I have a B&D 2030 steam iron which I really like, but recently it isn't always turning on when plugged in. I think there may be a short in the cord somewhere, possibly the plug?? It seems to work if I plug it into an extension cord first. Although sometimes that doesn't work either...any suggestions? Seems to be the best iron out there for my needs and I really don't want to buy a new one of what I already have if it is a minor fix... Thanks, Lisa

Then replace it because they are not repaired.

Some irons like Rowenta have a self cleaning feature. If yours doesn't make a solution of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water and put it in your iron. Plug it in and allow it to heat that up. keep working your instant steam button for a while. Hopefully the vinegar will help remove the calcium build up and let it work.

dump what water is still in iron. refill with white vineger turn turn on after a day soaking with iron hot use on old towel. dump remainer out. hint when filling iron with water only put small amount so water isn't laying inside when not in use.

I'm not an iron expert, but assuming you have water in it I would think that either the iron isn't warming OR there is internal restriction from mineral build-up preventing the water to flow. Is this a new iron or a well used one?

Chemicals and minerals in the water have probably clogged the vents. Empty the water. Pour 1/2 cup WHITE vinegar into the reservoir. Turn on your iron and let it heat. Then press the steam generator button several times until the vinegar is gone. Unplug the iron. As it is cooling, take acotton swab and gently wipe the surface of the vents. You can probe GENTLY with the swab, but don't push it into the vent or the cotton head may get stuck.
As you're pressing the steam button, keep the iron in the ironing position, not standing. If the vinegar just will not come out of the vents, use a wooden toothpick to loosen the build up.
This always works well for me and I hope it does for you.
If so, please come back to Fixya and rate my advice!

As the iron was still under guarenteeI exchanged it for a newer model

I have purchased two Rowenta irons. Both have the problem with water leakage. The entire iron looses all of it's water....both in the stand up position and the sitting down position. This happened after a couple of months for both items. I contacted Rowenta and they never responded. I will never purchase another item from them. Obviously, the irons must be defective. I'm going to contact consumer affairs.

Once you have filled up with water and always just below full line, if your model has one, you need to press the "reset" or "restart" button on the back end of the generator (the end furthest away from the water container). Also, do be sure to regularly descale as advised above otherwise the water/steam can't get through.

Fill the Iron with water but keep the water level below the max line. Plug in the iron and set the temp to 6 and stand iron on it's heel and allow to heat for 3 mins. Now unplug the iron and take it to a sink move and Hold the variable steam dial in the CLEAN position. There may be some hissing and spitting while cleaning so be careful. Continue to hold the dial in the clean position until all the water has emptied. If necessary rock side to side and back to front to get all the water out.When finished release the steam dial plug in the iron and heat for about 2 mins to dry out the remaining water and unplug.