E17
Rangemaster Weak Start Torque / Capacitor Failure

Garbage disposal will not start unless the flywheel is manually turned first with a hex key.

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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

Failing start capacitor, partially seized motor bearings, low supply voltage, internal motor winding degradation

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect power before accessing any electrical components.

  • Check for mechanical drag: Use the base hex socket to rotate the impeller plate. It should move smoothly. Any stiffness suggests bearing or seal issues.
  • Inspect start capacitor: On models with an external capacitor housing, remove the cover and inspect the capacitor for bulging or leakage. Replace with a Rangemaster-specified capacitor of identical µF and voltage rating.
  • Verify supply voltage: Have an electrician confirm that the supply voltage at the disposal is within specification under load.
  • Persistent need for manual spin: If a new capacitor does not resolve the issue, the motor windings or bearings are likely failing. Replace the disposal to avoid sudden complete failure.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Start capacitor
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