Electrolux Ambassador doesn't work

[quebecois]

Hey all! Long time since my last post, I moved back in my house after I split with ex-wife.

I was recently given an Ambassador that looks in very good condition but it doesn't work at all. Nothing happens when I push the power button.

What would be the first thing to look at and test?

Thanks in advance. I'll put a picture later.

 

[kloveland]

My guess it's the internal rocker switch that needs to be replaced. Underneath the plastic button. Those are easily found. Pretty simple repair

 

[quebecois]

How do I gain access to the switch? I'm not familiar with this model.

 

[gregvacs28]

 


Does it have a bag in it?  And if it does, is the bag seated correctly so that it's pushing in the door switch when the front is closed?


 


Are there any lights on the unit to indicate that power is coming into the machine?


 


What condition is the plug in?


 


It could be any number of things including that the motor brushes, or the motor it'self, needs replacement.


 


Pictures?

 

[quebecois]

The plug looks in very good shape, there is a bag in it and it's well seated.

THere isn't any light on the unit to make sure power is coming in. I can't hear any sound coming from the engine that could make me think that the motor is jammed up or struggling to turn. It is really like no power is coming in.

 

[human]

Definitely an open circuit...

I think Greg is exactly correct. It's most likely a switch issue. The question is, which switch? I would definitely look first at the main power switch. Once you get the machine taken apart, you'll be better able to judge the action of the switch than when it's under the rocker, which is just a plastic cover. Also test the switch with a volt-ohm meter (aka multitester) to confirm it's working properly. If that's okay, the next possible culprit would be the bag eject lockout switch, whic is what kicks the bag door open when the bag is full. I'm assuming your machine is equipped with one. Full disclosure here, I have never used one of the later plastic canisters, much less taken one apart.

On the older style metal canisters, this switch is located inside the bag door. You have to take the bag door apart by opening it and removing a few screws. When I first got my Super J, it wouldn't work but the main power switch felt healthy with a definite click back and forth. When I disassembled the bag door, the lockout switch had definite issues. There were a couple of burnt contacts with the plastic melted around them and the damage didn't appear to be new. Interestingly, there was an extra contact adjacent to the blue wire that would allow you to bypass the lockout switch by moving the black wire there. I didn't try it; I just ordered a new lockout switch. Once that was in place, all was right with the world--or at least with that Super J.

Be sure also to check the cord and plug and let us know how things turn out. I'm reasonably certain the machine is fixable.

 

[quebecois]

THanks human

Can you direct me to a video of how to disassembly the body to access the switch?


I don't know this model and I don't want to break anything. I think I have to pull the rear end first and then slide off the side bumpers to free top and bottom halves but I'm not sure how to remove the rear end.

 

[huskyvacs]

This guy's video might help you too:



I used his video to diagnose my Electrolux Epic. After checking the bag switch, I found out someone had opened up the handle and disconnected the hot wire to the switch. I plugged the wire back in and presto, came right on.

 

[quebecois]

I opened the can yesterday night and saw nothing obviously wrong. I had a look at the main switch and I couldn't see anything broken, the parts in there rock back and forth like a see-saw. The bag switch looks fine too, nothing burnt. The only thing weird I saw was a short piece of the shield of the main cord in the rewinder compartment, and the rewinder case has a broken tab.

So I'll have to test all these parts with a multimeter: cord, main switch and bag switch, what is the exact procedure to test each of them?

I took pictures of the wires and how they are connected to the rewinder and the engine, I'll post it later, maybe there is a wrong connection.

 

[rugsucker]

Plastic Body Electrolux

These are great vacs with less weight than metal body,4 ply bag & after filter,classic Elux attachments and more.Among very few problems the rocker under switch button is No 1 and broken cordwinder and cord reel are No 2.Sounds like yours will be winder problems.Use EXTREME CAUTION WITH SPRING!It can cut you if given the chance!!
These should be taken apart with wheels up,side strips off first after pulling cord out 2 feet,lifting bottom off from rear to front.Reverse to put back with everything in its place as with a jigsaw puzzle.
Good luck & happy vacuuming later.

 

[gregvacs28]

At this point, i would connect electric direct to the motor leads to see if everything is alright there.


 


If the motor DOESn't work, you'll know you need to remove that and work on it or replace it.


 


If the motor DOES work, you'll know it's either the contacts on the cord winder, the cord, a switch, or a connection issue.  


 


pictures?

 

[quebecois]

Gregvacs28

That was exactly what I was thinking about a few minutes ago. I'm looking for a good cord with free ends and a pair of alligator connections.

 

[quebecois]

Test done: motor works fine.

So, where do I go next ?

 

[gregvacs28]

Now I would remove the two leads from the cord winder and connect electric direct to the two leads.  test the vacuum

 

[quebecois]

Wouldn't that be easier and safer to simply testing with leads from connections on the winder to connections on the motor?

 

[gregvacs28]

you need to clarify that

 

[quebecois]

I understood you suggested I'd open the winder to expose the leads in it, then connect them directly to the motor. COnsidering the risk of working close to the winder spring , I prefer the idea of keeping the winder closed and to take leads to connect the winder to the motor (and then plug the winder cord in the wall).

English isn't my first language so you may find some sentences I write sound a bit unusual.

 

[quebecois]

Test #2 done: the motor doesn't turn when powered through the cord winder.

It could be the cord itself or the connections in the winder, I suppose?


How do I safely open the winder?

 

[gregvacs28]

You still don't know that the problem is the cord or winder.


 


You need to disconnect the two wires attached to the winder and connect those two wires directly to electricity, then test the machine.  If it then works, you'll know it's a cord/winder issue.