Kenmore Trash compactor Parts — Browse All Models

How to fix your Kenmore trash compactor when the motor runs but the ram doesn't move

The ram won't move if the power nuts don't grip the drive screw grooves or if the drive gear and sprocket chain is broken or disconnected from the sprockets.

1. Open the drawer and remove the trash container if it's still in the drawer.
2. Pull the trash compactor out of the cabinet and unplug the power cord so you can examine components and find the cause of the failure.
3. Remove the drawer and the top trash compactor cover.
4. Lay the compactor down and remove the bottom cover.
5. Check for a broken or disconnected chain. Replace the chain if it's broken.
6. If the chain is intact but disconnected, check the drive gear and sprockets for damage. Replace any stripped or damaged drive parts.
7. If the chain, drive gear and sprockets are all okay, manually spin the power screws to see if power nuts grip the drive screw grooves. If the power nuts grip the drive screws, the power nuts and ram will move when you manually spin the power screws. If the power nuts and ram won't move when you manually spin the power screws, replace the nuts because they are stripped or broken.
8. Reassemble the trash compactor after finding and fixing the cause of the ram drive failure. Plug the compactor in and reinstall it in the cabinet.

How to fix your Kenmore trash compactor when its ram won't go down

A faulty drawer tilt switch will prevent the ram from going down more than an inch or two. If the motor starts and the ram moves down slightly then reverses and move back to its top position and the drawer is fully closed, check for continuity through the drawer tilt switch. The drawer tilt switch should only reverse the drawer if it detects that the drawer popped open during trash compaction. Using a multimeter, check for continuity through the drawer tilt switch with its plunger pushed in. If the meter measures continuity, replace the drawer tilt switch because it's reversing the ram even though the drawer is fully shut.

Sears PartsDirect has the Kenmore compactor parts you need to fix any compactor failure

If the door isn't closing, find the Kenmore trash compactor front panel parts you need to fix the problem at Sears PartsDirect. If the motor isn't running, we have mechanical and electrical parts to fit your Kenmore compactor. Look up the parts you need for your Kenmore trash compactor using our convenient exploded parts drawings. Order the Kenmore trash compactor parts you need and get your appliance fixed fast.