The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Trash compactor buttons not working are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
Some trash compactor models use a door switch to monitor the drawer position. If the door switch is not working properly the start button will not work. You can test the door switch with a multimeter.
If the compactor buttons won't work, there may be trash buildup, or something may have fallen behind the drawer. When this happens, the drawer may not close enough to activate the door switch. Pull out the drawer and make sure there is nothing prohibiting the drawer from closing all the way.
A pushbutton switch can control different functions, depending on the model. You can check the switch with a multimeter using the wiring diagram as a reference. If the pushbutton switch is not functioning, or it tests bad with a multimeter, it will need to be replaced.
The selector switch controls different functions depending on the model. The selector switch can be checked with a multimeter, using the wiring diagram as a reference. If the selector switch is not functioning, or checks bad with a multimeter, it will need to be replaced.
