My G3 works with the hose, but not with the Tech Drive

The part of the hose that attaches to the vacuum should push on the switch on the front of the vacuum so it won't come on without the nozzle or hose attached. Inspect the hose to see if that part may be broken or not making good contact to activate the switch,

Try this, take a look:
http://reviews.ebay.com/KIRBY-CARPET-SHAMPOOER-INSTRUCTIONS-MANUAL-DIRECTIONS_W0QQugidZ10000000004594992

KIRBY CARPET SHAMPOOER INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL DIRECTIONS

The below link is to a Kirby site that provides a video for attaching the shampooer. Very informative.

http://www.kirby.com/Portals/0/videos.html

The Kirby site has an excellent video for attaching and using the shampooer. Just click on the video you want to see.

http://www.kirby.com/Portals/0/videos.html

so when u pull it back it's like it's not engaged at all? then it maybe the reverse is out....with the fwd soon to follow. remember the vac is 20yrs old; & working that long? it definately served it's purpose.
depending how much money you wanna spend on it buying a new or used trans. plus labor...or just an ebay used unit.

I have the same issue...just got a used G3...but no manual. If you go to the Kirby website, there are videos on several issues...may help.

Yes G3 and G4 had different gasket thus the suction blower connector connecting Kirby hose to the unit on later models is different. You do not need to replace entire hose but just the plastic part that connects to the vacuum. You can find it HERE. To remove old connector you may have to submerge the end of the hose into hot water (not to hot to touch) so the vinyl becomes soft and you can bend it in with finger bringing plastic end over the lip on the molded end of the hose.

Good Luck

http://www.geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=11561&thid=539967
I have lost My Kirby G5 Manual
Posted by Marie1231 on Apr 23, 2008
Kirby G5 Bagged Upright Vacuum
I need to know how to use the attachments that came with the Kirby. I know how to use the shampoo/vacuum, but not the other attachments or the upholstery cleaner. Does anyone have any idea?

Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure.
1st, you need to un-hook the lever @ the top of the Kirby head, dial off the belt from the Kirby Vacuum Head using the Kirby emblem in the front of the vacuum, that also serves as a hook/spoon to dial the belt off the fan pulley. Once you have removed the vacuum head you now hook up the attachment hose to use the attachments by locking the attachment hose to the top lever. All regular Kirby attachment will fix on the attachment hose end including the spin brush if you have one with your Kirby --- using the Kirby Shampoo spray the soiled area and use the spin brush to agitate the carpet and or upholstery, try not to use to much water. If you have a Kirby shampooer – use the recovery tank on the exhaust port of the Kirby (this means that the cloth/paper bag needs to come off and install the clear recovery tank. Please refer to the Kirby owners manual for any type of trouble shooting that you might need – or please feel free to contact your local vacuum dealer in the yellow pages or contact your Kirby factory manufacturer listed below:
http://kirby.com Contact Us by Phone
United States and Canada 1-800-494-8586
Between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST
Monday thru Friday
Thanks, Don – The Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

Ok, the hose goes on the front. The light should lift up then, the front emblem rotates. this releases the belt from drive shaft. Underneath where the light was, there will be a release lever, which will release the entire front end where the brushes are located.

Once removed, you will see the intake fan and bar beneath it. The hose hooks to this bar. Then to the left of intake, there is a safety switch. The end of the hose has an arm that will fit into this safety switch.

Once hose is in place, the release lever that loosened the brushes will now tighten the hose.

The bag stays in the same place. If you have the 2nd handle attachment, you can use that to replace the upright handle. The release button on back side of handle.

I own a G4 and used to sell the G6 which was right before the one you own. The G3 thru Ultimate G are work in the same manner just different colors.

Hope this was helpful.

TURN THE BELT LIFTER IN THE FRONT CLOCKWISE UNTIL THE RED ARROWS LINE UP. NOW TURN THE LATCH AT THE TOP OF THE POWER NOZZLE AND TAKE THE NOZZLE OFF. HOOK THE HOSE EVENLY ON THE BAR BELOW THE FAN, LEAN IT UP AND LATCH IT ON WITH THE LATCH.
IF YOU NEED ANY MORE HELP WITH THE POWER NOZZLE, SEE MY ONLINE GUIDE...

http://reviews.ebay.com/CHANGING-THE-BELT-ON-A-KIRBY-G3-G4-G5-GSIX-ULTIMATE-G_W0QQugidZ10000000003720039

HOPE THIS HELPS!
MARCI