Kenmore Range Hood LIGHT-OUT Error: Hood light fails to illuminate
The kenmore range hood light-out error is a fault signal from the control board — this guide walks through what it means, common causes, and safe diagnostic steps. What Does Kenmore Range Hood Code LIGHT-OUT Mean? LIGHT-OUT is a behavioral symptom code for one of the most common Kenmore range hood complaints: the hood light […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. A failed hood light is a low-severity cosmetic and convenience issue. The range hood fan function is unaffected. The appliance is safe to use while scheduling a bulb or socket replacement.
Can I reset the code?
No. LIGHT-OUT is a component failure — bulb, socket, or switch. No reset procedure restores a failed component. Replace the bulb first; if it still fails, the socket or switch must be replaced.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Visible burn marks or charring are present around the bulb socket or wiring — do not use the hood until inspected, The hood buzzes or sparks when the light switch is activated — disconnect power immediately.
Symptoms You May Notice
Light does not come on when the light button or switch is activated
Pressing the light control produces no illumination and no flicker, suggesting the circuit from the switch to the bulb socket is broken at one of several possible points.
New bulb installed but light still does not work
After replacing the bulb the light remains dark, indicating the fault is downstream of the bulb — in the socket, the light switch contacts, or the control board.
Only one of two hood lights is out while the other works normally
A single dead light with the other working points almost exclusively to a failed bulb or a failed individual socket, rather than a switch or board fault which would typically kill both.
Hood light flickers briefly at startup then goes dark
The bulb flashes or glows dimly for a moment when the light button is pressed and then goes out, suggesting a failing socket contact, a loose wire connection, or a control board output that cannot hold the lamp circuit closed.
Possible Causes
Burned-out light bulb
Most Kenmore range hoods use standard halogen or LED candelabra bulbs. Halogen bulbs in particular have a limited service life and are the first component to rule out before any other diagnosis.
DIY PossibleFailed light socket
The socket contacts can corrode from heat cycling and grease vapor exposure. If power is present at the socket terminals (confirmed with a multimeter) but the bulb does not illuminate, the socket must be replaced.
DIY PossibleDefective light switch or control board
The light switch contacts wear out from repeated use, or — on Kenmore Elite touchpad models — the control board circuit that drives the lamp relay fails. A multimeter test across the switch terminals confirms whether the switch is passing voltage.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Replace the light bulb with a matching OEM specification
Turn off the hood and allow the existing bulb to cool for five minutes if the hood was recently used — halogen bulbs get very hot. Remove the bulb cover or lens if present, unscrew the bulb, and replace it with an identical type and wattage. Check your model manual for the correct bulb spec; many Kenmore hoods use a 20W or 50W G4 halogen or a comparable LED equivalent.
Never handle halogen bulbs with bare hands — skin oils cause hot spots that shorten bulb life dramatically. Use a clean cloth or the wrapper from the new bulb when installing.
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2
Test for power at the light socket with a multimeter
Turn the hood off at the breaker. Remove the bulb and set a multimeter to AC voltage. Restore power and activate the light switch. Carefully probe the socket terminals — you should read approximately 120 V AC. If voltage is present but the new bulb does not light, the socket is defective. If voltage is absent with the switch activated, the switch or board has failed.
If you are not comfortable probing live 120 V circuits, stop here and call a technician. Do not attempt to probe inside the hood with power on unless you are experienced with electrical safety.
Tools required
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Socket terminals show visible corrosion or melting that a replacement socket will not resolve without rewiring
- Light switch tests as defective on a multimeter and is soldered to the control board rather than a plug-in component
- Both lights are dead, bulbs and sockets test good, and no voltage is present at the switch output — control board fault
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