My Electrolux LE canister vacuum won't start. I tried plugging it into different outlets, but it seems that when I press down on the "start" bar/button, it's a different sound than I heard previously, which makes me believe that something underneath broke. Can I (really my husband) change this part?

Maria, April 2010

Your problem is common for all 2100 series as well as LE models. There is a broken plastic part holding a spring located under the plastic button that you push down on to start your vacuum. It is an inexpensive part, but is a little difficult to change.

First make sure that the cord is unpluged from the wall and is completely back in the cordwinder. Next, remove the hose and bag from it. With the bag door open, place a medium flat screwdriver between the rear rubber bumper and the back plastic end cap of the vacuum.

Do not try to pry the back cover off, you will only break it!

With the screwdriver placed on the rear bumper, use a small hammer to strike the screwdriver shaft toward the front of the bag door. The rubber bumper will slide forward. Repeat the process with the other side. After removing the bumpers, the top will lift off with a little wiggling.

Pay attention to the slots in the covers that the motor sits in so that you get it back in the same slots. There a 2 screws holding the switch and the plastic part that is broken located on the underside the top cover of the sweeper.

Replace the plastic part and assemble in reverse order. It is tricky to get back togeather.

Good Luck

Captaintek, April 2010

The most likely fault with a non-starting vacuum cleaner is a broken wire inside the cable next to the plug - have your man shorten the cable by 6" or so before messing with anything else.

With time - over-enthusiastic tugging of the cable causes the wires inside the cable to stretch - little by little they elongate and thin until they break and go open circuit - you can't see the fault - all you know is that the cleaner doesn't work.

Of course it may not be this causing your problem but it's a quick and easy elimination - 75% of the vacuum cleaner faults I've looked at have had this as the cause.

Good luck...

Peccavi, April 2010