KUCC151LSS0 KitchenAid Trash Compactor - Instructions

I had replaced the actuator lever several times before and was very happy to see that they finally fixed an obvious design flaw. The installation of the modification kit is fairly involved and does require removing the compactor and partially disassembling it. However, the instructions provided are very clear and the job was completed with no complications. The fix they have devised looks like it will permanantly fix the issue. I'm very happy not to have to deal with the broken actuator issue ever again.

provide or encourage a 1/4" box wrench and a Phillips screw driver along with drill and appropriate drill bit. Tape to hold in place template before drilling...critically helpfull

I removed the unit from under the kitchen counter by first pulling the trash drawer all the way out and lifting it out of the track and setting it out on the floor. I then slowly pulled the compacting unit out and unplugged the cord from the electrical outlet. With the entire unit out in the floor I took a nut driver and removed the screws from the top plate and the screws from both sides at the bottom of the front housing. This allowed access to the directional switch. Two screws on the right side of the switch have to be removed to remove the switch along with two holding plates on the left side of the switch. The switch can then be accesses for removal. Several wires are attached to the switch and should be removed one at a time and installed to the identical identical location on the new switch. The new switch can then be installed by aligning the holes and reinstalling the holding plates. When this is done the front frame and top plate can be replaced with the nut screws. Plug back into the electrical outlet and see if it works. In this case it did exactly what it was doing before I started. So either I did not reinstall the directional switch properly or I am in the one percent rather than the 99 percent that should successfully solve the problem as suggested in the trouble shooting guide. I will now recheck the installation of the directional switch nd then check the bottom of the unit to see if the gears or chain drive are broken .

After removing the compactor from under the counter, and unplugging it, I did the disassembly. The replacement parts were easy to install. Two holes had to be drilled to mount the switch, but that was not difficult. Overall, the instructions were easy to follow and the parts all fit.

Went well but took time. Instructions adequate but not detailed.

followed the instruction sheet. Instructions should be expanded to tell novice more about each step. Instructions should point out that the old switch is not easy to remove, and may break during removal. Instructions should point out importance of noting which of the two switch wires are connected to which temminal on the new switch. Instructions should warn installer that the metal console and compactor frame are very sharp and can cut hands and fingers-use gloves during switch removal and re-installation. Instructions should note that drill size should be larger. I used 7/64", and still needed to enlarge hole for screws to insert. Instructions need to emphasize that the new actuator pedal assembly screws supplied have a very small phillips head slot. If the hole drilled is not large enough, there is a possibility of stripping the screw slot.

take 2 screws out on top cover with key switch. remove two screw holding directional switch. remove wires, one at a time, and place on the new switch. put new switch in place with two screws. put front cover on with two screws and test. works like a charm.

took longer to pull it out and put it backunder the counter then to pull the panel take the chane gear & drive gear off and put it back together

easy ... got the new bag holder and replaced old one. the impressive part of the process is how easy it was to get the part info from partselect website. could have spun my wheels a lot without that.

Looking at the information I found online it was either one of 2 things the directional switch was bad, or the drive gear was broken. I replaced the directional switch 1st since that was the easiest and that did not solve my problem. I put it all back together and thought about it for a little while. After a couple of days. It occurred to me that I could see the ramrod's spinning as the plunger goes down, then when the plunger reached as far as it would go. The ramrod's would stop spinning. I reasoned that the problem had to be somewhere between the motor and those rods when I opened up the bottom of the trash compactor, Iran the cycle again and I could see that the drive gear was still spinning, but the chains to the ramrod's were not spinning. Once I saw that I realized that the sprocket that was attached to the drive gear had broken. The sprocket is metal and the drive gear is plastic and they fit together perfectly, but through age or stress. The plastic have become rounded and no longer fit perfect on that nut when you applied a good deal of pressure. I didn't have the tool that I needed to replace the small drive year. I think you need some kind of a punch to get that pin out. So I left that one in place loosened the nuts that hold the motor in place to create some slack in the chain chain came off the new drive gear one on. I tightened the motor back up in the correct position is reassembled everything and it's working perfect again.

Compactor ram was stuck in the down position after hearing a loud bang during a compacting cycle. Removed outer compactor casing to determine cause, only to find gear housing underneath the compactor that contained drive chain and gear assembly. Primary gear had split neatly in half. Determined the appropriate part needed with partselect part finder (of course, an entire kit, and not just the gear), had part shipped and had compactor repaired in three days. The actual repair and reassembly of the compactor took less than a half-hour. Consisted of removing chain tension from gear hub by loosening four sheet metal screws holding motor assembly, removing circlip and old gear hub from chain and shaft, replacing gear hub with new part, lubricating the gear mechanism, and reinstalling in reverse order.

Replaced the limit switch. This did not alter the problem. Took off the On/Off/Start switch and dissasembled. I found the the Start switch was stuck in the on position. I reassembled the switch mechanism assuring that the Red "ON" indicator moldings were correctly positioned and reassembled everything. The Compactor now works properly. Need to add "Check the Start switch" to diagnosis.

Many of you with the KitchenAid trash compactor now that there's a faulty Actuator part the continues to break, and most likely have replaced this several times. I was glad to see that KitchenAid finally redesigned a part hoping to solve this problem. Overall, installing the new part went well. The new part does require you to pull out your compactor from the cabinet so you have access. After removing the top and front panels, you'll replace the switch and then install the new pedal that activates the switch, needing to drill a couple holes to secure it. Other than that, it's very simple. Only advice is to read the instructions a couple times to get yourself familiar with what needs to be done...then you'll have a much easier time and feel more confident before you start.

Took out old gears replaced with new very easy with your dirictions.

I attempted to fix the problems many time because of what I thought was a high cost. Your online reviews convinced me that it was well worth the cost. The instructions were very good and anyone who can read, use a screw drive, should be able to accomplish this job. It could be intimidating, but you can do it. And you will be glad. Follow the directions and you will have no problems.