The UK Panasonic site does not show any documents for the MCE3001 but the user manual for the MCE7001 says the following...
"This cleaner includes an automatic thermal
safety device which automatically turns off
the power if the suction inlet, hose or
extension wand becomes clogged. If this
occurs, disconnect from the mains outlet,
remove the material responsible for the
clogging and then wait about 10 minutes,
before operating your cleaner again."
You can check this by running the machine with your hand over the inlet hole to stop the airflow - the motor will run slightly faster - there will be no cooling air and the thermal trip will turn it off somewhat sooner than normal.
If the thermal trip is switching the machine off it's because the motor is becoming too hot and that will be caused by lack of airflow due to a partial blockage in hose, bag or filter or perhaps the motor is becoming too warm due to failing brushes. A remote possibility is that the thremal cut out is operating at too low a temperature.
You will ned to dismantle the case to get access to the parts but that's not going to help you unless you have the skills/confidence to diagnose and repair the problem once you get inside - and access to spare parts. Most of the case will be snap-together fastening with very few screws and any screws that are present may be difficult to locate.
Good luck...
Peccavi, August 2009
