Digital Maxmatic disposal shows E05 and will not start; a faint click may be heard from the control module.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker and verify the unit is de-energized. Capacitors can hold a charge; do not touch terminals directly.
- Access the capacitor: On many Maxmatic models, the start capacitor is mounted in a small cylindrical housing on the side or bottom of the motor. Remove the cover to inspect it.
- Visual inspection: Look for bulging, leaking, or burned capacitor casing. If any of these are present, the capacitor must be replaced with an identical µF rating and voltage.
- Check connections: Ensure the capacitor spade terminals are firmly seated and not corroded. Reseat any loose connectors.
- Manual rotation test: With power off, rotate the impeller plate via the hex port. If it is stiff or locked, the motor may be seized, which can also trigger E05.
If replacing the capacitor does not clear E05, the control module or motor windings are likely defective and the disposal assembly usually needs replacement.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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