Kenmore 23612 Progressive PowerMate Bagged Canister Vacuum

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

Check service panel for tripped breakers/blown fuses. If breaker is tripped, reset it. If fuse is blown, replace it. If vacuum cleaner is plugged in, be sure power button is in the off position before resetting breaker/changing fuse.
A canister vacuum consists of a wheeled body that is attached to a vacuum wand and power head via a flexible plastic hose. The canister portion of the vacuum contains the main motor, filter, and any dust bags; depending on the model, the power head may also contain a smaller motor.
Canister vacuums separate the motor and dirt container from the handle and (power) head. A hose connects the handle and head to a canister which houses the motor and dirt container. The choice of canister vs. upright vacuums depends heavily upon your usage, personal preference, and budget.
Check For Clogs or Blocks In The Vacuum

Check the hoses, the filters, and throughout the vacuum, and clean out any blockages or clogs. Vacuums will likely also have a recommended cooldown time to ensure that the vacuum won`t overheat. You will need to wait for that time before you turn the vacuum back on.

Vacuum Cleaner: Why doesn`t my vacuum cleaner`s brush roll spin? A broken drive belt, damaged brush roll, jammed brush roll bearings, tripped brush roll motor overload, failed brush roll motor or a wiring failure in the wand or nozzle can prevent the brush roll from spinning.
The better the filtration, the fewer allergens escape back into your home. Bagged vacuums often have HEPA-rated bags, replaceable exhaust filters or both. Bagless canisters usually have permanent, washable filters, some with HEPA ratings.
Also called the vacuum cleaner wand, it`s the pole that connects the vacuum machine to the nozzle. It`s what makes cleaning corners and hard-to-reach areas possible.
Neglect your vacuum filter bags, and you`ll swiftly lose suction power. This, in turn, places unnecessary strain on your vacuum`s motor. Eventually, your vacuum will become a lot more difficult to maneuver, not to mention less effective at cleaning your rugs, carpeting, or other surfaces.
The average life expectancy of a mid-range vacuum cleaner is about six years. You can fix or replace things like blocked filters, jammed brush rolls, frayed hoses, worn-out stick vac batteries and broken accessories yourself.
The most common cause of loss of suction is that the filters have become blocked. They may require cleaning or replacing. Another cause could be that the vacuum cleaner hose is blocked.
The most common problems found in vacuum cleaners are low suction force, excessive noise, burning smell, vacuum not turn on, and overheating. These issues can be fixed by either cleaning the device or replacing some parts of the device. At times, it is best to seek a professional to fix the cleaner effectively.
If your vacuum cleaner keeps turning off, this could be due to the following reasons: Blockages – check the hose and head for any obstructions. Filter – always check your filters, if these are clogged this could be causing the vacuum cleaner to work harder and lose suction power.
Why is the vacuum is blowing dusty air out of the back? Simple: the bag or canister is full and the vacuum has nowhere to store the dust it is collecting. Empty the canister or bag. If that doesn`t fix it, the vacuum filter needs to be cleaned or changed.
A bagged vacuum cleaner works in the traditional way of using a replaceable bag as a filter to trap the dirt while allowing air to flow through the bag. Bags must be replaced when they are full. Bagless vacuum cleaners use filters to trap dirt and debris in a dirt cup or chamber that can then be emptied.
“You don`t need a HEPA filter to stop dust mite, and pollen particles, as they are relatively huge. Any good vacuum cleaner should stop cat hair and dander.” Animal hair will be picked up by conventional vacuums, even without a HEPA filter.
Canister vacuums have flexible hoses and longer cleaning wands to help staff easily reach under furniture. Wheels help staff move the vacuum from space to space easily and efficiently.
Compact and lightweight, stick vacuums are great for a quick cleaning, but they don`t match the deep-cleaning prowess of upright or canister vacuums.
32mm is the most common size used for vacuum cleaners, ducted vacuum cleaners and backpack vacuum cleaners. However some less common sizes are 35mm, 36mm or 38mm. The best way to find out what size will fit your vacuum cleaner is to measure the INTERNAL diameter of one of your old vacuum cleaner tools.
Suction Power

This is an indication of how good the vacuum cleaner is to clean – i.e. the work to be done. The suction power is measured in Watt (W) and is typically between 250 W and 450 W for machines with 1 motor.

The most common problem with a vacuum cleaner is also the easiest to remedy: clogs in the hose or attachments. Also the electrical cord, motor, switch, fan, brushes, and motor bearings can all need repair or replacement. The drive belt may need replacing; and the attachments, hoses, and filters may need unclogging.
One of the easiest ways to increase vacuum cleaner suction is to empty the dust bag or container. Dust containers need to have enough space for airflow, otherwise, they could get clogged and have less suction power. Regularly check your dust compartment and empty or change it when it`s already 70-80% full.
Over time and extended use, a very fine layer of particles will start to line the inside of a vacuum bag, remaining in place even after the bag is emptied. This means that the bag will lose the proper airflow required to let the incoming air escape. As the airflow is restricted, the suction dies down too.
Not All Vacuum Bags Are the Same

A good rule of thumb is to use the highest quality vacuum cleaner bags you can afford. You can find virtually any bag, even discontinued models, online if they are not available locally. The fundamental principle is always to use the bag recommended by the factory for your vacuum model.

There are varying degrees of quality and value when it comes to vacuums; if you paid a lot for the appliance, repairs are likely worth it, but we recommend that you don`t spend more than half of the original price for any repairs.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

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.

I own a Eureka Optima 437 and one of the rear wheels are broken and cannot find parts for this. Where can I find parts for real wheel?
I have a rear wheel that came off too. The wheel seems fine, but the plastic base that the wheel clicks onto on the underside of the vac seems to have cracked. I need a new plastic bottom. Any ideas?
ANSWER : Called Eureka Customer Service and ordered another part. They are mailing it to me free of charge!

No more problem.

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.

When we turn on the vacuum, the canister falls open. The clips holding the canister in place do not seem to hold the canister tightly which I’m sure that it did in the past. The clips do not look bent, but every time we turn on the vacuum the intense pressure blows the canister open only remaining attached the the rest of the vacuum by one clip
ANSWER : Check filter and make sure it is kept clean at regular intervals. Possibly worn out clip retainers on cannister side due to excessive pressure build up. Do not force closure unless pressure is back to normal. May crack cannister or damage unit beyond repair.

Sears canister vacuum rear wheel won’t stay on
ANSWER : 1) test the power cord for open, defective, or break use the VOM
2) test the fuse for open, loose wire use the VOM
3( tes the motor, for open, short, or defective, need repair.
4)test the switch, for open, or loose wires, or short.
see how to do it.
God bless you

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.

Hoover Uh30010com the hose on the canister does not stay lock (it keeps poping out). I heard great reviews on this vacuum but I am so dispointed with the canister I am ready to return it to the store, I think it is a waste of money if you can’t use the canister… I cannot believe I did not find reviews on the canister.
ANSWER : You can take it back. they will return it they know this happens all the time. If you like canistar vacs you should get a tristar. they are the best! call me for more info 866-635-9254 John

Won’t start. My son was using the vacuum & Didn’t change the bag. The vacuum was making the full bag smell, but the light was’t on & it didn’t stop. I stopped him, changed the bag, checked the filter, closed the compartments & turned on the vacuum. Nothing happened. I checked to be sure that it was plugged in, that wasn’t the problem. I’ve let the vacuum “rest” for several days, It still won’t start. Any suggestions?
ANSWER : There is a reset button at the back of the powerhead. The user manual can be downloaded from the electrolux website, although I didn’t find it very useful. There was some info on how to change the powerhead drive belt.