The function of the directional switch on your trash compactor is to ensure the ram lowers to compress your trash, then returns to the top position. If your trash compactor does not complete this task, will not stop at the end of the compacting cycle, or is noisy during operation, you may need to replace the directional switch. Be sure to disconnect your trash compactor from the power source before completing this repair. This is a fairly easy repair. After you open the control panel of the compactor, all you will need to do is unplug the old switch from the electrical wires, and plug the new switch in.
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Troubleshooting
This part fixes the following symptoms:
Doesn’t stop at end of compacting cycle | Noisy | Compactor ram gets stuck | Won’t start
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Sorry, we couldn't find any existing reviews that matched. Try using some different or simpler keywords.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Doug H - 27 days ago
Verified Purchase
Easy repair, great part - worked as expected.
Part was not marked as shown, but I took a picture before I removed the old one so installation was fine. Unit works as it should so the appliance is back in service.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Sandra H - October 13, 2022
Verified Purchase
Great part
The part was just what we needed.
★★★★★
★★★★★
William D - February 22, 2022
Verified Purchase
Saved Lots of Money
I replaced my trash compacter Directional Switch and the Plastic Drive Gears. Initially I ordered the replacement Plastic Drive Gears, but the more I read your customer comments the more I realized it was the Directional Switch that caused the gears to fail. Replaced both successfully within an hour. All parts and installation information came from your website. Big thanks to you all.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Alexander M - September 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
Easy repair with second part
The first part was defective and you replaced immediately without question which resulted in a perfect repair. Good service and the best is you stand behind your parts.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Jeffrey M - May 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
Easy install . Great company to buy from
Item came quickly and in great condition. In stalled part, but isn't working as designed. Need to look further into the issue
★★★★★
★★★★★
Gail Z - February 18, 2020
Verified Purchase
It didn't fix the problem
My compactor would run but wouldn't shut off at the top and there would be a hammering noise. I put the new part in and it didn't fix the problem. Not sure what it is at this point. I'm just using it and shutting it off when it gets back to the top.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Sherry G - July 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
Worked great
Easy installation, worked great
★★★★★
★★★★★
Jerry K - June 24, 2019
Verified Purchase
easy repair
part came fast , was easy and quick to repair
★★★★★
★★★★★
James F - March 27, 2019
Verified Purchase
worked great easy to install. great co to do business with..
worked great easy to install. great co to do business with..
★★★★★
★★★★★
Norman M - March 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
Easy replacing parts/ challenging to slide compactor out
Part came quickly. Replaced easily...hardest part was sliding compactor out from under granite counter top. Compactor still did not work, thus ordered an on/off control panel switch. On/off switch arrived quickly and after replacing switch the compactor now works! I also learned that if one slides the longer end of a metal square under the compactor it allows one to slide the compactor up over the wood flooring and from under a tight fitting counter top.
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Customer Repair Stories
Average Repair Rating: 4.0 / 5.0, 12 reviews.
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Sorry, we couldn't find any existing installation instruction that matched.
ON RETURNING WOULD NOT STOP RUNNING
REMOVE COMPACTOR DRAWER REMOVE SCREWS ON FACE PLATE REMOVE SCREW NUTS ON PART (SOCKET) SAVE HOLDING PLATE WITH SCREW NUTS TAKE PICTURE OF WIRE CONECTIONS (IN CASE OF POOR RECALL USE PLYERS TO PULL CONECTOR OFF OLD SWITCH REVERS INSTALL TOTAL 25 MINUTES
Robert from DELAWARE, OH
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
30 - 60 mins
Tools:
Screw drivers, Socket set
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Compactor won't stop
Remove the compactor drawer. Remove the front cover from the controls. TAKE A PHOTO OF THE WIRING TO THE EXISTING SWITCH! Remove the screw from the side of the switch and pull the switch out from the machine. You have to look very carefully at the switch to see the color labels on each prong of the switch. Attach gray wire to top prong (
... Read moreGR), red wire to middle prong (R) and so forth. Compare your work to the photo you took. Replace the switch, front plate and drawer. IT WORKS. YAY. Warning, my husband is dyslexic and attached the wires in reverse order and the compactor did not run at all. So, be sure you match wire to label.
Put the parts in and reinstalled it back in it place
John from ALICE, TX
Difficulty Level:
Very Easy
Total Repair Time:
30 - 60 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver, Wrench (Adjustable)
2 of 2 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Compactor motor kept running after cycle ran, making alot of noise and unit jumping around.
Pulled the Compactor from underneath cabinet, unplugged power. Removed the top plate off compactor to expose the crush piston. Removed the front control panel by removing two phillips screws, wiring and directional (limit) switch is now exposed. Removed the two screws securing switch, removed wiring one wire at a time and replaced on new
... Read moreswitch in same position. Replaced switch in same manner as removed, and followed reverse of above to re-assemble. Plugged back in and tested, problem resolved works like new. Only took possibly 30" to repair and saved an expensive service call.
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Keith from Keller, TX
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Screw drivers, Socket set
33 of 41 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Directional switch on a Jenn Aire trash compactor
Removed two screws on the front panel cover and lifted off the cover , removed two small screws on the switch bracket, you need a short nut driver, removed the spade clipped wires from the old switch and replaced them on the new part and thats all there was to it.
Danny from Spring Branch, TX
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
Less than 15 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver, Pliers
5 of 7 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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compactor wouldn't shut off
changed out the switch and that fixed the problem
Ray from Dallas, GA
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Total Repair Time:
Less than 15 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver
3 of 4 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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The compactor would only stop and reverse direction if you turned the switch off and on again
I slid the compactor out of the cabinet space it sits in and unplugged it. I removed the two screws that hold the control plate on and it then lifts up and off to reveal the screws that hold the top down. Then I removed the two screws that hold the top of the unit on and removed the top. I then put the switch plate back on and plugged the
... Read more unit back in and ran it so I could see it operate from above. It went all the way down compacting the drawer but kept running and did not reverse and come back up. I figured it was the directional switch and ordered that. The plastic power nuts that the unit rides up and down on looked worn so for $10 each I ordered a pair of them also. The parts arrived in 3 days. I decided to install the power nuts first. When I removed the metal casing that holds them I saw that wings on the plastic power nuts that hold them in place in the metal casing were all broken off. I installed the new power nuts then plugged it back in and ran it. It cycled perfectly. luckily I had not opened the directional switch and I was able to return it to Partselect for a refund. In total I had to remove and reinstall 4 very short screws and 4 small bolts. While I had it out and apart I also cleaned out quite a bit of old trash that had escaped to unseen parts of the compactor. It is 26 years old and working fine. I don't think they make them like they used to. Thank You Partselect for a great experience
I broke the directional switch trying to replace the power nuts..duh huh... ordered a new switch, took off the front panel ( 4 screws) replaced the switch (2 bolts) be careful not to lose the small threaded plate used instead of nuts to secure the switch.. and now it works like new again....partselect is a great resource for the diyer
William from Wilmington, NC
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver, Screw drivers
4 of 4 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Wouldn't come back up after compacting
replaced switch and fixed the problem. Still had one more problem after that though, but got that figured out and fixed that to.
mark from st george, UT
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver
5 of 7 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Questions and Answers
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23 questions answered by our experts.
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Robert
August 3, 2017
I have the directional switch, but can't tell how to hook up the wiring. Can you explain. There are three connections on one end of the switch and two on the other end. Please help if you can.Robert
For model number TU8750XXP0
Hi Robert,
Thank you for the question, The new switch is labeled to the color wire that needs to be connected to what connector. GY=Grey,R=Red,V=Violet,Y=Yellow and O=Orange.
Hope this helps!
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Bret
August 2, 2018
When I press the start button the motor engages, but only pulsates up and down only an inch or two, cycles about a half dozen times then shuts off. I'm thinking would the directional switch need to be replaced? Thanks!
For model number GX900QPPT2
Hello Bret, Thank you for the question. I would agree and say the Directional Switch is defective and should be replaced. Good luck with the repair!
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Ed
October 5, 2017
Kenmore trash compactor. Intermittent problem. The unit will not come out of "super pac" mode. When you try to switch back to normal, the red light stays on and the unit does nothing. Only after cycling the switch several times, along with cycling the rotary switch, will the red light go off and the unit comes off super pac so it can be opened. Bad switch/switches? If so, are they available for this older model?
For model number 665.13605790
Hi Ed, Thank you for the question. I suggest starting with the Rotary Switch Kit,PartSelect Number PS382679.This switch tells the motor when to stop and start.When defective the motor can run continuously. Hope this helps!
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Roger
April 15, 2019
When i hit the start switch the compactor will compress but i have to hit start again to get it to come back up. Is part number ps11744742 the one i need or is there another part that i need?
For model number KFCP021RWH0
Hello Roger, Thank you for contacting us. I have researched the model you have provided and have found the part you are looking for is PartSelect Number: PS11744742. Thank you for your inquiry, good luck with this repair!
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Linda
June 3, 2019
The foot switch only intermittently works. It is also very noisy when it does work. Which switch should i order.
For model number KUCS03FTSS0
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your question. The switch you need is the off-switch actuator. The part number listed under your model number for the off-switch actuator is PS3489806. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
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Charles
December 10, 2019
The compactor only runs if you hold the start button down. After it goes down and comes up it makes a funny noise at the top as it it is going to far or hitting something. Do you think this is a problem with the directional switch? Or something else?
For model number TC8700XBPO
Hello Charles, thank you for your question. It sounds like an issue with the directional switch Directional Switch Part Number: WP777811 and the On/Off/Start Switch Part Number: W10856868. We would recommend replacing both of those parts. I hope this helps!
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Brooks Ware
February 25, 2019
The switch will not move down to the “solid pack” position. What do i need?
For model number Kucc150s1
Hello Brooks, Thank you for your inquiry. Checking the model number unfortunately we do not have this symptom listed, for more specialized assistance or to speak with someone about this, I would suggest calling the manufacturer of the appliance directly. Hope this helps!
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JOANN
July 30, 2018
I purchased the directional switch. Does the top of that curved bar on it go above or below the plate that extends from crusher?
For model number GX900QPPB2
Hello Joann, Thank you for the question. The bar would go below the plate. Hope this helps!
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Charlie
April 5, 2019
My KitchenAid compactor solid pack cycle stopped working. Could it be the directional switch? Thanks.
For model number kucs02frpa1
Hi Charlie,
Thank you for your question. If the compactor stopped working, there are some parts that you will need to check to see which one is causing the issue. You will need to check the off-switch actuator, the drive gear kit, the directional switch and the safety switch. I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
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Tod
November 12, 2019
The trash compactor ram goes down , but will not stop and makes a loud noise.If i turn the comp-actor off and then back on, the ram will go back to the top.
i replaced the directional switch and the motor, but this did not fix this issue.
originally the compactor would not stop running when the ram got to the top. its not doing that anymore.
For model number GX900QPPS6
Hello Tod, thank you for your question. The other parts that cause this issue are the drive kit, Drive Gear Kit Part Number: 882699, and the Selector Off Switch Part Number: WP9871824. We would recommend replacing those parts. I hope this helps.
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