Thanks, asolo,
Yep, you are right, dead silence.

I used the crank--no jam. Unfortunately the unit is hard wired, so I can't try the extension cord (great idea though). I see the wiring goes into a box which also seems to have the dishwasher wired into. The dishwasher works. I think tomorrow I will stop and get a new wall switch; hopefully that is the culprit.

but will disposers just suddenly die like that without warning?

Absolutely, yes....if they don't get power!

What you described sounds as if no power.

Typical connection situation is cord from the disposal plugged into outlet under the sink. I mistakenly assumed that's what you had.

Back to original advice.....by some means, get actual power to the unit. It is unusual for such units to just quit. Strongly suspect power interruption.

Power connection to the unit is a pretty simple thing. Maybe just disconnect it from existing source and temporarily wire in a regular cord and plug to check it out. If you take the right cover off, its just a bunch of wire-nuts in there. You'll figure it out in no time.

Maybe a wire connection came loose due to vibration. Might want to drop the unit, lay it on it's side, and open the plate on the bottom to check the connections inside.

It was the wall switch!
Longest part of the job was figuring out exactly which circuit breaker--2 outlets, 2 switches, and 3 appliances along that wall = 4 differenct circuit breakers. Plus another one for the rest of the kitchen.

Thanks for your help--you saved me a buncha money.

Raee

Good on ya! Thanks for coming back with the outcome.

Use a switch better than a $0.49 one for an induction motor load like a GD.

The contacts are not very good in the bargain basement switches.