How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6011545 / WP777811 Directional Switch

After taking off the front panel to gain access to the upper limit switch i determined that the second stage of the switch was not working. Most likely the contacts were eroded since this compactor is 20 years old. i ordered the switch from AppliancePartsPros.com and had it replace in 15 minutes. The compactor now works like new... saved buying a new one. Hooray!!! 

After a thorough cleaning and inspection, hubby put in new directional switch and it works like a charm 

I REPLACED THE LIMITER SWITCH AND ON /OFF TURN SWITCH THIS HAS CURED THE PROBLEM,AS A TECH GUY CAME AND CHECKED POWER TO ALL THE SENSORS .THIS WAS A GREAT SAVINGS , COMPARED TO PURCHASING A NEW UNIT...…. 

When the problem started the compactor had to be manually held in the start position continually to compact and the come back to the start position. It deteriorated to the point that it would not compact at all. I ordered BOTH switches and replaced them in the electronic board. Now it works like new. 

I had a motor go bad on my Whirlpool GC900QPPQ and also broke the plastic gear that drives the compactor up and down. I ordered a new motor and gear set from Appliance Parts Pro. During the installation you have to remove the compactor to replace the plastic sleeves on the screw pins. When I reinstalled the compactor I did not take notice of the directional switch arm and ultimately snapped it off. I love Appliance Parts Pro and have bought from them to repair two other appliances in the house. It is even better that I get the parts the next day from their warehouse, even on Saturdays. 

With the help of AppliancePartsPros.com I removed it from under the counter, used the tech sheet that was sent, reviewed, and determined it was possible the direction switch had gone bad, I had to disassemble the top and lower panels, and face plate where the switch is. by removing the bottom panel I was able, to rotate the plunger back up to the top. I replaced the directional switch, put power back on, and the plunger that compacts everything worked fine, Without the help of AppliancePartsPros.com, it would have been a lot harder, They furnish videos on the switch replacement and also technical support on the phone 

The Directional Switch was malfunctioning. Removed the unit from under the counter. Remove the top attached with four 1/4” screws. On the front of the unit is the control panel. Remove the screws and let the control panel fall out exposing the Directional Switch that is attached with two screws. Removed the screws and the switch comes out. Simple replacement and it worked great. 

Followed the video...so easy! 

Installed a new Directional Switch. Easy to do! Access is through the front panel, no need to pull compactor out from under cabinets. Helps to have a small socket set (1/4 drive) with a small handle cause bolts holding switch are in a tight spot. 

Main shut off switch was broken. Bought replacement and had it fixed in less than 20 minutes.