Riccar 8955 carpet/floor switch won't stay on carpet mode keeps moving to floor mode

Your 8955 could be as old as 18 yrs. Try tightening the screw holding the handle in, it could be loose allowing the handle to move back and forth enough to keep the switch from activating.
If it's an older vacuum or is used heavily it could have cracks in the body where the handle screw attaches or some damage inside the vacuum body where the handle bottom goes into.
If that doesn't help, Remove the bag door, remove the screws at the top to remove the cover to gain access to the area where the switch and wiring is located to inspect for the cause. When you push the lever at the top of the handle a lever going down activates the switch. It doesn't take much play in the handle to make the switch go on and off.

In my experience the Riccar requires reset when it has ingested something that jams the roller such as the fringe of an Oriental carpet. Be sure to clear any such obstruction, then I use a ball point pen to press the button. It does not move very far to accomplish a reset.

The carpet / floor selector moves a rod which adjusts the clutch, Your model is over 10 years old, it may need a new belt, clutch rubber pad or just need adjusted. If you don't know how to perform these services take your vacuum to your local Riccar dealer for service. It's the least expensive way to keep it working properly for many years.

The black wire goes to the switch, the white cord goes to the white wire in the vacuum.

after putting a clean bag into the vacuum cleaner, more air can get through it, so it generates more vacuum, sp it is obvious, that it will be harder to push for some time. if it wont get better, it only means you didnt gt it with a clean airbag

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulties with your DC07. When you have your brush control set to 'Carpets', the brushbar should run when the cleaner is reclined into the vacuuming position, and shut off when you stand the cleaner upright. When you have the brush control set to 'Hard floors', it should remain in the off position until you change it manually back to 'Carpets'.

If it won't stay in the 'Hard floors' position during use, it's probably best if you get in touch with us directly so we can determine if there's a fault, and recommend the best course of action. You can call us free on 08002980298 (UK), or 1866MYDYSON (US). We'll look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support

This unit has a rubber "clutch" piece to engage the brush which must be replaced occasionally. See if you can move the brush with your fingers while holding the belt to prevent it from turning - be sure the switch is set to carpet, and the motor is off. If you can turn it, the clutch needs replacement.

Suggest you check the wheels to see if they are moving freely. Also check the beater brush to see that it is moving freely. Be sure the belt has not broken. If it has, replace with a new one. Also take the time to clean the beater brush of any debris and spray a little WD40 on both ends of the beater brush axle.

Hi There,

Here's a very helpful repair that I did exactly for your problem on how to replace the belt on your Riccar. Your model, the 8955 is more difficult then other models due to the rug/floor selector knob. No worries though, I explained this step by step with pictures.

Hopefully this helps you,

http://www.fixya.com/support/t4373126-replace_belt_in_8850_model

Chris Jones
GoVacuum.com

thermal reset is located on the back of the machine at the bottom