Kirby Ultimate G Bagged Upright Vacuum

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

The first number in the serial number pertains to the factory it was made at. The second and third number is the year of manufacture. The fourth and fifth numbers are the month of manufacture.
VACUUMING. Q: What is the N/D pedal on the back of the Kirby for? A: This is your Neutral/Drive pedal. When you are vacuuming or using the carpet shampooer in the upright position, push down the Drive (D) pedal. This activates Tech Drive® power assist to make pushing your Kirby easy.
Manufacturing Date: 1997 – 1999

The Kirby G5 is one of Kirby`s most popular color by its dark maroon color and sleek design. The most unique feature of the G5 was its “Lexan” fan blade that was redesigned with the help of NASA to increase the overall suction power.

The 1st number is the YEAR of manufacture; the 2nd & 3rd numbers indicate the MONTH of manufacture. Please see the detailed explanation and examples provided below.
A serial number is a unique identifier assigned incrementally or sequentially to an item, to uniquely identify it.
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.
If too much hair, string, or lint is caught in the brushroll, the brushroll can get stuck. If the brushroll is stuck, it will put too much strain on the belt and may cause the belt to break. Remove the brushroll and clean out any debris from the bearings. After replacing the brushroll, make sure that it turns freely.
The first game in the Kirby series, Kirby`s Dream Land for the original Game Boy, was released in Japan on April 27, 1992 and later in North America, Europe and Australasia in August that year. A simple game, consisting of five levels, it introduced Kirby`s ability to inhale enemies and objects.
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.
Serial numbers that start with five or more zeros are fancy: meaning 00000001 – 00000999. The more leading zeros, the better.
A serial number consists of numbers only (e.g. 6007041). It`s a unique identifier that designates a single device.
A serial number is an identification number assigned to a distinct unit of a product from a single manufacturer. A serial number may be found on the packaging or on the unit itself.
The serial number is the 16-digit figure below the barcode printed on the label affixed to the back of the product.
This is the number that is used to track your request. Every call to the Service Desk generates an SR number. The Service Representative will provide you with your Service Number when you call in your Service Request. Write this number down and do not misplace it.
Their vacuum cleaner prices range from $995 to $2500. Now, you might be wondering if they are worth the large price tag.
If you demand the absolute best in your vacuum cleaner, you can`t go wrong with the Kirby Avalir 2. This trusted solution is built to last, so it will deliver years of deep cleaning. You`ll never regret investing in a high-quality vacuum that makes your life easier.
The price of vintage Kirby vacuum cleaners can vary widely, depending on their age and condition. The least expensive ones are probably worth about $100 and high-end models might sell for $2,000 or more. But if you`re looking to buy one that hasn`t been refurbished, expect to spend several hundred dollars.
If you`re still unsure about your Kirby vacuum`s model name, All K Service Australia explains that you should go to the front of the handle and look for the Kirby logo. The vacuum should show the model name right beneath this logo. Otherwise, check the front of the vacuum bag holder.
In 1935, the company introduced the Kirby Model C, the first product to carry Jim Kirby`s name. One of the key features is the amount of suction the motor generates.
Q: It smells like the belt is burning. What is wrong? A:It is likely the belt isn`t turning freely on the brush roll. Flip out the belt lifter handle and turn it clockwise until the green arrows line up.
For more than 100 years, every Kirby has been handcrafted in the United States from die-cast aluminum.
Q: What shampoo can I use in my Kirby? A: You should only use genuine Kirby Carpet Shampoo in Kirby shampoo systems. For a fragrance-free option, please try Kirby Unscented Carpet Shampoo!
Next to the motor, the belt on your vacuum is just about the most important part of your vacuum. Without the belt to spin the brushroll, most vacuums won`t pick up on carpeting at all! If your vacuum uses a rubber belt, check it once a month for cracks, melting, and especially, slippage.
Every Kirby vacuum system is backed by a three year limited warranty. In order to qualify for The Kirby Home Company warranty, you must purchase your Kirby home care system from an authorized Distributor, Distributor Trainee or Dealer through an in-home demonstration.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Kirby Heritage II. Beater bar does not turn. One end rotates freely, but the other sticks, preventing the bar from rotating. No obvious means to disassemble the end of the bar. Is there a way to repair this, or does this require replacement of the beater bar? Did clean the front end assembly, and removed all hair, threads and similar obstructions.
ANSWER : The bearing is bad on the end that turns hard. You will need to purchase a new brush roll assembly. If the roller is older that 4 or 5 years, it should be changed anyway. The brush strips that scrub the carpet loose their strength after many years of combing through the carpet, so it’s a good idea to change it every 5 years or so.

What do the numbers on the Kirby G5 beater bar end caps mean?
ANSWER : The numbers on the beater bar end caps are used to lower the brush down as the bristles wear down. When you bought the machine, the brush roller started in the 1 setting. One year later, after the bristles have worn down, you can move the numbers to 2, then 3, etc.
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.It’s a pretty neat concept by Kirby, it prolongs the life of the roller brush significantly.
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.Hope this helped you,
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.Chris Jones
.GoVacuum.com

I had a shoelace get stuck in the beater bar. I turned it off, tipped it over and untangled the shoelace from the beater bar. When I plugged it back in the vacuum ran but the beater bar was not turning and there wasn’t any suction. Is there a reset switch for the beater bar? Thank you for your help, Janet
ANSWER : Hi Janet. there is a small reset button on the outside of the head next to the brush that you can push to get it to start spinning again.

The beater bar on my Dyson won’t turn. The vacuum runs and suctions but the bar won’t turn and the belt is not broke. The beater bar did get a carpet fiber caught and wrapped around it which stopped the bar and I removed the bar to cut the fiber loose and replaced it and now it won’t turn
ANSWER : The belt doesn’t have to be broken to make the vacuum not work correctly. If the belt is stretched the vacuum won’t operate the way it is supposed to. You can get replacement Dyson Belts here:

Dyson Replacement Belts

Kenmore Canister Vac, Progressive, 25512 255513 model. Brush won’t turn. One end of the brush roller, end closest to belt, is off center which is keeping it from turning freely. The end cap is like a square. Other ends turns fine. Do these end caps come off? If so how? Can’t get it to budge. This is exactly what is keep brush roller from turning.
ANSWER : Take a flat head screw driver and pry the end cap off. It will come off. You might have some string or hair around it causing it to not turn.

I ran my vacuum against an area rug that has strings around it and a few strings got caught up in the beater bar. Now, the beater bar does not function- the motor runs but the beater bar does not seem to be operating. I removed the strings from the bar.
ANSWER : Hi,
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.There is a switch next to the main power switch on the handle which turns the brushbar on and off. When the beater bar becomes obstructed as in your case, there is a safety feature which cuts power to the beater bar. All that needs to be done in most cases is to turn this switch off and back on again and the beater bar should resume operation.
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.The beater bar on / off / reset switch is the yellow switch to the left of the main power button if you are standing in front of the hoover:
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.belectric_50.jpg.
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.Reset the beater bar and you should be back up and running.
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.If you have already done this or it doesn’t solve your problem, please post back for further assistance.
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.PLEASE NOTE: This reset method is for the Dyson DC17 ANIMAL as stated above. If you have a different version of the DC17, please post back for alternative instructions and state which version of DC17 you have.
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.Hope this helps.
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.Regards,
.BElectric

I have a dyson DC28 vacuum and the power button flashes on and off and the beater bar quit turning. I turned it over and found some string caught on the beater bar which I removed, but the beater bar still does’nt turn and the power button still flashes on and off. I hope you can give me a solution to this problem.
ANSWER : I had the same symptom with my wife’s DC28. The problem was associated with the cam driven height adjustment mechanism. The beater bar must rock freely up and down when pressing on the tabs that the end cam lobes actuate. On ours I found hair and crud jammed in between the end of the beater bar and the side of the vacuum head preventing it from moving freely. To clean it out I fashioned a hook tool by straightening a paper clip and bending the tip at 90*, then took a flat screwdriver to pry the gap open a bit so I could use my tool to clean out the buildup.

I removed the plate that holds the cam in place (6 torx screws) to gain access to the rocker tabs, although in hind sight I could have probably just left it in place. It doesn’t matter how you set the cam back into place. It’s self aligning with the aid of the micro-switches inside.

Hope this helps

My Dyson DC17 beater bar motor works intermittedly. I have to almost whack it on the floor to turn it on and then shuts off again. I have checked the belt and it is fine, also have checked for blockages. The switch to turn the beater bar on or off will not work when the beater bar motor is off. the suction is fine though.
ANSWER : Buy a Kenmore for less money