Troubleshooting your Gibson trash compactor when it won't start
Lack of power, a failed drawer safety switch, bad power switch, faulty momentary start switch, failed top limit and directional switch, bad motor centrifugal switch, failed drive motor or a wiring failure will prevent the trash compactor from starting.
Check the electrical power supply for the compactor first. Check the house circuit breaker for the trash compactor's outlet and reset the circuit breaker if it's tripped.
If the breaker isn't tripped, pull the trash compactor out of the cabinet and plug a small lamp or appliance into the trash compactor's electrical outlet to check for power. If the electrical outlet is dead, have an electrician repair the outlet.
If the outlet has power, check the condition of the power cord and replace it if it's damaged.
If the power cord is okay, use a multimeter to check for continuity through the power switch with the power switch turned on. Replace the power switch if the meter measures infinite resistance through the power switch with the switch turned on.
If the power switch is okay, check for continuity through the momentary start switch with the switch plunger extended outward. The momentary start switch sends current to the motor when you close the drawer and the foot pedal assembly releases the lever that holds the plunger. Replace the momentary start switch if the switch measures infinite resistance.
Tips for getting your Gibson trash compactor drawer open when it's stuck shut
Bent support rollers or a damaged trash container can bind up the drawer when opening.
Open the drawer and check the support rollers at the bottom of the trash compactor. If the support rollers don't hold the drawer high enough and the back of the drawer binds up when opening, bend the support rollers up slightly so the drawer slides out easily. Replace the support rollers if they're damaged.
Check the drawer bottom because the drawer won't open smoothly if the bottom is bent or warped. Replace the drawer if its bottom is bowed or warped.
