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Why won't my vacuum cleaner turn on?

less than a minute readJan 10Lyle Weischwill
image of vacuum-cleaner

Lack of power, a bad power cord, failed drive motor or broken wires in the vacuum hose can prevent the vacuum cleaner from starting.

Make sure the electrical outlet that you're using for the vacuum cleaner works. Try using a different outlet if you suspect that the outlet you're using is dead. If the vacuum cleaner still won't start, make sure the outlet has power by plugging a lamp or small appliance into the outlet. If the outlet is dead, reset the house circuit breaker for the outlet. If the outlet still won't work, have an electrician repair the outlet.

If the vacuum cleaner won't turn on and you know the electrical outlet is okay, check the power cord and replace it if damaged.

If the suction motor won't run when activated, replace the suction motor.

In a canister vacuum cleaner, check the vacuum hose for damage because the hose has integrated wires that carry current from the power switch to the suction motor relay. A torn hose can cause a break in the wires-interrupting current traveling through the hose to the suction motor relay and preventing the suction motor from starting. Replace the vacuum hose if it's torn or damaged because wires inside the hose are could be broken.


These repairs may help solve your vacuum-cleaner problem

JC-VAC-Replace-the-vacuum-suction-motor

Replace the vacuum suction motor

The suction motor rotates the fan that creates suction by moving air from the intake at the cleaning head to the dirt collection chamber. If the motor doesn't create suction or doesn't run at all, replace it.

Vacuum suction motor

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jul 01
How to replace a vacuum suction motor

If your vacuum loses suction and the hose and nozzle aren't clogged, the vacuum cleaner might need a…

Repair time and Difficulty

 15 minutes or less
JC-VAC-Replace-the-vacuum-hose

Replace the vacuum hose

The vacuum cleaner hose is constructed of reinforced vinyl. It sometimes has wires integrated into the hose. If the hose is torn or the integrated wires are broken, replace the hose.

Vacuum hose

Find the required part specific to your product.