I have a Kenmore progresive canister vacuum. It doesn't power up. I decided to open it , but beside two screws under the cover I couldn't find anything else. I read somewhere on this site there should be four engagement tabs but I havn't been able to find them. the back of cover over motor is stuck.
How do I open this without breaking the vacuum?

Sako, February 2005

Thank you Scott. I tried for a while, but after reading your description, it opened. One more appliance off the honey-do list.

Joe, February 2010

There are two hidden screws under the cord retractor. To remove the cord retractor, stick a flat head screw driver straight down between the retractor and the main body. There are three tabs on the retractor with catches on them. Push each one of them back with the screw driver and work the retractor off.

I opened up my vacuum to retrieve the power cord after the plug came off. If you are doing this, you will need to rewind the spring reel. When doing this, pay attention to the instructions on the metal plate that say "wind this direction eight extra times". I wound mine the wrong way and broke the spring. One step forward, one step back!

Scott, September 2009

No answer, but have same problem. The other screws are located under the cord retractor. Push in the cord retractor and you can see the screws. I am looking for information on how to get at these screws without breaking the retractor.

Mac, March 2005