How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP7012554 / WC21X20249 Return Switch

Honest and unbiased advice from your neighbors - see how easy it is to troubleshoot, repair, and replace Ge AP7012554 / WC21X20249 Return Switch!

Part Number: AP7012554 / WC21X20249

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Total Satisfaction Rating

4.6

5 star

76%

4 star

18%

3 star

2 star

1 star

Do-It-Yourself Rating

Average

30-60 minutes

What customers say

Customers replaced this switch on trash compactors that would not finish a cycle unless the foot pedal was held down. Other symptoms were a ram that would not return to the top, would not shut off, or would not compact on the way down. Both direction switches were replaced together by a few. A few also found damaged drive gears that needed replacing along with the switch.

Summary written by AI from customer repair stories

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Paul V Marysville , WA July 21, 2022

Appliance: Model UCG1600L0BB

The compactor would not return to starting position.

Motor drive gear cracked from edge to hub. Replaced. *Beware, the gear hub is a very tight fit onto the motor shaft. Even tapping with a rubber mallet 2 of the ridges on back of gear next to the hub broke off. Hindsight tells me a few swipes with an emery cloth would probably have helped. The gear hub is pretty meaty and I expect it’ll hold but I know what to replace.

Do-It-Yourself Rating:
Repair Time Estimate:: 30-60 minutes
Tools:: Screwdrivers, Socket Set

Edmund M Madison , MS January 18, 2021

Appliance: Model GE PROFILE

Trash compactor would not return to the up position.

Replaced both directional switches.

Do-It-Yourself Rating:
Repair Time Estimate:: 30-60 minutes
Tools:: Screwdrivers, Wrench Set

Ken H Ruston , LA January 10, 2019

Appliance: General Electric Trash Compactor GCG1580R0SS

Popping noise when running GE trash compactor due to broken drive gear and power screw bearing

Disassembled compactor to analyze drive components. Replaced motor drive gear, both power screw assemblies along with both nut power assemblies and direction switch. This was done after watching repair videos which were very helpful.