Dirt Devil M082475 12 AMP cannister vacuum power-head problem

I've narrowed the problem down to the power line that runs from the cannister to the power head (through the main hose). If I plug the power-head directly into the cannister it works.

There is no continuity in the black wire of this power line (white wire is fine) that runs through the hose, I cannot see any kind of fuse to replace in either end of this black line. Any idea if there is a fuse for this line or would my problem be with the 2-prong plug that plugs into the cannister? It looks to have taken some abuse (slightly bent prongs) but it doesn't look bad enough to not work at all. I was hoping to see a fuse to replace somewhere but can't see one.

Do vacuums like this usually have an hidden in-line fuse?

Thanks