causes: bad light bulb, broken light switch, bad electronic control, user interface control failure, bad light sock...

Main causes: sentry feature trips due to high cooktop temperature, bad temperature sensor, electronic control board fail...

Main causes: electronic control board failure, bad user interface control, light and fan switch failures, wiring failure...

Main causes: bad fan switch, electronic control board failure, faulty user interface control, wiring failure...

Main causes: clogged air filters, air duct problems, fan motor failure, broken fan blade...

Main causes: loose mounting screws, bad fan motor, damaged fan blade, worn fan motor bearings...

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad electronic control board, faulty user interface, fan and light switch failure...

Most common repair guides to help fix your range hoods

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your range hood.

How to replace a range hood fan motor

How to replace a range hood fan motor

If the fan on the range hood won’t run, it’s likely that the fan motor has failed. Follow the steps in this guide to rep...

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace a range hood fan switch

How to replace a range hood fan switch

The fan switch activates the fan motor in the range hood. If the fan switch is defective, replace it using the detailed ...

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a range hood electronic control board

How to replace a range hood electronic control board

The electronic control board activates the fan and lights in the range hood. If the electronic control board is defectiv...

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your range hoods

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your range hood.

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier....

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect....

Range hood common questions

Range hood common questions

See what questions many people have about using, maintaining and and repairing their range hoods....