Off-Switch Actuator Kit

Needed a replacement actuator for KitchenAid trash compactor model KUCS03FTSS0. The part that broke is a small metal flange held in place by two screws. PartSelect.com clearly shows this part in the online exploded view of Container Parts. When I received the replacement order in the mail, I was surprised that it was not what I thought I had ordered (a single replacement piece), but a new, *completely redesigned* actuator kit. For this model (and perhaps for other models) this new kit requires much more extensive work than just replacing two screws. Repair entailed removing the trash compactor from its installation position, removing the recess cover and machine front, disconnecting and removing the old actuator switch, drilling holes in the machine front, attaching the new actuator assembly, and disconnecting and reattaching the foot pedal. Not an overly burdensome or complicated repair, but I had been fooled by the expectation of it being a five-minute job! (Submitted on 7/2/2011 by Scott - Ventura, CA)

It was unbelievably easy!! I used a screw driver to remove two screws then replaced with the new activator. $15 total fix... As opposed to $150+ for a service call and repair!!! Woo hoo...

Removed compactor drawer. Replaced toe guard. Since compactor electrical plug in our case is behind the machine, I turned off the circuit breaker at the electrical panel rather removing the plug. Removed compactor front (stationary part) of the compactor. In order to get the front assembly off-must pull the compactor machine out of the installed space under the cabinet in order to remove the screws on the sides of the front assembly. In addition must remove the top cover also to free the front assembly. Removal of the old actuator switch is combersome since there are several wires attached to the front assembly. After replacing the actuator and reinstalling the front assembly. Used the template provided to drill holes 3/32 for the replacement spring-holes are undersized and had to open them up to get the screws to go in.(1/8 might have been a better option). The hole alignment was also not great would suggest that you drill one hole with the templete and insert one screw and drill the 2nd hole using the new part as the template. Re-install machine under cabinet and re-install drawer. Everything should work fine.

I removed the two screws that hold the actuator in place, put the new part in line with the screws and turned the screws to hold the part in place.
Took 5 minutes.

I received my Actuator Switch Kit 3 days after ordering. I opened the package and found more parts than I anticipated. I read the instructions and had to spend some time to understand them. I followed the instructions (a bit unusual for me) and the installation went without a hitch. The most difficult part was to basically uninstall the compactor from its cabinet location and remove the faceplate for access to the switch that needed to be replaced. Apparently the manufacturer understood there was a design flaw because the instructions said "...for trash compactor integrated switching redesign". Anyway putting it back together and back in the cabinet was very easy.

After less than about 100 uses a little metal piece broke off the compactor. The piece pushes in a plunger switch when the door closes and allows activation of compaction thus prevening compaction with the door open. Without the piece the compactor does not work. Repairman was at my house for another Kitchen Aid repair and said he could come back and fix the compactor for about $200 but suggested I search online for the part because it was super simple to install. Took his advice and am back in action. Simply had to screw two screws to attach the actuator device. Took less time than writing this commentary.
Cheers

Husband de-installed the unit and we laid it down on a blanket on the floor. By looking at the diagrams on line we figured out which part we needed. ORDER THIS PART because it is a part that was re-designed to solve the biggest problem with this unit...the foot bar that activates the plunger. In the old design, you had to push up the foot bar at bottom to crush and unlock. Once this redesigned part is installed which requires drilling through the sheet metal (don't worry, they give you a template but hubby did not have the right drill bit), there is a small switch on right of unit under foot pedal which you PUSH with foot NOT PULL UP! Makes the unit much better. Should have been designed like this from the beginning.

It was very easy. I unscrewed the broken acuator and screwed the new one on. It took less than 5 minutes. Much better than paying a repairman $150 for a service call. This part actually breaks often so I ordered 3 or the future.

Had to buy the entire switch kit when I only needed a small part. I was told the small part was no longer available

Ordered two replacements. Was shipped two redesigned parts (assemblies). Installation required more-or-less complete disassembly of garbage compactor. Unit is under-counter and is heavy and work is all at the bottom of unit. Requires drilling two new holes in metal. Instructions give wrong size drill for screws supplied. Supplied screws are robust stainless sheetmetal screws with tiny number one recessed Phillips heads - nearly impossible to drive through two layers of sheet metal with a little screwdriver. Most non-mechanics would have given up and called a repairman.

Reattach new actuator using 2 phillips. Very elementary. The difficulty was finding the actual replacement part. Partselect.com made it simple, and my wife now thinks I am a mechanical genius.

unscrew the broken one install the new one...works! Everybody was happy

The repair is quite simple. All you have to do is attach the new actuator using the screws provided. The only question that arose came from the actuator part being delivered with two rubber gromets that are not used in the repair.

straight blade screwdriver. easy as pie.

many thanks

repair was simple. just removed the two screws that were holding the rest of the switch actuator in place and installed the new one in it's place.