Toy Dirt Devil Junior Hand Vac Problem

[fan-of-fans]

Yesterday I found a toy Dirt Devil Junior hand vac at Goodwill like I used to have. Unfortunately it had old Duracell batteries from 2012 in it and they had leaked and corroded the battery connections. I cleaned it out and tried new batteries in it, but nothing happens. Does anyone know what the problem could be? I couldn't get the green stuff off though.

The brush turns properly by hand and I can see the fan turn when I took the bag off so I know it's not stuck. But it makes no noise at all. I also noticed the switch is rather stiff to operate, so that could be part of it I guess. I didn't see where any of the acid got inside but I didn't take it apart.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

fan-of-fans

You might want to just keep that as a collectible. Toy vacuums are different beasts than regular ones.

If you still desire to fix this, then good luck!

~Ben

 

[huskyvacs]

The battery terminals and springs will have to be scrubbed with a small wire brush and you will need electrical contact cleaner to help loosen it. Just keep scrubbing and trying the batteries until you get a result. The alkaline crystals on the terminals are hindering the flow of electricity and that's why it's not working.

 

[broomvac]

I found one of those a while back. Try pushing the switch hard in the “on” direction. I found that the switch on mine is pretty stiff—sometimes it will give you the impression that it is in the “on” position without actually making contact.

 

[suckolux]

I have had ok luck using an emery board on contacts too

 

[huskyvacs]

@ suckolux

That's actually a better idea for getting between the springs! I never thought of that before!

 

[suckolux]

Thanks, I actually keep one on my work bench, not like it's expensive

 

[crazykirbydude]

Does this actually have a real suction fan like the real thing?

 

[fan-of-fans]

Yeah, I was thinking of using an emery board too. The weird thing is there are no springs at the negative terminal for the batteries, and I thought I remembered the first one I had having springs there, but it's been a long time so not sure.

I did get the switch to move more when I pushed it harder, I don't remember that being the case about my old one either.

Yes, it does have a fan inside and I remember my old one did pick up some dust and things in the bag.