If your problem is the on/off switch in the handle of your upright this may help.
We have two Kenmore vacuums and a Panasonic vacuum.
I just fixed the switch on the Panasonic and it looks very similar to a basic Kenmore upright (likely same manufacturer for both?)
You may have a simple problem to correct.
On our machine, the switch was stuck in the ON position and had been difficult to operate for some time.
I found the on/off switch on the panasonic handle is simply a mechanical plunger to activate the electric switch located below the handle in the body of the vacuum.
All I did was remove one screw holding the handle in place. I then tapped the handle from the front of the vacuum toward the rear to loosen the friction fit. The handle comes completely free from the rest of the machine. I then lubricated the mechanical switch and metal rod plunger with WD-40. I put the handle back on and it works fine.
There was nothing wrong with the electric switch!
Hope that helps with your problem.
Martin, November 2007
