KIRD801VSS wont go down

[Dave in TN]

Kitchenaid downdraft vent (KIRD801VSS) has been operating without problems.  Raised vent, shut off blower and removed filters for cleaning.  Button may have been pushed while raised.  Replaced filters and pushed button.  Instead of going down, vent went up about 1/2 inch and stopped.  Now will not respond to button and blower wont turn on using slide switch. Held in both contact switches for filters and tried pushing button again without results.  Any help would be much appreciated.

[Star]

Hi Dave,

l have exactly the same problem with my vent hood. How did you solve yours? Thanks for the reply.

Star

[homegroans@gmail.com]

Hey Guys!

Same downdraft issues here. Some suggestion:

1. Don't force the downdraft either up or down! You may break the elevator screw. (Like I did!)

2. Check the fuse located behind the cover in the bottom right corner of the unit. To remove the cover, shut off the circuit breaker, remove one screw and gently pull the bottom forward to release two tabs at the top corners. The fuse holder is that black circle at the bottom of the rear cover, turn it CCW 1/4 turn to pop out the fuse. The 800mA250v slow blow fuse was difficult for me to find in any local stores but Amazon has them far cheaper than any appliance repair site. After replacing the fuse and trying the ON/OFF button, the motor may come back to life but still not move the fan up or down and the motor will turn off after a few seconds. AGAIN, DON'T FORCE THE FAN UP OR DOWN.

3. The unit may be binding for some reason and it will be necessary to remove it from the counter and remove the back cover to trouble shoot. Depending on your installation you will need to remove the fan box. Google KAC 53 to download the Technical Education Manual for the KIRD801VSS-1 and follow the instructions to remove the back cover. Then try turning the elevator screw by hand.

I am still hoping to find that elevator screw somewhere. Just don't break yours.

[homegroans@gmail.com]

I wasn't able to find this replacement part anywhere and I wasn't able to find anyone who could accomplish such a detailed design with 3D printing.

 

So I ended up buying a whole new unit and now have lots of spare parts...

 

Cheers!