How to Replace a Range Hood Fan Motor

How to Replace a Range Hood Fan Motor

A range hood fan motor can be replaced without replacing the entire hood in most cases. The motor is typically accessible by removing the filters and the fan assembly cover inside the hood. Before starting, confirm the replacement motor matches the original in voltage, wattage, and shaft size — most residential range hood motors are 120V single-phase. This is a job that involves working with line voltage wiring inside the hood housing, so confirm the circuit is de-energized before touching any wires.

Replacement Steps

• Turn off the circuit breaker for the range hood and verify with a non-contact voltage tester at the hood’s power leads
• Remove the grease filters to access the fan assembly — most filters pull out or have a latch
• Remove the fan wheel (impeller) from the motor shaft — it is usually held by a set screw or friction fit
• Disconnect the motor wires, noting or photographing the connections before removal
• Unbolt the motor from the housing bracket and install the replacement motor in reverse order
• Reconnect wires matching the original connections — typically black to black, white to white, green or bare to the hood chassis ground

When to Call an Electrician

If the range hood wiring is older and shows signs of heat damage, discolouration, or brittle insulation, the wiring inside the hood should be inspected before reinstalling the motor. If the range hood is hardwired (no plug) and the junction box or wiring inside the wall needs to be accessed, that work requires an ESA permit and a Licensed Electrical Contractor. EZSMART handles range hood circuit work, dedicated circuit installation, and appliance wiring across Ontario.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp