Kirby will not push forward, wheels are locked

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Sentria - The Kirby Company - Kirby Vacuum

https://www.kirby.com > earlier-kirby-models > sentria

The Sentria Model includes softer lines and gentler curves on its design, giving it a sleek and soft look. The handle was redesigned on this model to provide ...

I've had that exact issue with a Kirby Diamond Edition. What has happened is that the bracket inside the machine that activates the forward and back motion of the tech drive has come out of its slot. The only way to fix this is to disassemble the machine and put it back into place.

Adjust the height of your brush.

Motor housing will need to be removed and transmission a linkage adjusted. Take to a pro shop for this one.

When wheels lock when vacuum is OFF - it is normal. If it happens when Kirby is ON then there are a few things that may have gone wrong

Primary drive belt is broken or something is wrong with plastic gears. See how to check the primary drive belt HERE.

If it is fine and gears are spinning - then something must be wrong inside the transmission. Parts for tech drive are not available from manufacturer so you are on your own. It is not really complicated - 2 clutches that engage and disengage depending which direction you push the vacuum. But if something in there is broken - you have to get a new tranny. It is not like getting a transmission for a truck but it still will set you back by about 100 $.

Good Luck
Rocky

go to kirbvacuums.com and look up your model number ,they might even have a toll free number you can call

Vibrating – that usually happens on some short fiber or very dense carpets. When nozzle goes against the carpet fiber Kirby starts jumping. Try vacuuming the same place while facing opposite way.

Belt – red arrows means DISENGAGE. When you install the nozzle on the Kirby unit while green arrows match you will not be able to turn it on red. You must follow sequence (starting from nozzle off the Kirby, green arrows match, Kirby front lifter all the way up by pressing one of the pedals):
1. Turn Kirby knob to match red arrows. You will feel some tension and hook inside of the nozzle is supposed to catch the belt and stretch forming a loop for the Kirby shaft.
2. Put the nozzle on the Kirby and lock it on with the latch.
3. Twist the knob back to match the green arrows. YOU ARE DONE

Go to GoodVac.com Kirby vacuum online manual. There are some small details that you may want to pay attention to if you have removed the brush roll to install a new belt. Also there are some pictures that will help you understanding the process.

do u put it on drive or neutral? does the wheels spin when on drive? is the height adjuster on the right level?

you need either a new nutreal cam bracket assembly, that is what engages and disengages the tech drive.OR to adjust the handle pivot assy- diffucult . this is not for the faint of heart. it is possible to fix them as i used to repair kirbys, however, I remember how frustrating it was to figure out how to disassemble and reassemble them. it is very complicated to a novice. I would recomend having it repaired professionaly. it is possible for a professional to repair it in a very short period of time.

another thing to consider. look on the UNDERSIDE of your Kirby, between the two drive wheels. just in fronnt of the tech drive/nutreal switch. there should be a screw there, tighten that screw up. actually tighten all of them. on My generation 3 the center screw came loose and it would not go in to drive and it would make an aweful clatter. hope this was helpful

Here's a link on how to adjust the transmission on the kirby...the kirby pictured is a G4 or 5 but it is the same transmission as the G3

http://www.greatvacs.com/Kirby%20Transmission%20Adj.shtml
Hope this helps!!!