Kelvinator Trash compactor Parts — Browse All Models

Troubleshooting your Kelvinator trash compactor when it won't start

Lack of power, a failed drawer safety switch, bad power switch, faulty momentary start switch, failed top limit and directional switch, bad motor centrifugal switch, failed drive motor or a wiring failure will prevent the trash compactor from starting.

Check the electrical power supply for the compactor first. Check the house circuit breaker for the trash compactor's outlet and reset the circuit breaker if it's tripped.

If the breaker isn't tripped, pull the trash compactor out of the cabinet and plug a small lamp or appliance into the trash compactor's electrical outlet to check for power. If the electrical outlet is dead, have an electrician repair the outlet.

If the outlet has power, check the condition of the power cord and replace it if it's damaged.

If the power cord is okay, use a multimeter to check for continuity through the power switch with the power switch turned on. Replace the power switch if the meter measures infinite resistance through the power switch with the switch turned on.

If the power switch is okay, check for continuity through the momentary start switch with the switch plunger extended outward. The momentary start switch sends current to the motor when you close the drawer and the foot pedal assembly releases the lever that holds the plunger. Replace the momentary start switch if the switch measures infinite resistance.

Troubleshooting tips for your Kelvinator trash compactor when the 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.