GE
Decoupled Impeller Plate / Internal Mechanical Failure
Garbage disposal motor spins but impellers do not move food (impeller plate appears loose)
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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
Broken drive coupling between motor and impeller plate, Stripped internal shaft, Severe corrosion of mounting hub
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power before inspecting inside the disposal.
- Step 1 – Observe operation: With water running and a flashlight (from a safe distance), briefly turn on the disposal and see if the impeller plate rotates. If the motor sound is normal but the plate does not move, the internal coupling has failed.
- Step 2 – Manual test: With power OFF, try to rotate the impeller plate by hand (using a wooden tool). If it spins freely without resistance, it is no longer connected to the motor shaft.
- Step 3 – Replace unit: Internal mechanical couplings are not serviceable on GE disposals. Replace the disposal with a new unit.
Warning: Do not continue to run a disposal with a free-spinning impeller plate; it will not grind and may overheat.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Complete GE Disposal Unit
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