Hi There,
When a Hoover Windtunnel becomes hard to push, this usually indicates that self-propelled has stopped working.
When this stops working, it can be caused by several things. The first, most common problem is that the belts have either broken, or stretched to a point where they no longer engage the self-propelled mechanism. In order to verify this, simply make sure that the machine is set to the Carpet setting, turn the machine on, and turn it over on it's side with the handle release pedal reclined (make sure it's not in the upright position). Is the brush at the bottom of the vacuum spinning? If no, this definitely indicates that your belts have gone bad and need to be replaced. There are two belts on your machine, one controls the brush, the other controls the self-propelled mechanism. We've shot a helpful video that walks you through step by step on how to replace the belts.
This is by far the most common problem that we see on your particular model:
The other problem if the belts are installed properly that would cause
the self-propelled wouldn't work would be the self-propelled actuator
arm. There is a cable that starts at the handle of the vacuum, and
runs all the way down to the floor head of the vacuum that controls the
transmission. As you pull backwards on the handle of the vacuum, the
cable pulls this actuator arm backwards, which then turns the wheels
backwards, and when you push forward it turns the wheels forward.
The
problem with the way it's designed however, is that if you pick up the
vacuum cleaner by the handle of the machine rather then using the
carrying handle on the back of the vacuum, it causes too much tension on
the actuator arm, and will cause the cable to rip right out of the arm.
This
is a VERY common problem on this model. To check and see if this part
is broken on your vacuum, step on the handle release pedal so that the
handle is in the vacuuming position, push the pedal a second time so the
machine lays flat on the floor.
Now if you look right behind
the height adjustment switch, and the rug / floor switch where the floor
part meets the upright part, you should see a cable that connects into
the actuator arm. Pull up and down on the handle and look for
movement. Is the cable loose with only a nut attached to it, or is it
resting in the actuator arm?
Here's a very helpful link that
shows you exactly how to replace the actuator arm:
How to Replace the Actuator Arm on
Hoover Self-Propelled Windtunnel If this didn't help you,
and the problem is still happening, please just use the add a comment
form here on Fixya and let me know that you're still having problems.
I'd be honored to go through and do some more advanced diagnosing with
you.
I hope this we helpful to you. If you did find this
helpful, please be so kind and leave feedback for me. This is why
repair professionals like myself continue to come back and give free
repair advice, to get the recognition of a job well done.
Thanks
so much,
Chris Jones
GoVacuum.com
I have the same problem! The green light flashes only shortly when first turned on.
I have a similar problem...my red light indicator stays on and the green never comes on. I installed a new bag. Washed and dried the intake filters, checked for any blockage in air flow tubes. My suction is strong but my green light never comes on...the red light stays on constantly. When the unit was new the green light would come on and flicker...is it possible that the green light bulb is defective/burned out?
The green light came on and operated as it was supposed to for the first hour of use, but after that, the red light is on constantly!
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