How to Repair a Trash Compactor That Will Not Stay On

If your trash compactor will not complete its compacting cycle, the issue may be with the top limit/directional switch. This switch has two functions: to determine the direction of the motor and ram, and to stop the motor when the ram reaches the top of its travel. If the top limit switch is defective, the compactor may start its cycle but not be able to keep running. To troubleshoot this issue, first disconnect power to the unit, and remove it from the cabinets. Take off the mounting brackets and the top panel of the unit. Check the switch actuating lever to make sure it is coming in contact with the ram as it moves. Take the ram out of the unit, taking care not to disturb the switch lever as it can be fragile. Disconnect the wires and check the terminals, most likely marked C and NC, for continuity with a multi-meter. When the switch is in the resting position, there should be continuity between the terminals. The switch will need to be replaced if there is no continuity. It is a good idea to consult the electrical schematic for your trash compactor to ensure you have checked the correct terminals.

If your trash compactor won’t keep running for the whole cycle, unless in dense or extra pack mode, the issue may be a defective cycle selector switch assembly. The switch is likely a pushbutton or rocker type switch and will be located on the control panel. To troubleshoot the cycle selector switch, first disconnect power to the unit, and remove the compactor from your cabinet. Consult the electrical schematic for your model to find out which electrical terminals on the switch to test for continuity using a multi-meter. You will be testing the terminals that relate to the normal compaction cycle. Disconnect the wires from the correct terminals and check for continuity. There should be continuity when the switch is set to the normal cycle. If there is none, replace the selector switch.

If your trash compactor will not complete a normal cycle, but doesn’t stay running during the dense or extra pack mode, the issue may be the drive motor. Compactors that have these extra cycle types can experience a failure of the centrifugal switch on the motor. Troubleshooting this part is difficult because it needs to be running to determine if it is functional, and testing the compactor while it is on is dangerous. Use process of elimination to rule out the other parts that can cause this symptom, and replace the drive motor if those parts are working. To repair your trash compactor, first shut off power to the unit and remove it from the cabinets. Place the compactor on its side, remove the bottom panel and the motor mounting plate bolts, in order to access and loosen the drive chain. Next take out the chain, drive gear, and motor gear. Take off the motor cover and disconnect the wire harness connector and wires from their terminals. Take off the motor mounting bolts and remove the motor from its frame before installing the new one.