Trash Compactor: Why does my trash compactor run constantly with its ram in the up position?
A broken top limit and directional switch typically causes the motor to run constantly after the ram reaches its upper travel limit. Because the motor doesn't shut off, you'll typically hear a banging or hammering noise as the motor continues to run with the ram fully lifted.
Pull the trash compactor out of the cabinet and unplug the power cord. Remove the top panel and replace the top limit and directional switch. Reassemble the trash compactor, plug in the power cord and reinstall the trash compactor in the cabinet.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TRASH COMPACTOR PROBLEM
Replace the trash compactor top limit and directional switch
The top limit and directional switch stops the drive motor when the ram reaches its top travel limit. This switch also controls supply current going to the motor start windings to turn the motor clockwise to lower the ram and counter clockwise to lift the ram. Replace the top limit and directional switch if you hear rapid tamping when the ram returns to the top and the motor continues to run. You may also need to replace the top limit and directional switch if the motor won't start or the motor won't reverse directions when the reaches its bottom travel limit.
Trash compactor top limit and directional switch
Most common symptoms to help you fix your trash compactors
Choose a symptom to see related trash compactor repairs.
Main cause: faulty drawer tilt switch …
Main causes: lack of power, faulty drawer safety switch, bad power switch, momentary start switch failure, bad drive mot…
Main causes: bent drawer support rollers, damaged trash container…
Main cause: broken top limit and directional switch…
Main causes: stuck foot pedal, bad momentary start switch, power switch failure…
Main causes: stripped or broken power nuts, broken or disconnected drive gear and sprocket chain, damaged drive parts…
Main causes: broken drive gear and sprocket chain, stripped power nuts, faulty top limit and directional switch…
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 motor centrifugal switch
If the trash compactor ram won’t return to the top position, replace the motor centrifugal switch by following the instr…
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…
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.…
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.
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…