Do you remember the last time you were engrossed in some heavy-duty kitchen work, extraction fan humming away, when out of nowhere, the digital display flickered and went kaput? Yes, me too.
As a self-proclaimed DIY fanatic and seasoned repairman, I’ve been in your shoes one too many times. Fear not, we’ll spring that screen back to life faster than you can say, 'fetch me my toolkit!' Are you ready to bring out your inner ‘tech-surgeon’ to life? Then, get your tools out and let's get started!
Step 1: Fact-Finding Mission
First things first, stormy seas never made a skilled sailor. Arm yourself with a little knowledge, a pinch of patience, and you're halfway home. Before we don our gloves and surge into operation, we need to diagnose whether the issue lies with the display itself, or if it has deeper roots.
Start by checking the power supply. Is your ventilation hood receiving the proper voltage it requires?
Pro tip:
A multimeter is a handy tool in checking this. If volts are low, the issue could be with your power supply, not the display itself.Step 2: Uncloaking The Hood
If the power supply checks out, roll up those sleeves. It’s time to do some invasive surgery. Start by unplugging the hood and removing it. Most range hoods have a series of screws holding them in place. Loosen these, and voila! You have access to the inner workings of your hood.
Remember to be gentle. The last thing we want is to create a new problem in our quest to solve an existing one.
Step 3: Deciphering The Display
Now that we have the hood off and lying on a flat surface, it’s time to inspect the control panel. If the display is unresponsive or behaving erratically, check for signs of physical damage.
Moisture? Corrosion? Scorch marks? Yes. Unlikely as it sounds, these are common issues that I've encountered over the years. Food splatters and steam can sneak their way into places they have no business being.
Pro tip:
A gentle way of cleaning any corrosion or dirt is with a dab of vinegar on a soft cloth. For any stubborn debris, a soft scrub with a toothbrush should do!Step 4: Testing The Circuit Board
Wondering at the maze of lines and spots on the circuit board? You’re looking at the brain of your range hood. Check for damage on the circuit board - dark spots or lines, raised or burnt components.
If you’re unsure if the circuit board is faulty, a multimeter can be your best friend. Test the board for continuity. If you’re getting no resistance, congratulations, you’ve been Sherlock Holmes-ed into identifying the criminal. A faulty circuit board requires a replacement.
Step 5: Replacing The Digit Display/Circuit Board
Okay, let's talk about replacements. Truth is, replacing a digital display on a kitchen ventilation hood isn’t quite as complex as landing a spaceship on Mars. If you've identified the culprit to be either the display or the circuit board, ordering a replacement part is as easy as pie.
Most manufacturers offer replacement parts on their websites. If you can't find it there, there are several online marketplaces where these spares are readily available. Ensure the new part is compatible with your appliance model.
When your replacement arrives, fit it in reverse order of removal of the old one. Now give yourself a pat on the back, re-fix the hood and plug-in. Voila! You’ve done it!
Step 6: Celebrate Your Success
Congratulations, you fantastic DIY aficionado! You’ve just turned a potentially despairing situation into an empowering DIY experience. Whether it was just a little elbow grease cleansing or a full-on display replacement, take a moment to bask in your success. Don’t forget to tell us about your DIY experience; we’d love to hear all about it!
Got more kitchen appliance malfunctions? Stick around with us for more DIY tips from your favorite repairman.