KUCS02FRPA1 KitchenAid Trash Compactor - Instructions

The metal actuator had broken off on my trash compactor. It is held by 2 screws. It was easy to remove the 2 screws to replace the actuator. It was somewhat obvious which way it attached to the frame in order for the actuator to hit the white bush button switch located on the lower right of the compactor.

the bearing were the perfect match and instructions helpful. sysem is rolling smoothly

Many of you with the KitchenAid trash compactor now that there's a faulty Actuator part the continues to break, and most likely have replaced this several times. I was glad to see that KitchenAid finally redesigned a part hoping to solve this problem. Overall, installing the new part went well. The new part does require you to pull out your compactor from the cabinet so you have access. After removing the top and front panels, you'll replace the switch and then install the new pedal that activates the switch, needing to drill a couple holes to secure it. Other than that, it's very simple. Only advice is to read the instructions a couple times to get yourself familiar with what needs to be done...then you'll have a much easier time and feel more confident before you start.

Took out old gears replaced with new very easy with your dirictions.

I installed the new bracket, however not the new switch that came with the kit as the old switch was fine. The one key which threw me for several hours is, you must replace the switch, located in the compactor. The new switch is normally open when compressed, the old switch is closed when compressed.

Follow the included instructions carefully (read it all through first) and this was a quick and simple fix if you are reasonably handy with a screwdriver and drill. It took me about 45 mins. You have to pull the unit out from under the countertop and then remove a series of small screws in order to get behind the front panel. Putting in the new actuator switch was a little cumbersome simply because there are other wires you have to work around but it's still very straightforward. After you reinstall the front panel, you attach a new foot activated button that presses down on the new actuator switch. You have to drill 2 small holes in the front panel sheet metal to attach this new button but a perfectly sized paper template is provided and it worked great. Last easy step is to replace the rubber door sweep so that the new button can be accessed with your toe. In effect, the compactor is now operated by pressing your toe against the new button on the lower right side below the door. It is a nice improvement over the old method of lifting up on the lever that you normally step on to open the door. Easy to install.

To repair the o.e.m. actuator lever, Whirlpool supplies a redesigned actuator switch. It requires dis-assembly of the front panel which takes time since you must first remove the trash compactor from the cabinetry. Once the front panel is off and you've removed the old switch, installing the new switch requires drilling two holes. Do not use the recommended drill bit -use an oversize bit to match the core diameter of the new screws. The new switch works brilliantly if done right. It just takes time.

replaced the large gear and put it back together.

It was an updated revision part kit...and it went so smooth ....recommend that anyone looking to repair appliances utilize PartSelect....I know I will be ...Thank You

The instructions were pretty straight forward. I did not expect to receive the foot pedal and switch as mine was still ok. However, I find that everything works with less effort than before. I did have to trim the new toe guard as it hit the actuator button when opening and closing the compactor.

Same problem as described previously on this site. Pulled unit out and replaced the gear as described. Thanks for the info - would have been tough with out it.

Very simple, changed the gear, adjusted the drive and tested. Very straight forward.

The instructions that came with the swtich were very helpful. I would have had a more difficult time if I did not have the instructions.

Pull unit from under counter (Held in place with 2 screws) Use nut driver to remove top and front panel. (I didn't remove the control panel from the front panel which probably made access more difficult) Locate the directional switch near the top of the unit and remove two screws, being careful not to lose a small metal plate into which the screws thread (similar to a Tinneman nut). I moved the wires one at a time from the old switch to the new as I am color blind and have trouble with wire colors. Fit the new switch in place, being sure the switch lever is positioned against the metal tab that operates it. Screw the switch in place and then reassemble the compactor.

This is the third time that I have had to repair the actuator on this unit. The first two times I did it, it was a really simple fix-two screws and done. And it was inexpensive. However, obviously this fix didn't last because the piece of spring metal kept breaking. Fortunately, Kitchen Aid redesigned the actuator to use a new pedal mechanism and a different type of switch. This new actuator seems much beefier and I expect it will last for the life of the unit. The bad news is it is a pretty complex fix. Disconnect power, slide unit out, remove the top, remove the front panel, remove the switch and the old actuator, drill two new holes in the front panel and install the actuator, reinstall the panels and the new kick plate, slide the unit back in, level the unit and attach it to other cabinets, reconnect power. It was about as hard to do this part install as it is to install a new compactor. If you can install a compactor, you can install this part.