Replace retractable power cord

Hello, Elizabeth -

You may find the instructions here helpful in getting the cord to retract again:
https://www.hunker.com/13408865/how-to-repair-a-cord-rewind-in-a-vacuum-cleaner

This is a link to other instructions:
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/fixing-the-cord-reel-on-a-canister-vacuum

If you wish to post the make and mode of your vacuum cleaner, I or another volunteer Fixya answerer may be able to find repair instructions specifically for your model of vacuum cleaner. You can choose Comment and type the make and model in the Comment box.

Best wishes.

Either the cord inside is caught on something or the retraction spring is broken.
Try to pull it out further, if you can feel any spring-back then most likely the cord is caught, maybe on itself.
Either way, the canister will probably have to be disassembled to fix the problem.

With all that's involved in replacing the cord and potential cord reel damage, it's more cost effective to just have the entire cord reel, complete with new cord, replaced. Less time consuming thus less costly to you. Hope it helps!

The retraction mechanizm is likely jammed. Mostly likely the cord has jumped it's groove in the retraction wheel/hub. If you are good with tools there is a 70% chance you can get it to work again with a basic DCR operation. Most mechanical problems can be solved using this simple rule: Dissassemble Clean and Reassemble.

CAUTION: The retract mech has a powerful spring inside, avoid exposing. Most retract mech units are rivoted closed so consumers won't poke thier eye out.
CAUTION: UNPLUG THE UNIT

Open the unit from the bottom and the top lid of the canister should come off.
The retract mech should be obvious as it is where the cord comes into the unit.
Look for the cord being bound by iteslf either on top or underneath (lie two cordes in one groove)
Remove any binding.
If you see no debris or obsticals for the cord to retract (where it is getting stuck)
Your spring could have sprung!
Do you feel and retract at all?
Can you locate the releae mechagnism?
Does the Release button seem to function? When Pressed it should take pressure off of the cord hub.
The retract mech may need replaced. Overall the cost will be about $60 for parts.

Go to Walmart and buy another vacum

ebay

http://www.sannerud.com/house/miele.html

Found this when i was looking to fix my own vacuum cleaner problem

Replace the cord reel

if it is anything like an electrolux there is a coiled spring inside that free wheels around a hub. pulling the cord too far out makes the spring slip on the free spinning hub. you may need to take apart the vac and rewind the spring.

I'm assuming that you have bought the new retractable cord assembly. If you have so, I believe the cord should retract going counter-clock wise (pulling it makes it spin clockwise).