Kirby Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

If the brushroll is sticking, it will cause too much friction and put too much strain on the belt. Remove the brushroll and clean all hair, string, and lint from the brushroll bearings. If the vacuum cleaner brush still doesn`t spin after you clean the brushroll, consider replacing the brushroll.
The brush roll or its bearings may be clogged with hair, threads or dirt. Make sure they are clean and the roll spins. The belt may also have slipped because it was loose. Check the fit of the new belt when it is installed.
Kirby vacuum cleaners are made of die cast aluminum where most other vacuums are made of plastic. This makes the Kirby vacuum more durable than other model on the market. This is why the average lifespan of a Kirby is over 30 years.
The Dyson vs. Kirby vacuum cleaners debate can be complicated, as these brands are so different. If it comes down to price or size, Dyson will probably get the upper hand — but for all other vacuuming considerations, Kirby is the way to go.
Kirby vacuum prices are higher than many vacuums found at big-box stores, but that`s because Kirby vacuums are made of durable materials that will last for years. Why replace an inexpensive vacuum over and over again when you can purchase a Kirby vacuum? This complete home cleaning system that will last for a lifetime.
If your LED flickers a lot like on the third animation you MUST change your belt immediately. If you can barely see the green LED or is permanently off change your belt immediately and book your machine for service.
Jim Kirby created the first Kirby vacuum cleaner in 1906, and ever since, The Kirby Company has continuously improved its American-made, hand-crafted Kirby Home Cleaning System design to ensure best-in-class performance.
Dealers are located in over 50 countries. Kirby`s products can be sold via in-home door-to-door demonstrations and the company is a member of the Direct Selling Association, or their website can take orders and ship directly. All of the vacuum cleaners are built in either Ohio or Texas.
Unlock the Handle Tilt Latch Lever before pulling backwards. Failure to follow this notice could result in damage to the floor. For carrying: Move the Handle Tilt Latch Lever away from the bag to lock the base in place when the unit is lifted off the floor.
The suction motor creates vacuum pressure and suction by rotating a motor fan. The impeller rotates at an incredibly high speed of about 30,000 to 35,000 RPM. A suction motor`s power is measured by multiplying the rate of air flow and the vacuum pressure, which induces air flow from the brush through the hose.
Check for a plugged hose:

Plugged vacuum hoses are sometimes the reason for a loss in suction. Hoses can get clogged with hair, dust bunnies, string, or anything else that can`t pass through the other end of the hose. Airways inside the machine should be looked at as well. Wherever there is an air passage, check it.

If all you hear from the vacuum unit is a click at the when you try to start the vacuum motor from inside the house, then the motor in the unit is dead and has to be replaced. A strong odor from the shellac, which coats the copper coil windings, is an indicator that the motor is about to or has burnt out.
Check the Rotator Brush and Wheels

Sometimes pieces of string or other objects get wrapped around your vacuum`s rotating brush or around the wheels of the vacuum. Unplug your vacuum. Turn it over and have a look at the wheels and brush. If you see any pieces of string or objects lodged there, remove them.

Some vacuums have an in-line thermal fuse (often located between the switch lead and the motor coil). If the fuse is blown it will need to be replaced. – Check your home circuit breaker – it may have tripped. – Some vacuums have a brushroll on/off control.
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on. Please note: In normal use, the Brush bar automatically turns off when the machine is upright and automatically turns on when the machine is in the vacuuming position.
To add any Dyson attachment to your hose, simply slide the opening over the end of the wand. Rotate the attachment as needed to adhere it to the end of the wand. You will not hear a click or anything since the attachment relies on the tension between the 2 openings to stay in place.
Upholstered Surfaces

Use the upholstery attachment on mattresses and fabric surfaces. Work in a horizontal or vertical motion from top to bottom. Use the crevice tool in the tight corners and seams. Use the dust brush on leather furniture to reduce any risk of scratching.

For more than 100 years, every Kirby has been handcrafted in the United States from die-cast aluminum.
Upholstered Surfaces

Use the upholstery attachment on mattresses and fabric surfaces. Work in a horizontal or vertical motion from top to bottom. Use the crevice tool in the tight corners and seams. Use the dust brush on leather furniture to reduce any risk of scratching.

To add any Dyson attachment to your hose, simply slide the opening over the end of the wand. Rotate the attachment as needed to adhere it to the end of the wand. You will not hear a click or anything since the attachment relies on the tension between the 2 openings to stay in place.
To add any Dyson attachment to your hose, simply slide the opening over the end of the wand. Rotate the attachment as needed to adhere it to the end of the wand. You will not hear a click or anything since the attachment relies on the tension between the 2 openings to stay in place.
Upholstered Surfaces

Use the upholstery attachment on mattresses and fabric surfaces. Work in a horizontal or vertical motion from top to bottom. Use the crevice tool in the tight corners and seams. Use the dust brush on leather furniture to reduce any risk of scratching.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Electrolux Epic 6500SR Full Bag sensor working, Does not Reset properly
ANSWER : The problem was a sticking switch that was not being reset. The vacuum on/off switch mechanism is comprised of two switches. One is the main switch that turns the vacuum on and off. The second is a shut off switch that gets tripped when the full bag sensor is engaged. This second switch is supposed to get reset when you push the on/off switch on the outside of the machine. The full bag shutoff switch was stiff and it, therefore, was taking a couple of presses of the on/off switch to move the shutoff switch back into the running position.

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Kirby Vacuum Hi Bruce, In my opinion, yes the Kirby would be worth it, as long as you are not replacing the motor. The switch would be the most expensive part besides the motor that would need to be replaced. The switch costs USD 49.99, the cord is roughly $39.99, and the carbon brushes are $29.99. I can easily walk you through any of these repairs should you need help. Kirby’s are great vacuum cleaners, that usually last 30+ years. Brand new these machines sell in the US for $1600 or more,
ANSWER : You can get better prices from Goodvac.com

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I purchased a brand new Eureka Pet vacuum, sorry don’t know exact name but it the one that has the self cleaning duster on it. Last night I used the vacuum on my carpet, it was working fine until I accidently sucked up the corner of a scarf that was hanging off a couch. I shut the vacuum off, pulled out the scarf and and resumed vacuuming. Much to my dismay the suction on the vacuum had ceased. Can you tell me if there is a reset button on the vacuum? The vacuum does not appear to be damage
ANSWER : If the motor is running, there should be suction. Possible problems depend on whether it’s a canister or upright and are:
.A clog in the hose, UR or canister. Detach hose. Drop small coin in one end and lift hose causing it to roll out the other. If it does, no clog in hose. Drop same coin into hose opening on power head. If it rolls out, no clog in PN.
.Broken fan blades, UR. Needs to be taken to shop for repair/replacement.
.
.A reset button is for use if the motor isn’t running, so won’t have anything to do with the suction.

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Dirt devil vacuum cleaner–trouble vacuuming dirt and pet hair on carpeting –is the problem with the spinning brush which contacts the floor,  not contacting the carpeting??  I thought (when I bought this vacuum) that the aforementioned brush was adjustable to various heights of carpeting.  Sometimes, it seems like nothing is being vacuumed up –unless I have just put a new bag on the vacuum… Do I need or can I replace the spinning brush on the bottom of the vacuum so it kicks up and vacuums
ANSWER : Try replacing the belt. Rubber belts stretch out after about a year.

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I have a Kirby G4 Vacuum Cleaner – MOdel G4 D. I have never had any problems or repairs done to it in the past ten plus years that I’ve had it. This is an upright vacuum. I was vacuuming the carpet floor and was not having any trouble at all. I switched the vacuum off and moved it into a different room. When I tried to turn on the vacuum, it would not turn on. I checked with different outlets, used both front attachment and hose attachment. Checked the front part of the motor/ spiral case. This
ANSWER : Hello,
.My educated guess is that it’s either the switch or the power cord. Here are a couple of guides to help with diagnosis and repair…
.
.http://reviews.ebay.com/COMMON-PROBLEMS-WITH-THE-KIRBY-VACUUM-TROUBLESHOOTING_W0QQugidZ10000000003800312
.
.http://reviews.ebay.com/REPLACING-THE-POWER-SWITCH-ON-ANY-KIRBY-G-SERIES-VACUUM_W0QQugidZ10000000003752018
.
.Hope this helps!!
.Marci

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I had the vacuum cleaner question about the canister and the wand/powerhead… the Kenmore Progressive Vacuum canister model 116.25812 and the canister not powering off without unplugging the vacuum. The solution I received that they both run on their own switch so it is normal makes sense. However, is there a power switch on the canister anywhere? The only way for the canister to be turned off is by unplugging it. Any ideas? One would think there would be a switch. I am new to fixya and hope
ANSWER : Hi. On some models, one switch controls all of the power. Your issue, which is no working switch is almost certainly a blown triac on the circuit board in the canister – kenmore part number KC86WBZRZ000

Looks like a common fault with this particular model judging by the number of complaints on the web.
.
.Take it to your local vacuum repair shop and they should be able to fix it for a nominal fee.

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Unbeknownst to me, someone took the bag out of my Kenmore Progressive vacuum and failed to replace it. I have been vacuuming without a bag for months, and today the vacuum stopped sucking. When I opened up the front to replace the bag, tons of dirt and dust came pouring out. I thoroughly cleaned the vacuum, put in a new bag, but still no sucking power. Just dust coming from the rear vents where one of the filters is. Is the vacuum ruined, or is it a simple solution of buying a new filter?
ANSWER : Sounds like you need to buy a new motor. All that grit and dust will ruin a motor and I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did.
.This is where a vacuum that won’t run without a bag would have been nice. (Aerus for one)

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The original belt on my upright Kenmore Progressive broke and I replaced it with the spare that was in the vacuum. The vacuum and spare belt are about 10 years old. Then the spare broke after one vacuuming session and there was a burning smell coming from the vacuum. I ordered new belts and replaced it with the new belt. It seems to be working fine with no smell. I checked the belt after I vacuumed the family room and although it was in tact, the belt was very hot. Is that normal? Should t
ANSWER : The belt heats up due to the friction, as well as being in contact with the shaft of a hot motor. It is normal.

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