I pulled the trash compactor out from under the counter.
I took out the four screws that kept the top cover in place to expose the ram.
The gear shafts were turning but the ram would not lower, at first I though the ram drive bolts were stripped and it wouldn't engage the shaft. Then I realized there was a mechanical directional\limit switch at the top that controlled the power and direction the gear shafts were turning, this switch was broken.
Just had to take off the front plate that was held on by a number of screws and replace the switch that was held on by two more screws. It had five wires attached to it, the new switch was clearly labeled as to which color wire went where.
Pulled out compactor drawer and removed same, slid the compactor cabinet out and unpluged the appliance. Removed the two phillips head screws to release the control panel. lossened the locking nut from switch. matched the switches to be sure parts were the same,switched the wires to the new switch and reinstalled.replaced phillips screws, all Done !!!
Pulled the Compactor from underneath cabinet, unplugged power. Removed the top plate off compactor to expose the crush piston. Removed the front control panel by removing two phillips screws, wiring and directional (limit) switch is now exposed. Removed the two screws securing switch, removed wiring one wire at a time and replaced on new switch in same position. Replaced switch in same manner as removed, and followed reverse of above to re-assemble. Plugged back in and tested, problem resolved works like new. Only took possibly 30" to repair and saved an expensive service call.
