Kirby sentria no light

[oldskoolguy]

So I took apart my sentria because I accidentally sucked something up somehow and jammed the fan Well, not completely apart. I gave up after removing the tech drive, but that’s another story. I was able to shake it loose, but it appears as though a connector came loose. I could not see another contact anywhere or another wire disconnected so I left it alone thinking it was nothing. Now as it turns out, I can’t get the light to work on the vacuum! Everything but that one wire is hooked up. It’s a pain to take it all apart since the actuator rod fell out during reassembly (also another story), so I’m wondering if there’s anyway I can to this just by popping the top off (there’s too many screws to take it all apart to just get the motor itself out, so I’m intimidated a bit). And for that matter, where does the connector go? I’m thrown off by the absence of contacts just in plain sight. I’ve included a picture for reference, but I don’t think it’ll help much, I’ll gladly take the Kirby apart a bit and retake the photo, but I’m not home right now.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

The light gets wired through headlight assembly. The end of assembly on the left side slightly above and behind carbon brush is where it connects.
If you go to you tube I believe there is a sentria 2 dissambly and a reassebley video. That's how I got it put back together.
If you take a pic I have a manual I could show you the diagram.
How are you liking the vacuum. I forget how nice the sentria is until I use it. It's a beast . Good luck.
Les

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Most likely it plugs into the power switch behind the motor brush. Carefully remove the brush housing and plug it back in. You might have to drop the tranny (easy) to give a little more space.

 

[oldskoolguy]

Got the light to work, but now I have a separate issue: whenever I turn the machine on or off I have to pull the foot switch up then pres it down Because it seems to stay down after pressing. Do I have a bad actuator? Is it in the wrong way? Bent? Here’s how I have it, it was hard to get pictures due to components obstructing my view.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

That foot switch is a pain. I believe it's 2 pieces one from switch to motor other switch to the safety switch. It looks bent or not hooked up at right location. I think another rod connects to that piece going to safety switch. Texaskirbyguy should be able to answer this. He just restored 2 g6s which are similar to this. If I were you Kirby needs hasg3 to g ultimate repair manual. It doesn't have the sentria but it's basically the same. I have to look at them when doing g series.
If you go to evacuum or similar site they have diagram of the vacuum showing how items are placed
Les

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Either it is in backwards, rubbing on something, assembled incorrectly, or bent. If you know you did not force it, then the latter may be able to be disqualified.
Unfortunately pics from my G6 would not help as it uses a solid metal bar, rather than a thick formed wire.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Also check to make sure it is inserted into the plastic switch button too.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

Hey
Here is link with pics this should answer your question.
Les

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/kirby-sentria-vacuum-parts-c-128647_128648_128666.html

 

[oldskoolguy]

I’ve been meaning to post this. This may sound silly, but the issue was right under my nose the whole time: I apparently overlooked how the actuating rod was in the switch. After dropping the transmission and putting the rod back in, I pushed it in a little further and it secured itself in there, after reattaching it to the button/pedal, I had no issues. Funny how things sometimes the solution is simpler than we think.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Sometimes there is a fine line between forcing something vs using enough pressure to do the job. Best to err on the side of not enough.
Glad you got it fixed easily.
- Merry Christmas!

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I tore the vac u got from me and one I still have. I tore off front cleaned the gunk out of white plastic piece by emtor. Went through everything new carbon brushes greased bearings etc. I had to order extra screw set from Kirby needs. I had it all together I put screw for belt lifter on wrong side so spindle rubbed screw when turned on. I learned a lot.
If you do anything don't take off belt lifter. It's a pain in the arse putting it on.
Glad to see it's running hood. Pics and diagrams are vital taking apart.
Les