KitchenAid Trash compactor drawer won't close: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The drawer glides open and shut easily thanks to the roller. If the roller gets damaged or breaks, the drawer might not fully close. To inspect, pull the drawer completely out and examine the rollers. If you notice the rollers are damaged or broken, they will need replacement so the drawer can once again open and close smoothly.

How to Replace Trash Compactor Roller:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Begin by unplugging the KitchenAid trash compactor from the power source to ensure your safety while working on the roller.
2. Empty the Compactor:
   • Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and ensure it's completely empty.
3. Access the Roller Assembly:
   • Open the compactor drawer and look for the roller assembly, which is typically located at the bottom.
4. Identify the Roller:
   • Identify the specific roller that needs replacement if there are multiple rollers in the assembly.
5. Remove the Old Roller:
   • Typically, the roller is held in place by a mounting bracket or clips. Carefully detach it from these fasteners, allowing the roller to come free.
6. Replace with a New Roller:
   • Position the new roller in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned with the mounting bracket or clips.
7. Secure the New Roller:
   • Fasten the new roller in place with the same mounting bracket or clips used with the old roller.
8. Test the Compactor Drawer:
   • Slide the compactor drawer in and out to make sure that the new roller rolls smoothly and supports the drawer's movement.
9. Plug the Compactor Back In:
   • Reconnect the compactor to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.
10. Test the Compactor Operation:
    • Power on the KitchenAid trash compactor and use it to compact trash. Make sure the new roller functions correctly and supports the drawer's movement.
11. Final Checks:
    • Confirm that the KitchenAid trash compactor operates as intended with the new roller, helping to smoothly move the compactor drawer.

Repair Instructions:

The compactor drawer utilizes rollers and rails to slide open and close. The drawer may struggle to fully close if the rollers or bearings aren't spinning freely or the rails are sticky from old grease buildup or bent. First, try cleaning and regreasing the slide rails to improve drawer opening and closing. If a rail is bent or damaged, replacement with a new rail is recommended for proper drawer function.

How to Replace Trash Compactor Drawer Slide Rail:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Begin by unplugging the KitchenAid trash compactor from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.
2. Empty the Compactor:
   • Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and ensure it's completely empty.
3. Access the Drawer Slide Rail:
   • The drawer slide rail is typically located on both sides of the compactor's frame, providing support for the drawer.
4. Identify the Mounting Points:
   • Examine the slide rail to identify how it is attached to the compactor's frame. Typically, it is secured with screws or bolts.
5. Remove the Old Slide Rail:
   • Carefully unscrew or unfasten the old slide rail from the compactor's frame on both sides. This might involve removing screws or bolts.
6. Replace with New Slide Rails:
   • Position the new slide rails on both sides of the compactor's frame, aligning them with the attachment points.
7. Secure the New Slide Rails:
   • Reattach the new slide rails to the compactor's frame using the appropriate screws or bolts. Ensure they are tightened securely.
8. Test the Drawer:
   • Slide the compactor drawer in and out to confirm that the new slide rails allow smooth and secure movement.
9. Plug the Compactor Back In:
   • Reconnect the KitchenAid trash compactor to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.
10. Final Checks:
    • Make sure that the KitchenAid trash compactor drawer moves smoothly with the new slide rails, facilitating efficient operation.

Repair Instructions:

Certain KitchenAid trash compactor models feature a door strike and catch to assist in keeping the door shut. If either the strike or catch becomes damaged, the broken part will need replacement so the door can properly stay closed.

How to Replace Trash Compactor Door Strike:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Start by unplugging the KitchenAid trash compactor from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.
2. Empty the Compactor:
   • Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and ensure it's completely empty.
3. Locate the Door Strike:
   • The door strike is typically found on the compactor's frame, and it's the component that the door latches onto.
4. Identify the Mounting Points:
   • Examine the door strike to identify how it is attached to the compactor's frame. It is often secured with screws or bolts.
5. Remove the Old Door Strike:
   • Carefully unscrew or unfasten the old door strike from the compactor's frame. Depending on your model, this might involve removing screws or bolts.
6. Replace with a New Door Strike:
   • Position the new door strike in the same location on the compactor's frame, aligning it with the attachment points.
7. Secure the New Door Strike:
   • Reattach the new door strike to the compactor's frame using the appropriate screws or bolts. Ensure they are tightened securely.
8. Plug the Compactor Back In:
   • Reconnect the KitchenAid trash compactor to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.
9. Test the Door Strike:
   • Operate the KitchenAid trash compactor to confirm that the new door strike functions correctly. It should latch the door securely.
10. Final Checks:
    • Make sure that the KitchenAid trash compactor door latches securely with the new door strike, facilitating efficient and safe operation.

Repair Instructions:

If the compactor drawer is unable to fully close, trash buildup or an object fallen behind the drawer could be preventing closure. To address, pull the drawer fully out and verify nothing is obstructing the drawer from closing completely.