Key Takeaways
- A Kenmore range hood fan that does not start on any speed setting has either a failed blower motor or a failed speed selector switch — both are replaceable components.
- Excessive grease buildup in the baffle or mesh filters can restrict airflow enough that the fan runs but does not exhaust effectively — filter cleaning is the first step.
- A humming sound with no blade rotation indicates the motor is receiving power but the capacitor or start winding has failed — the motor must be replaced.
- The range hood light circuit is separate from the fan circuit — a dead light does not confirm a fan fault and vice versa.
- Convertible range hoods that have been switched from ducted to recirculating mode must have a charcoal filter installed; without it, grease accumulates in the housing and clogs the motor.
The Bottom Line
Most Kenmore range hood fan failures are caused by a failed blower motor or a worn speed selector switch — both standard replacement parts. Grease-clogged filters cause the majority of reduced-performance complaints and are resolved by cleaning. Motor replacement requires professional service for safety.
Diagnosing kenmore range hood fan not working starts with narrowing down whether the fault is electrical, mechanical, or sensor-related. This guide walks through the decision path.
Why Your Kenmore Range Hood Fan Has Stopped Working
A Kenmore range hood fan that does not work leaves cooking smoke, grease, and odors with nowhere to go — and can allow grease to accumulate to unsafe levels in the kitchen. Kenmore range hoods are available in ducted, recirculating, and convertible configurations. All use an electric blower motor driven by a speed selector switch or electronic control module. Diagnosing a fan fault starts with determining whether the motor is receiving power but not running (motor fault) or receiving no power at all (switch or control fault).
Quick Diagnosis Table
| Symptom | Indicator | Likely Cause | DIY Fix? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan dead on all speeds | NO-FAN | Blower motor or switch failure | Switch inspection only |
| Humming but no blade rotation | None | Motor capacitor or start winding | No — motor replacement |
| Fan runs but poor suction | None | Clogged grease filters | Yes — filter cleaning |
| Unusual noise from fan area | FAN-NOISE | Loose blower wheel or debris | Inspection yes |
Step 1: Clean the Grease Filters
Before suspecting any electrical fault, remove and clean the grease filters — the mesh or baffle screens directly above the cooktop. These filters capture grease from cooking vapors and must be cleaned monthly (or more frequently for heavy cooking use). A severely clogged filter restricts airflow to the point that the fan appears to run but does not exhaust — cooking smoke stays in the kitchen even with the fan on high. Mesh filters are dishwasher-safe; baffle filters should be soaked in hot soapy water and rinsed thoroughly. Charcoal filters on recirculating models must be replaced, not cleaned — typically every 3–6 months depending on use.
Step 2: Test Each Fan Speed Setting
If the fan is dead on every speed setting, the fault is likely the speed selector switch or the electronic control module rather than the motor itself. Test each speed setting in sequence. If the fan works on some speeds but not others, the selector switch has a failed contact for the dead speed positions. The switch is located inside the range hood control panel, typically accessible by removing a few screws from the front or underside of the hood. On older Kenmore models with rotary or push-button speed switches, the switch is a straightforward replacement part available at searspartsdirect.com by model number.
Step 3: Diagnose the Blower Motor
If the fan does not run on any speed after verifying the switch is functional, the blower motor has failed. A motor that hums but does not spin has either a failed run capacitor (common on single-phase AC motors) or a seized bearing. A motor that is completely silent when the switch is in the on position has an open winding or has lost power due to a thermal overload — the thermal protector inside the motor housing trips if the motor overheats, often due to grease accumulation blocking the motor vents. Let the hood cool for 30 minutes and test again; if the motor starts briefly then cuts out, overheating is the cause and the motor needs replacement after the grease is removed.
Get an Accurate Quote
Our Kenmore range hood repair service covers blower motor replacement, switch replacement, and filter system service in a single visit. Repairs start from $120 for switch and filter work. The final cost will be confirmed after our technician completes an on-site diagnosis — no hidden fees and no surprises.