The function of the directional switch on your trash compactor is to ensure the ram lowers to compress your trash, then returns to the top position. If your trash compactor does not complete this task...
I pulled the trash compactor out from under the counter.
I took out the four screws that kept the top cover in place to expose the ram.
The gear shafts were turning but the ram would not lower, at first I though the ram drive bolts were stripped and it wouldn't engage the shaft. Then I realized there was a mechanical
... Read more directional\limit switch at the top that controlled the power and direction the gear shafts were turning, this switch was broken.
Just had to take off the front plate that was held on by a number of screws and replace the switch that was held on by two more screws. It had five wires attached to it, the new switch was clearly labeled as to which color wire went where.
Pulled the Compactor from underneath cabinet, unplugged power. Removed the top plate off compactor to expose the crush piston. Removed the front control panel by removing two phillips screws, wiring and directional (limit) switch is now exposed. Removed the two screws securing switch, removed wiring one wire at a time and replaced on new
... Read moreswitch in same position. Replaced switch in same manner as removed, and followed reverse of above to re-assemble. Plugged back in and tested, problem resolved works like new. Only took possibly 30" to repair and saved an expensive service call.
Original key part number was 776586 as found underneath the the rim of the broken key. It's known as a compactor key, or a key-knob, but in layman's terms, I would call it the "off-on-start" knob. The replacement part number was 386676, and fits perfectly. The original key had become old and brittle, and eventually just broke a
... Read morepart. This was a 30+ year old Whirlpool Trash Compactor key. I just picked out the bits of the old broken key with needle-nose pliers and then easily inserted the new key into the opening. Note, this literally works just like a key you would insert into any lock. It doesn't require pushing to "snap" into place, but once inserted and turned to the "ON" position, locks into place. No forcing is required at all. The new key looks exactly like the original and is working very smoothly.