GE
Stalled Motor with Overload Trip
Garbage disposal makes a loud humming noise and then shuts off by itself
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Severe jam in grinding chamber, Motor rotor unable to start under load, Low supply voltage causing stall, Failing start winding or capacitor (on some GE models)
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF the switch and breaker before attempting to clear a jam.
- Step 1 – Allow overload to cool: Wait 5–10 minutes for the internal thermal overload to reset or press the external red reset button if equipped.
- Step 2 – Manually free the rotor: Insert the GE jam wrench or 1/4" Allen key into the bottom hex socket and work it back and forth until the impeller plate rotates freely through a full circle.
- Step 3 – Clear chamber from above: With power OFF, remove any visible obstructions using tongs. Confirm that the impeller lugs swing freely.
- Step 4 – Test with no load: Restore power, run water, and briefly turn on the disposal with no food. If it still hums and trips, the motor start circuit is likely defective and the disposal should be replaced.
Warning: Repeated humming and tripping can overheat wiring and damage the motor; do not keep resetting without resolving the cause.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Complete GE Disposal Unit
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