Stopped running. Filter was clogged. Cleaned filter and changed bag, but still won’t start. Motor was warm when it stopped.

ANSWER : Hi There,

This sounds like the Thermal Switch in your motor tripped. All Riccar vacuum cleaners have a motor reset switch, that will shut the motor down when it gets hot. Usually it’s caused by a full bag, clog, or dirty filter.

Try resetting the thermal switch first. If this doesn’t work, you may have done some more serious damage to the motor, and it might be a good idea to take it into a local Riccar dealer in your area.

Here’s a step by step guide on how to check the reset switch on your Riccar 8850:

To reset the thermal fuse:
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1. Unplug the vacuum cleaner

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2. Check for problem – over–filled bag, clog in hose, clogged filters, etc.

Remove the vacuum bag, and see if you can visibly see any obstructions, or replace the bag if it’s full:

Also inspect the Secondary filter while you have the vacuum bag removed from the machine. If the filter is clogged or dirty, rinse under warm water, and air dry completely before reinstalling it into the vacuum. It’s best to wash this filter every 30 days, and replace after 4-5 washings.

Here’s a link to the secondary filter on our website if you ever need to purchase one:
Riccar 8800 Series Secondary Filter

Your Riccar 8850 also has a set of exhaust filters that are on the front of the vacuum, near the bottom where the upright body meets the agitator housing. These filters when clogged may also cause the thermal switch to trip. These filters are recommended to be replaced every 6-12 months, and are not recommended to be washed.

Here’s a link to 2 sets of the exhaust filters for the Riccar 8850 on our website:
Riccar 8850 Exhaust Final Filters, 2 Sets, 4 Total Filters

It’s also possible that you may have clog in the suction port inside of the agitator housing. Remove the bottom plate from the vacuum, and look for the tube that runs on the left hand side from the tray to the rear of the agitator housing. Make sure that this tube is clear from obstructions:

Locate “tripped” fuse – the small white button located on the bottom of the back side of
the main body (roughly one inch to the right of the left wheel)

Using a pencil, paper clip or other pointed object, push the reset button in, you should hear a clicking noise when it resets.

Plug the vacuum cleaner back into the wall, and try turning the vacuum on. It should come right back on. If not, it’s best to take your machine into a local Riccar authorized repair facility for further more advanced diagnosing.

Please feel free to ask any follow up questions by adding a comment to this repair, I’m always more then happy to answer any and all follow up questions if you need some clarification. If this was helpful, please rate the repair helpful or leave some feedback for me. Thanks so much,

Chris Jones
Govacuum.com

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.

ANSWER : First, if it runs without a bag, there’s a problem with the bag lock-out switch or wiring. This needs to be replaced/repaired by an authorized Aerus Electrolux technician.
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.First, turn dial on top of vacuum counter-clockwise so the smallest dot lines up with the arrow. See if it stays on. If not, detach hose and turn vacuum on. Place palm of hand over intake. If it turns off, it’s possible that the tubes connecting to the CVA are clogged and simply need cleaned. This is most often caused by using “made to fit” Electrolux bags. Dust is sucked through the bags and into the motor compartment of the machine. All interior parts get covered in dust and need to be cleaned. If this is the cause, the vacuum is best cleaned and repaired at an authorized Aerus Electrolux store. If the vacuum shuts off, or won’t turn on before placing hand over the intake, it’s probable the control valve assembly is bad and needs replaced.

Another cause is an overheated motor due to clogged screen at back of bag well, full or clogged bag, dirty afterfilter, bad wiring/connections, clogged hose, clogged power head, or bad motor. It depends largely on the type and model of cleaner. Clogged wands are also a possibility, but unlikely.

Check and clean screen at back of bag well.

Replace bag. Make sure it’s a genuine Electrolux bag made by Home Solutions.

Check and replace afterfilter if necessary. These should be replaced after every six bags.

Broken and worn wiring connections are often found in the hose ends due to abuse and normal wear and tear. You can check the continuity of the hose using a continuity tester or multi-tester. If a multi-tester, turn dial to one of the Ohm settings. Place one probe into one of the terminals on the end of the hose. This will be referred to as T1. Touch the other probe to each of the terminals/connections on the other end of the hose. These will be T3 and T4. One of them should read zero, the other should read infinity. Repeat this with the other terminal, which will be T2.

Drop a marble in one end of hose and let it roll through. If it doesn’t roll through, the hose is clogged and needs to be cleared. Plug hose into the exhaust port of the vacuum, place other end in the in port. Turn vacuum on. This provides a blowing and sucking action which should clear the hose.
Detach hose from power nozzle (PN). Drop a marble into the wand end of PN. If it rolls through, it’s clear. If not, there’s probably a clog behind the brush where the intake opening is. You may be able to reach this through wand end with needle nose pliers, or either end with a knitting/crochet needle or a bent coat hanger.

If none of these “fixes” provide the answer to the problem, it should be taken to the nearest Aerus Electrolux store for diagnosis. Repairs or checks involving disassembly of the vacuum should always be done by an authorized Aerus Electrolux service technician.

The store nearest you can be found by following the instructions at the below listed link:
http://www.aerushome.com/storelocator/

ANSWER : You may have a clog in the hose, and/or the inlet by the brush roll. A clog will turn on that light as well as a full bag.

ANSWER : How many times does the red light blink before it pauses?

ANSWER : Good day!

OK you have to is replaced the bag and that’s it.

And don’t forget to change the bag again to avoid that problem.

Thank you

ANSWER : Turn the knob on the top of the vacuum all the way to the right and try it again

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.