ElectroLex Cannister model C101J Cord won't retract, trying to remove hard plastc side strips. Appears to be 'one-way' lock in 'T' channel - suggestions unlock?

This is a common Kenmore problem. The cord may have kinked inside the cord reel, You can remove the top by taking the screws out some are hidden under the switch. If the cord gets too close to the edge of the reel it can bind. Do be careful as the spring in the cord reel can jump out and it hurts. I would take it to a dealer.

I am not too familiar with this particular model but I would think the cord winder may be shorting out. I think you can take it apart by turning it on its side, pull the side strips off. It is a bit tricky but if you access the winder check the electrical conitinuity from the winder to the plug in cord. You are probably better to take it in but if you cant please be careful to not get a shock..

First, try standing vacuum on it's back end. Gently pull on cord and release. Try this a few times.
If this doesn't work, you'll need to take it to an authorized Aerus Electrolux store and let the service tech repair it. Although it's relatively easy to disassemble, reassembling correctly is trickier. I've had several machines come into the shop disassembled because the owner couldn't figure out how to put it together again.
Also, when taking the cord rewinder apart, there's a risk of breaking tabs that hold it together.

http://www.aerushome.com/storelocator/

you will need a flat screwdriver and a little patience to get to the screws.

you will want to remove both the switch cover and the cord retract cover to get to the screws. once you have done that, you can get into the motor chamber area and dry that unit out.

Good luck,
Mark

You really don't want to get into the vacuum. You could cause more damage than what you have now. After you do get into the vac, the cordwinder is another monster to get into.
There are two strips,one on each side of the cleaner under the rubber bumpers. The strips have to be removed by pulling off the bumper and pull them out the front of the vac.This is not easy. After you get the locking strips out, turn the vac over and pull the bottom off. Then you can see the cordwinder.
The best thing to do is take the vac to a Aerus/Electrolux shop for repair.

well, i post an answer in the wrong field, and i can't find it, so i will type one more time.
slide two vinyl side pieces off, and remove top halves. remove two screws from the switch, and remove it from top halve. between switch and outside button is a plastic rocker, which is broken. you will find two broken pieces, one spring for the rocker piece, and one small plastic rod, which goes inside of the spring for support. i do not know if part is available, but you can for quick fix like me, turn the switch on by the hand, assemble unit, and plug in, and plug out from the wall. whay? i dont have electrolux store close by.
john

You will need to take the machine apart to correct this. Open the front of the canister and remove the bag. As you are looking at the front of the unit, there are two vinyl covered strips that run the length of the unit. Pull forward on these strips and then pull out so that the vinyl separates from the plastic underneath. Now grab the plastic strip with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull towards the front of the canister. These can be tough if the machine has never been opened up before, but pull as hard as you need to, to slide the strip out. Once both strips are out, turn the machine over, pull out on the sides of the bottom of the unit, and lift up. The bottom should come off relatively easily, and everything will be exposed. Now, assuming that the cordwinder isn't damaged, you should be able to wind the cord in by hand. Once it gets started it may start to retract automatically. Usually the spring just gets in a bind against the housing when it's over extended, and rolling it in by hand a little will free it up. Good Luck!!

Returned the sweeper to Costco for a full refund and bought another.

This may come too late for you looking at the date of your posting. I have the same model and it stumped me for a bit too but I did get it open. It's real easy once you know how. Open up the front and remove the bag, then look at the side (beige) bumper strip that runs from front to back. This is splined. You can see it by looking carefully at the front. The brown case is held together by the splined rubber strip. Simply use a pair of slip joint pliers or a vice grip. Grab it and pull to the front. It took a bit to get it moving but then it slid right out. I found it easiest to place the vacuum on the floor, hold it with my feet and with the front open and the bag out I just grabbed the side strip with my pliers and pulled hard and it slid right out.

Good Luck.

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.