My Kirby 560 has stopped turning on...

[hooverjedilord]

hello, I'm from the UK and I own a Kirby 560 vacuum cleaner, I got it last week from the USA and I've been using it with a 110v-240v transformer. Now I was vacuuming the kitchen, and it suddenly turned off, I've tried plugging it in from other sockets but it still won't work. Now I really hope it's not broken, and if it is what might have broken it and how can I fix it. I hope it's just the transformer- or even better something I can fix with out having to replace anything. PLEASE HELP ME, PLEASE, HELP SAVE THIS VACUUM.

 

[firebirdman55]

Safety switch?

 

[hoover119dude]

there is a fuse in the plug also there is a 1 amp fuse just under the power switch on front of transformer. mine is black and is the size of a housebrick. I got it from maplin. if yours is like mine that will be the problem. any fault in cleaner will blow the 1 amp fuse before it blows the fuse in the plug. a safety feature. you will find it behind a plastic screw head next to power switch.

did you get yours from maplin?? you can also purchase fuses there.

 

[hooverjedilord]

Mine doesn't have a switch on it.

 

[super-sweeper]

In case you haven't already checked, make sure the cord is plugged into the vacuum firmly, next to the switch! 

 

[cb123]

SUPERSWEEP, that is what I was going to say!

 

[hooverjedilord]

Right, the headlights turning on, but not the motor, what does that mean?

 

[suckolux]

sounds like the front switch for the head/ hose

 

[sptyks]

It means the safety switch behind the floor nozzle is not being engaged or something is wrong with the safety switch itself.

 

[eurekastar]

I would remove the nozzle and press down on the safety switch button.  If the vacuum comes on, then the nozzle isn't engaging the switch properly.  If it's not coming on, then I'm guessing you need a new safety switch.  The only other thing I can think of is that a wire may have come loose inside the housing. 

 

[kirbylux77]

Check the carbon brushes in the motor. That vacuum has to be at least 53-54 years old, could be the carbons were worn down to the springs & they need to be changed. You will most likely have to order them from Kirby in Ohio & have them shipped over. Also, if you are using it regularly, it wouldn't hurt to have a spare power switch & safety switch on hand for future replacements.

Rob

 

[sries]

All my kirbys

Seem to have a safety switch go bad about 6 months after I get them. The vacuum shop I go to has them for 75 cents. They have a ton of them.

 

[suckolux]

wow, I have had 9, never had one go bad

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

sries

Your problem could be something else that may cause each of your speed switches to wear out sooner than expected. Therefore, you should look around and see what else is wrong before you buy a new speed switch.

~Ben