My wife owns a Miele S5211 Vacuum Cleaner and the power button will start the motor for a few seconds then stop. When the appliance is left switched on, it will start intermittently, then stop again.

I'm assuming that the foot switch is defective, and simply requires adjustment or even a replacement! I hope this isn't a dumb question, but how can I dismantle and gain access to the switch housing from the main body of the appliance?

I can't find any repair manuals for this particular model of vacuum cleaner, and I would be most appreciative if anyone can advise me of the correct proceedure.

Thank you in advance.

Jack [of all trades but master of non!], May 2014

Sorry. The description I gave earlier was for the S521-1 not the S5211.

David Stubberfield has previously replied to a similar question:

Prise off the grey piece of trim between the two foot switches. You will find another two torx screws under there. This will allow you to take off the top section.

Neil S, May 2014

The whole pedal unit is held in place by 1 screw and 2 tabs. Opening the tool lid will reveal the screw. Looking at the back just below each of the two pedals will reveal the tabs.

(1) Open the tool lid;
(2) Using a phillips screwdriver undo the single screw holding the foot pedal unit;
(3) Raise the same edge of the foot pedal unit a small amount. Then using a flat edge screwdriver, or other tool, release the foot pedal by pressing in the two tabs that are now the sole means of securing the foot pedal to the main body.

Neil S, May 2014