April 19, 2023

Trash compactor symptoms

Find out what to do when your trash compactor won't start, the ram goes up and down continuously or the motor runs but the ram won't move. Our symptom and troubleshooting advice can help you resolve any trash compactor problem. Key your trash compactor model number in the model finder at the top of the page to find replacement parts. Order the parts you need, then use our DIY trash compactor repair guides to help you install parts and get back to crunching trash.

trash compactor

Symptoms common to all trash compactors

Choose a symptom to see related trash compactor repairs.

April 19, 2023

Main causes: broken drive gear and sprocket chain, stripped power nuts, faulty top limit and directional switch…

April 19, 2023

Main causes: stuck foot pedal, bad momentary start switch, power switch failure…

April 19, 2023
April 19, 2023

Main causes: bent drawer support rollers, damaged trash container…

April 19, 2023

Main causes: stripped or broken power nuts, broken or disconnected drive gear and sprocket chain, damaged drive parts…

April 19, 2023

Main cause: faulty drawer tilt switch …

January 10, 2024

Main causes: lack of power, faulty drawer safety switch, bad power switch, momentary start switch failure, bad drive mot…

Most common repair guides to help fix your trash compactors

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your trash compactor.

How to replace a trash compactor power switch

How to replace a trash compactor power switch

If the trash compactor won’t power up, use the steps in this repair guide to replace the power switch.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a trash compactor momentary start switch

How to replace a trash compactor momentary start switch

The momentary start switch starts the motor when you lift the foot pedal. This repair guide shows how to replace the swi…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a trash compactor motor centrifugal switch

How to replace a trash compactor motor centrifugal switch

If the trash compactor ram won’t return to the top position, replace the motor centrifugal switch by following the instr…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your trash compactors

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your trash compactor.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

Troubleshooting a stuck trash compactor drawer

Troubleshooting a stuck trash compactor drawer

Learn what to check if you are having problems with the drawer sticking on your trash compactor.…

How to load a trash compactor

How to load a trash compactor

Learn the proper way to place your trash in your trash compactor.…