Power cord will not retract

improper connection of bag

if it is making a humming sound but not turning you belt is broken, if it is not check the reset switch (little res button) if that doesnt work check the connections between the cord of the powerhead and the wand, the wand and the hose, and the hose and the vacuum
give the hose itself a good look over sometimes the wires up by the grip break in the casing

does it retract at all or not at all? or does it not stop when the cord is pulled out any amount?

Keep playing with it, it will go if you are careful. The alternative is to disassemble the device and get involved with the retractor system. This is not always a simple task with springs under tansion, reassembly required about 8 hands ... which MAY be a small exageration.

Thanks for your question @ FixYa.com

This is caused by a broken retractor reel spring, you will need to replace the retractor.

The button has two parts - the inner part (button) and the outer part (surrounds the button). The press the outer part to deactivate (pop out!) the inner part.

It took me a while to figure this thing out, but I was glad the vacuum wasn't broken.

It sounds like the rewinder spring either came off the retainer or broke. If it broke it must be replaced. If it just came off, it can be put back on and rewound. It is a LONG flat piece if springsteel which is VERY sharp. Be Careful.

http://geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=0&thid=576614
Generic problem for all Vacuums
Electrolux renaissance
Posted by maryannn2l on May 06, 2008
No power when I plug into outlet

Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. You may have 3 problems that I can see. You may have a bad electrical outlet, but I doubt it, the bad cordwinder cord or a short in the cordwinder itself, or a connection came loose in the motor section. If you need further assistance then contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or contact the Electrolux factory listed below. . So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
http://electrolux.com/ Customer Service 1-800-896-9756
Electrolux Home Care Products – North America
P.O. Box 3900 Peoria, IL 61612
Thanks, Don the Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

The trim pieces along the sides just pull off seperating the two housings. The back portion where the retract drum is is held by two plastic tangs on top inside. use a screwdriver to pry the ring down to dislodge the tangs. the bottom part will lift off. remove the front part using two screws just below the hinge. the retract has a long coil spring wound around a free spinning hub. there are two "tangs" inside that engage a ratchet-pawl assembly. you'll need to rotate the drum to rewind the spring onto its hub.