I have to vacuum a bag three times before it works. what is the best fix?

I've been repairing vacuums over 30 years, I prefer a bag vacuum because a good bag vacuum is a lot less maintenance, all the nasty stuff goes in a cheap paper bag (which is actually just a really good great big cheap filter) which you simply remove and gently sit in the trash. It usually takes less than 30 seconds to change bags and only needs done about once a month. You will dump a dirt cup about 40 times compared to changing one bag. Bags compact the dirt while bagless fluffs the dirt. Bagless filters and dust compartments need frequent cleaning and replaced at least once a year to work properly. Bagless vacuums leak more dust and dirt which you will notice on your vacuum. In the long run its much easier and cleaner using a bag vacuum plus they usually last much longer, usually outlasting 3 or 4 bagless vacuums. Much less expense and hassle in the long run.

Cost isn't the main factor to get a quality vacuum. There are plenty of vacuums in all price ranges that may work great the first year or two. Some expensive vacuums have problems and require lots of maintenance. Most vacuums in the hundred dollar price range are good for about a year. Bagless vacuums require a lot more maintenance than a bagged vacuum. Filters must be cleaned frequently to insure good airflow, and the filters and belts should be replaced at least once per year on most models. Filter replacement on bagged vacuums is not as critical because the dirt goes into the bag keeping the insides of the vacuum a lot cleaner which makes it last longer. Some vacuums, Hoover Windtunnel for example are available as a bagged or bagless model. The bagged models perform much longer than the bagless models for the average consumer, mainly because most people do not maintain their vacuums properly. There are a few really great vacuums in the two to three hundred dollar range that can work great for 10 years or more with nominal routine maintenance. The best place to find one is at a reputable vacuum store.

You most likely will need to change the Yoke assembly. There is a sensor built in that gets clogged with fine debris over time. This will take care of the problem.

Change the bag? Change the Belt? Check the brush roller.
It's one of those three 99% of the time.

Jana, There's nothing behind the bag of the machine that should make a clicking sound at any time. As to why it stopped, there are several possibilities, including a faulty switch, motor, wiring, etc. I see you're in White Pigeon, my shop is just a couple miles north of Three Rivers if you'd care to bring it in, I could possibly diagnose it better there. Just call 279-6077 before coming up . Corky

There's a "life-time" warranty on the metal body, but you still have to pay to get it refurbished. The actual warranty is only three years limited. You can take to any reputable vacuum repair shop to check the cause, and even let them fix it.


There is a troubleshooting guide at the following site you can check. The part about it not working states:
"

http://reviews.ebay.com/COMMON-PROBLEMS-WITH-THE-KIRBY-VACUUM-TROUBLESHOOTING_W0QQugidZ10000000003800312

Take a look on amazon, here: Amazon com sharp twin energy vacuum bags. I hope this was helpful. Cheers

at sears there is a bag fresh lemon scent tab that you can load inside your vacuum,

also at vacuum shops there is a product called "Featherlite Carpet and Vacuum Freshener" - it works very well and a little bit goes a very long ways.

I will comment that on the back of the package it claims "for extra freshness use each time you vacuum" This stuff is so strong that I would not advise using it like that. just put about a half cup of the particles on the floor and **** them up with your hose.

I bet your smell will be drastically improved.

THE BEST SOLUTION IS TO NEVER BUY A SEARS VACUUM AGAIN. THEY DO NOT LAST AND WARRANTY AND REPAIRS ARE TOO EXSPENSIVE! I BOUGHT THREE OVER TEH YEARS, AND NOW AS YOU KNOW, THREE STRIKES AND SEARS IS OUT!!!!!

Greeting from GoVacuum,

On all Electrolux canister vacuum cleaners, there is a kill switch, that will not allow the machine to turn on without a bag in it. Sometimes when replacing the bag, the bag is placed in a position where the switch is not being activated.

When you open the bag housing, it should look like this;


You'll notice in the bottom right corner of the bag housing, the kill switch to the vacuum cleaner.


Try plugging the vacuum cleaner in, and while you are pressing this kill switch down, turn on the vacuum cleaner. Does the vacuum cleaner turn on/off when you push/release the kill switch? If it does, simply just get a new bag, and make sure that the new bag is covering the kill switch, and close the door of the vacuum cleaner.

If it still doesn't start, let me know and I'll try to help you diagnosis the machine differently. I'd say that 6 out of 10 times, this kill switch is the problem.

I hope this helps you. Please email me with any questions, or if this fix doesn't make your vacuum work. I really enjoy sharing my passion, and expertise in repairing vacuum cleaners.

Chris Jones
GoVacuum.com
[email protected]