Kenmore Range Hood GREASE-LEAK Error: Grease dripping from hood body
The kenmore range hood grease-leak 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 GREASE-LEAK Mean? GREASE-LEAK is a behavioral symptom code for one of the most maintenance-related Kenmore range hood complaints: liquid grease or […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. A range hood dripping grease poses a fire risk — grease dripping onto a hot cooktop burner can ignite. The hood should not be used for high-heat cooking until the filters are cleaned and the grease cup is emptied. Light, low-heat cooking is lower risk but should be monitored.
Can I reset the code?
No. GREASE-LEAK is a maintenance condition — saturated filters and full grease cups must be physically cleaned or replaced. There is no reset or electronic fix. Prevention is the solution: clean filters on schedule and check the grease cup monthly.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Grease is dripping near or onto an active burner — stop cooking immediately and address the leak before relighting, The hood interior has a visible grease fire or scorching — disconnect power and call a professional.
Symptoms You May Notice
Grease drops or streaks visible on the cooktop or counter below the hood during heavy cooking
Liquid grease accumulates inside the hood cavity faster than the saturated filter can capture it, eventually reaching a tipping point where it drips out of the hood body during high-heat frying or sautéing sessions.
A persistent greasy film forms on the underside of the hood between cleaning sessions
The hood exterior near the filter slots develops a sticky grease film that returns quickly after wiping — a sign that saturated filters are allowing grease to migrate to the hood surfaces rather than being captured and held.
Grease drips from one specific corner of the hood body
A grease cup or collection channel that is full will overflow from the lowest point in the hood body, which is typically one corner. Owners of range hoods with a hidden grease cup often do not discover it until it overflows.
Smoke escapes into the kitchen instead of venting up
During heavy frying, visible smoke rolls out from around the filter edges and into the kitchen rather than being pulled up into the hood, a sign that saturated filters are restricting airflow so much that capture efficiency has collapsed.
Possible Causes
Saturated grease filters that are long overdue for cleaning or replacement
Kenmore 233-series mesh grease filters should be cleaned every three to four weeks under heavy use (daily frying or sautéing). When saturated, the filter can no longer capture grease — the excess coats the blower and hood interior and eventually drips out.
DIY PossibleOverflowing hidden grease cup or grease channel
Many Kenmore range hoods include a grease collection cup or channel that is separate from the mesh filter. This cup is not visible without removing the filter panel and requires periodic emptying. An overflowing cup drips from one corner of the hood body during cooking.
DIY PossibleDamaged or missing filter gasket allowing grease bypass
The filter frame gasket seals the gap between the filter panel and the hood body. If the gasket has deteriorated or is missing on an older Kenmore hood, uncaptured grease bypasses the filter entirely and coats the interior surfaces.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Remove, inspect, and clean or replace the grease filters immediately
Slide the grease filter panels out of their tracks. Filters that are dark brown, opaque, or visibly saturated with grease must be cleaned or replaced — do not reinstall a saturated filter. Clean aluminum mesh filters by soaking them for 15 minutes in hot water with dish soap or a degreaser, then rinse and allow to dry fully before reinstalling. If filters are warped or the mesh is torn, replace with OEM Kenmore filter panels for your model number.
Hold a clean filter up to a light source — you should be able to see light through the mesh. If it is opaque and dark with grease, replacement is overdue. Kenmore recommends cleaning filters every 3–4 weeks for households that cook frequently.
-
2
Locate and empty the grease cup inside the hood cavity
With the filter panels removed, shine a flashlight into the filter cavity and look for a small removable grease cup or collection channel near the front edge of the blower housing. Not all Kenmore models have one, but many 233-series hoods do. If found, carefully remove the cup, empty it into a sealable container for disposal, wipe the cup clean with a paper towel, and reinstall. Also wipe the interior hood surfaces and blower housing with a degreaser-dampened cloth.
Let the grease cup cool before removing if cooking was recent — the grease will be liquid and easier to handle without spilling. A turkey baster works well for transferring liquid grease from a full cup to a disposal container.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Filter frame gasket is deteriorated and a replacement gasket is not available for the model — hood body modification required
- The grease channel or internal gutters are bent or damaged and do not drain to the cup correctly
- Grease has infiltrated the motor housing and is dripping from the motor area — motor cleaning or replacement required
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Range Hood Repair Service Schedule Appointment