Our fairly new Kitchenaid trash compactor seems to compact, then the ram returns to the top. The motor continues to run and then after 20 seconds or so starts loud thumping or banging. The drawer can be opened and it shuts off. When the door is closed, the thumping or loud banging continues. The only way to stop it is to switch it off. What is the issue and how do I repair?

Mine is doing the same thing. It's been doing this occasionally for a couple of years, but I've always been able to fix it by turning it off then back on and cycling. Now that doesn't fix it. I'm thinking something is stuck up next to the ram??? Help!!!

UPDATE: FIXED IT!! I READ A POST ELSEWHERE THAT SAID THE LOWER SWITCH CAN GET STUCK "ON". HE SAID TO JIGGLE IT. MINE WAS NOT STUCK IN THE DEPRESSED POSITION, BUT I JIGGLED IT AND IT FIXED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS THE LOWER PLUNGER SWITCH THAT IS DEPRESSED WHEN YOU LIFT UP ON THE FOOT LEVER.

See my update in my earlier post. I fixed my problem by simply jiggling the on/off plunger switch down in the lower right corner of the unit. For now it's working. if it starts doing it again and the jiggle won't fix it, then I'll have to order a new switch.