Whirlpool Trash compactor will not stop: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Trash Compactor Drive Motor
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The electric drive motor that powers the compacting ram contains a centrifugal switch. When the compactor starts, current flows through this switch which then opens allowing the ram to move downward to compact trash. If the centrifugal switch fails, it can get stuck open resulting in continuous ram motion up and down. Because the drive motor itself is complex to test, first check other more frequently faulty parts. If tests show no issues with other components, replace the drive motor as the likely cause of the problem.
How to Replace Trash Compactor Drive Motor:
-
Safety Precautions:
- Begin by unplugging the Whirlpool trash compactor from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.
- Empty the Compactor:
- Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and ensure it's completely empty.
- Access the Drive Motor:
- The drive motor is typically located at the bottom or rear of the compactor, connected to the compaction mechanism.
- Disconnect Wiring:
- Carefully unplug or disconnect the wires from the old drive motor, making sure you remember their connections.
- Remove the Old Drive Motor:
- The motor is often secured by mounting screws or bolts. Carefully detach it from these fasteners.
- Replace with a New Drive Motor:
- Position the new drive motor in the same location within the compactor, making sure it aligns with the attachment points.
- Secure the New Drive Motor:
- Reattach the mounting screws or bolts to secure the new drive motor in place. Make sure they are tightened properly.
- Reconnect Wiring:
- Reconnect the wires to the new drive motor, making sure you have the correct connections.
- Plug the Compactor Back In:
- Reconnect the Whirlpool trash compactor to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.
- Test the Drive Motor:
- Operate the Whirlpool trash compactor to confirm that the new drive motor functions correctly, allowing you to engage the compaction mechanism.
- Final Checks:
- Make sure that the Whirlpool trash compactor operates as intended with the new drive motor, allowing you to efficiently compact trash.
2Trash Compactor Directional Switch
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The electric motor that powers the compacting ram in a Whirlpool trash compactor will stop when the ram reaches the fully extended position at the top of the compactor. This is accomplished by a directional switch that cuts off electric current to the motor. A failed directional switch can result in the motor continuing to run after the ram has reached its maximum height. To check if the directional switch is faulty, use a multimeter to test for continuity through the switch contacts. If the test shows the contacts have shorted together, the directional switch will need replacement.
How to Replace Trash Compactor Directional Switch:
-
Safety Precautions:
- Begin by unplugging the Whirlpool trash compactor from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.
- Empty the Compactor:
- Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and ensure it's completely empty.
- Locate the Directional Switch:
- The directional switch is typically located on the control panel of the Whirlpool trash compactor.
- Remove the Control Panel:
- Depending on the compactor model, you may need to remove the control panel cover to access the directional switch. This often involves removing screws or clips.
- Identify the Directional Switch:
- Within the control panel, identify the specific directional switch that needs replacement.
- Disconnect Wiring:
- Carefully unplug or disconnect the wires from the old directional switch, making sure you remember their positions.
- Remove the Old Directional Switch:
- Typically, the directional switch is secured by mounting screws or clips. Carefully detach it from these fasteners.
- Replace with a New Directional Switch:
- Position the new directional switch in the same location within the control panel, making sure it's properly aligned.
- Secure the New Directional Switch:
- Reattach the mounting screws or clips to secure the new directional switch in place. make sure they are tight.
- Reassemble the Control Panel:
- Reattach the control panel cover by securing it with screws or clips.
- Plug the Compactor Back In:
- Reconnect the Whirlpool trash compactor to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.
- Test the Compactor Operation:
- Power on the compactor and use the directional switch to ensure that it functions correctly, changing the compactor's direction as intended.
- Final Checks:
- Confirm that the Whirlpool trash compactor operates as intended with the new directional switch, allowing for proper operation and direction changes.
3Trash Compactor Start Switch
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The start switch activates the electric motor to begin the trash compaction cycle by sending voltage to the motor. If the electrical contacts inside the start switch fail in a closed position, continuous voltage will be sent to the motor causing it to run nonstop. To check if the start switch is faulty, use a multimeter to test for continuity with the switch in the off position. If the multimeter shows continuity, meaning the switch contacts are stuck closed when they should be open, the start switch will need to be replaced to prevent the motor from running continuously.
How to Replace Trash Compactor Start Switch:
-
Safety Precautions:
- Begin by unplugging the Whirlpool trash compactor from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.
- Empty the Compactor:
- Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and ensure it's completely empty.
- Access the Control Panel:
- Depending on your Whirlpool trash compactor model, you may need to remove the control panel cover. This typically involves removing screws or clips.
- Locate the Start Switch:
- The start switch is usually found on the control panel of the Whirlpool trash compactor.
- Identify the Start Switch Attachment:
- Note how the start switch is attached to the control panel. It may be secured with screws, bolts, or clips.
- Disconnect Wires:
- Carefully unplug or disconnect the wires from the old start switch. Take note of their positions.
- Remove the Old Start Switch:
- Typically, the start switch is secured by mounting screws, bolts, or clips. Carefully detach it from these fasteners.
- Replace with a New Start Switch:
- Position the new start switch in the same location on the control panel, ensuring it's properly aligned with the attachment points.
- Secure the New Start Switch:
- Reattach the fastening mechanism (screws, bolts, or clips) to secure the new start switch in place. Ensure they are tight.
- Reassemble the Control Panel:
- Reattach the control panel cover by securing it with screws or clips.
- Plug the Compactor Back In:
- Reconnect the Whirlpool trash compactor to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.
- Test the Start Switch:
- Operate the new start switch to ensure that it functions correctly, allowing you to start and stop the compactor as intended.
- Final Checks:
- Confirm that the Whirlpool trash compactor operates as intended with the new start switch, providing you with control over its operation.
4Trash Compactor Gearbox
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
Some Whirlpool trash compactors utilize a gearbox to turn the chain that moves the compacting ram up and down. Worn-out gears inside the gearbox can result in the electric motor running without actual RAM movement. Inspect the gear teeth for signs of damage. If the inspection shows excessive wear, looseness or broken gears, replacement is needed. Depending on the specific model, replacement gears may only be available as part of a complete gear assembly.
How to Replace Trash Compactor Gearbox:
-
Safety Precautions:
- Unplug the Whirlpool trash compactor from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.
- Empty the Compactor:
- Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and ensure it's completely empty.
- Access the Gearbox:
- The gearbox is typically located at the bottom or rear of the compactor, connected to the compaction mechanism.
- Disconnect Wiring:
- Carefully unplug or disconnect the wires from the old gearbox, making a note of their positions.
- Remove the Old Gearbox:
- The gearbox is often secured by mounting screws or bolts. Carefully detach it from these fasteners.
- Replace with a New Gearbox:
- Position the new gearbox in the same location within the compactor assembly, ensuring it aligns with the attachment points.
- Secure the New Gearbox:
- Reattach the mounting screws or bolts to secure the new gearbox in place. Make sure they are tightened properly.
- Reconnect Wiring:
- Reconnect the wires to the new gearbox, making sure you have the correct connections.
- Plug the Compactor Back In:
- Reconnect the Whirlpool trash compactor to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.
- Test the Gearbox:
- Operate the Whirlpool trash compactor to confirm that the new gearbox functions correctly, allowing you to make sure the compaction mechanism.
- Final Checks:
- Make sure that the Whirlpool trash compactor operates as intended with the new gearbox, facilitating proper trash compaction.
5Trash Compactor Trunnion Nut
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The Whirlpool trash compactor trunnion nut helps raise and lower the compacting ram as it turns on the power screw. Regular lubrication of the trunnion nut and power screw is needed to keep the movement smooth. A worn-out or damaged trunnion nut can result in the electric motor running without actual ram motion. If inspection of the trunnion nut shows excessive wear or stripping, it will need replacement to restore proper functioning
How to Replace Trash Compactor Trunnion Nut:
-
Safety Precautions:
- Start by unplugging the Whirlpool trash compactor from the power source to ensure your safety during the replacement process.
- Empty the Compactor:
- Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and make sure it's completely empty.
- Access the Trunnion Nut:
- The trunnion nut is typically located at the bottom of the compactor, connecting the ram to the motor.
- Release the Compactor Drawer:
- Depending on your compactor model, you may need to release the drawer from the locked position to access the trunnion nut.
- Identify the Trunnion Nut:
- Locate the trunnion nut within the compactor, understanding its position in the assembly.
- Unfasten the Old Trunnion Nut:
- Using the appropriate tools, carefully unfasten the old trunnion nut from the compactor's assembly. This may involve bolts or screws.
- Replace with a New Trunnion Nut:
- Position the new trunnion nut in the same location within the compactor assembly, ensuring it aligns with the attachment points.
- Secure the New Trunnion Nut:
- Reattach the bolts or screws to secure the new trunnion nut in place. Tighten them properly.
- Reassemble the Compactor Drawer:
- Lock the compactor drawer back into place or follow your specific model's instructions for securing it.
- Plug the Compactor Back In:
- Reconnect the Whirlpool trash compactor to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.
- Test the Compactor Operation:
- Operate the Whirlpool trash compactor to confirm that the new trunnion nut functions correctly, allowing you to engage the compaction mechanism.
- Final Checks:
- Make sure that the Whirlpool trash compactor operates as intended with the new trunnion nut, facilitating proper compaction of trash.
6Trash Compactor Drive Gear
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The drive gear in a Whirlpool trash compactor turns the chain that raises and lowers the compacting ram. If the drive gear becomes excessively worn or loose on the motor shaft, the motor may run without actual ram motion. Inspect the drive gear teeth for damage and wear. Also, check that the gear is still securely attached to the motor shaft. If the inspection reveals issues with the drive gear's condition or fits on the shaft, repair or replacement will be needed to restore proper functioning between the motor and the compacting ram.
How to Replace Trash Compactor Drive Gear:
-
Safety Precautions:
- Begin by unplugging the Whirlpool trash compactor from the power source to ensure safety during the replacement process.
- Empty the Compactor:
- Remove any trash from the compactor drawer and ensure it's completely empty.
- Access the Gear Housing:
- Open the compactor drawer and locate the gear housing, which is typically near the bottom of the compactor.
- Identify the Drive Gear:
- Identify the specific drive gear that needs replacement within the gear housing.
- Remove the Old Drive Gear:
- Typically, the drive gear is held in place by clips, screws, or other fasteners. Carefully detach it from these securing mechanisms.
- Replace with a New Drive Gear:
- Position the new drive gear in the same location within the gear housing, making sure it's properly aligned with any gear teeth.
- Secure the New Drive Gear:
- Reattach the fasteners, whether clips or screws, to secure the new drive gear in place. Tighten them securely.
- Plug the Compactor Back In:
- Reconnect the Whirlpool trash compactor to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.
- Test the Compactor Operation:
- Power on the compactor and operate it to make sure that the new drive gear functions correctly, driving the compactor's compacting mechanism.
- Final Checks:
- Confirm that the Whirlpool trash compactor operates as intended with the new drive gear, enabling it to efficiently compact trash.