FIXED Insinkerator Magnetic Switch issues

[Byron123]

Model Number

CoverControl

Age

6-10 years

Hi;

I have an Insinkerator Cover Control Disposal - Batch feed. The issue is that for about a year the magnetic cover/stopper would intermittently stop working. The unit would click but no disposal action. I was told by a friend to ck the magnet switch by removing it and see if the stopper activated the unit...and it did. So I reinstalled the switch and all worked fine. The issue is: this has become almost a weekly issue. It will not work, I remove the switch, test it, it works, I reinstall and a few days later no luck. Not sure what to do at this point. Any suggestions?? BTW it ran for years with no issues.

Thanks Byron 123

 

[rickgburton]

You will need to replace that switch Byron.

 

[Byron123]

Thanks for the response.

I think u are correct that a new switch will help. But, the switch always works when I remove it and just place the magnetic stopper close by. Then it works for a while after re-install (BTW it is about 30sec to remove or install). Also, the switch is hardwired into the body of the disposal. Thus, there is a cable from the switch (about 8-10in) directly into the body of the unit. Last, I have not seen a replacement switch part that is available from any supplier. I would order a part if I could and just splice the wire in as the easiest repair.

I have considered opening the switch, but there are no obvious ways to open the plastic case - and I am pretty sure if I force it, that will be the end! Perhaps the easiest is to just replace the unit, but it works...just got this weird issue. I am a longtime fixer of every thing! This one has me stumped.

Your help is appreciated.

 

[rickgburton]

It’s the contacts in the switch that are sticking/failing.

 

[Byron123]

I was thinking that the contacts were the problem. In ages past, I did a lot of work with relay based logic systems and we often had to pull relays to clean the contacts....but usually they worked or not..rarely behaved intermittently. The intermittent nature of the switch is what suggested to me that it was something else. But I think you know better than me and I agree.

I did find the part from a supplier.

If I could impose to ask one more question? Does access to the wire connection for the switch require removal of the disposal to access the wiring?. I see a plastic insert (approx 10 x 5 in) on the disposal around where the pipes for the dishwasher and waste water are located. (see pic; ). This is where the wiring for the magnetic switch inserts. Does that plastic piece pop off?? If so its a relatively simple replacement that I can easily handle.

Again many thanks.

Byron

 

[rickgburton]

It will be a lot easier to remove the disposer first. That way you can maneuver it around.

 

[dwoodrow]

My parents are also having to replace the switch on the same model . My dad bought the OEM replacement part but we have absolutely no idea how to change it. Pulled it off and peeled back the rubber cover but we can see the swich run deep into the casing. Currently waiting on some instructions to come direct from Ininkerator. Does anyone have any experience swapping it out or is it going to be easier to simply cut the old switch off and wire the new switch into the old harness with barrel connectors and cover with heatshrink? Probably not "recommended", but seems like it might be a bit easier.

 

[rickgburton]

Whatever works, go for it.

 

[bob-in-concord]

Check your magnetic stopper. I am having similar problems -- the switch will activate only when the stopper is in one position. I inspected the magnetic stopper and compared it to one online and discovered that parts of the plastic ring on mine had broken off. I'm ordering a new one right now.

 

[bob-in-concord]

Check your magnetic stopper. I am having similar problems -- the switch will activate only when the stopper is in one position. I inspected the magnetic stopper and compared it to one online and discovered that parts of the plastic ring on mine had broken off. I'm ordering a new one right now.

10/3/2020 update. I called Insinkerator support, and they sent me a new magnetic stopper (free). Solved the problem. I'm attaching a photo showing the old and new stoppers. You can see that the old one (on the left) had several sections of the ring that had broken off over the years.

 

[Jake]

Sounds good Bob.

Thanks for the update!

Jake

 

[Bobthefixer]

@Byron123 what was the part number for the switch? I have a first gen pro cover control unit with a new magnetic stopper that is still not starting when I insert the stopper. I can feel the stopper magnet latching onto the other magnet (wherever it is) but it just keeps turning and the unit does not turn on. I was wondering if I should try changing the switch next. The unit itself runs fine.

 

[Pops087]

I have this problem and have played around with stopper replacement and reinstalling the switch as many have done, but the problem always comes back. What I recently have done was spray electric contact spray into the opening of the switch, let it dry and this seems to have solved the problem for now.

 

[Wayward]

Hi all these resources are fantastic for people not schooled in the art of maintaining appliances. I've got a Kenmore disposal unit here and when I rotate the plunger I can hear the magnetic switch clicking, this mean that the magnetic switch is no longer working or the contacts in the magnetic switch or not making contact to what the power to the unit? I read that people are buying getting replaced the plunger and or the magnetic switch . If I can hear clicking in the magnetic switch does that not mean it's working?