Electrolux Power Nozzle PN1 stopped working - Reset button?

[eluxl]

Hello everyone. My Electrolux power nozzle PN1, that I use with my model L, suddenly stopped working after I removed the brush rod to clean hair from it and reinstalled it. I've done this before without issue, so I don't know why its not working now. The first thing I tried was the red reset button and noticed that the button stayed in. I then checked all connections and plugs and when it still woudn't work, I tried the nozzle without the power wand. Still nothing. Completely silent. Only the vacuum itself runs. I'm wondering if the issue is the reset button. Is it supposed to pop back out when you press it? It is very loose with zero resistance when I press it. I opened the covers to look inside and don't see anything obvious. I'm not an expert on vacuums and am hoping that someone here could advise me on how to fix it. Attached are closeup photos. Can anyone tell from the photos why this nozzle isn't working all of a sudden?

 

[jo]

Yes the reset button is the issue

It should pop back out it is spring loaded. You can carefully attempt to open the switch up to see if you can get it to unstick and reassemble. If it won’t stay together just use some black electrical tape. The switches aren’t available anymore but new ones could retrofitted perhaps.

Another alternative is to bypass the reset switch by just connecting the two wires going to the switch directly together but then you will need to be mindful when something gets stuck in the power nozzle to quickly shut off the vacuum so as not to damage the jammed power nozzle motor.

The switch is a heat sensor circuit breaker switch and when the power nozzle gets jammed by something it pulls a lot of current trying to run and that builds up heat in the breaker and it trips. This is a motor protection safety feature. Bypassing will fix the issue but again you’ll need to always immediately shut off the vacuum or unplug the power nozzle whichever is faster to do to avoid damaging the motor.

These are good machines and serviceable. If you’d like to have someone fix it you can try an Aerus/Electrolux dealer but they are discontinuing parts for these older models or you can try a general vacuum repair shop they may be able to fit it with a generic reset switch for you. Aerus/Electrolux dealers are not supposed to use generic parts but they do exist for the older models but only at non Aerus vacuum shops.

Let us know how you make out.

Jon

 

[eluxl]

Thank you, Jon! I love my Electrolux and intend to keep it going as long as possible. I don't want to bypass the circuit breaker, so I'll try to locate a spring that might be stuck. Thank you again for your helpful suggestions!

 

[eluxl]

I opened the reset circuit breaker and see the lever that should move up and down via the red button. I can push it down, but it doesn't spring back. There is a copper bit that goes to the teal wire, but nothing touches it. Is there a disconnect somewhere? Here are two views, one with the lever down, the other with the lever up.

 

[jo]

Well

I’ve never opened one of these up before. You might be able to buy a replacement one on ebay. And sometimes site like evacuums.com may have generic reset switches. I’m betting something may have broke. In the switch.

Jon

 

[beevac]

Access to a parts machine would be a big help. you can also try contacting a guy named Don for electrolux parts at 877-816-6861. Don't bother with Aerus Electrolux branches . they are not interested in perpetuating the old machines

 

[kirbylux77]

If you wanted to replace the breaker with a new one, the circuit breakers used on the square beater bar Kenmore powerheads from the 80s and 90s used a modern version of that circuit breaker, made by the same company, just in plastic. Go to a vac shop and ask them to sell you a used one from a junk powerhead....they are a dime a dozen. The part should also be able to be ordered new since a modern version of that Kenmore powerhead is still being produced.

Rob

 

[human]

I had a similar problem with a circuit breaker on a PN4A a few months ago. A good shot of CRC Freeze Off did the trick. It's worked flawlessly ever since.

 

[eluxl]

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions! I'll post an update on how things went soon.

 

[jo]

Another option

Contact Bryan at rvavacuums.com it’s the Richmond Virginia Aerus branch and Bryan restores the older Electrolux’s and I’m sure he will have a perfect solution for you. Phone number on the web site.

Jon

 

[eluxl]

Its alive!! A huge shout out to Bryan at rvavacuums.com! He was very helpful and had a matching reset switch, which I bought, received today and just installed. I plugged everything in, crossed my fingers while turning on the power, and my PN1 began to purr again!!! Yea! Thank you Bryan and thank you Jon for referring me to Bryan!

 

[huskyvacs]

Nice job! Sounds like your reset switch was all clapped out.