Kenmore Progressive Upright Vacuum with InteliClean System Slate Blue "things slate" Questions

Clogged vacuum - Kenmore 35922 Slate Blue Rather stupidly, my boyfriend 1) were vacuuming without a bag and 2) vacuumed up a big piece of cotton from a sofa cushion. And now it's making a horrible ...

When I turn on the unit and push on the level that draws the "arm" back, it immediately shuts off. I return it to the upright position and turn it on again and repeat the process. Same thing