Maytag Trash compactor Parts — Browse All Models

Top Maytag trash compactor replacement parts

• Drive chain. The drive motor rotates the chain, which rotates the power screws to move the ram up and down to compact the trash inside the drawer.
• Motor centrifugal switch. The motor centrifugal switch reverses the direction in which the motor rotates to change between upward and downward motion.
• Ram. The ram is above the compactor drawer and is attached to the power screws. The ram compacts the trash inside the drawer.
• Drive motor. The drive motor spins the sprocket that moves the chain to drive the ram.

Troubleshooting your Maytag 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.