Kirby G6 Power Switch Test ?

Its been awhile since I pulled one of those apart but I had a similar issue with a G and the power switch assembly that sits beside the motor had failed. Its a modular piece that (if memory serves correctly) operates main power and the emptor safety switch. This was the issue with a machine I had in to service.

If you are unsure on how to splice the cord back together it may be best to just purchase a new cord. You can find a new G6 cord and it is easily installed into the switch at the base of the Kirby.
Kirby G6 Power Cord

GoodVac.com Technician
www.goodvac.com
1-800-775-6586

More than likely you have a short in your power cord. however if you want to know for sure take machine apart until you can put an elec meter on switch where cord is attached. plug machine in and test the end of cord that is attached to switch if you have 120volts at that point its your switch thats bad. if you have no voltage or anything less than 110volts at the switch replace cord

Check the cords two wires with an OHM meter for continuity replace if you get a reading showing OL The ground wire you can forget about this test
If any sort of numbers appear in the meters display the cord is good
Replace the switch instead

Greetings from GoVacuum,

Unfortunately there is no fuse on a Kirby Generation model. In my 10 years of repairing Kirby's as well as other vacuums I will tell you that 9 times out of 10, when a Kirby Generation doesn't turn on, it's the cord that needs to be replaced. This is by far the most common problem that we see on Kirby repairs.
The Kirby motor is very well built, and usually has a life of 30+ years (G3 is about 12-15 years now). The only other problem it could be on the Kirby would be carbon brushes, or the switch assembly.

I would first try testing the power cord, I think this will solve the problem for you. To test a cord on a Kirby Generation (all Generation models are the same machines, just different colors) first follow where the cord goes into the Kirby at the bottom. To access this cover easier, first remove the "boot" at the bottom of the outer bag. This is the plastic part at the bottom of the outer bag that connects onto the Kirby. You will see that there is a plastic cover over the cord. You will need to remove the screw that holds this cover on.



Now after you have removed the cover, pull the plug out of the machine. Once you have the cord disconnected from the machine, you can now test it to see if there is a short somewhere in the cord. You will need to purchase an inexpensive continuity tester from Home Depot, Radio Shack, or most other electronic stores. This will tell you if there is power running through the cord, or if the cord is bad. With the continuity tester, plug the cord into the wall outlet, then put the positive, and negative testing rods into the female end of the cord that plugs into the machine. You will then be able to tell if the cord has continuity going through it. The tester will indicate if there's continuity or not.


The picture here shows that the cord is good. If your tester does not light up, or indicate that there is continuity, you'll simply just need to purchase a new cord. As I stated earlier, this is the most common reason that a Kirby won't turn on.

If however your cord tests OK, this indicates that the machine either needs a new motor (or carbon brushes in the motor) or it needs a new switch.

Please feel free to email me if you'd like instructions on how to diagnosis the switch or carbon brushes, or if you need to purchase a cord for your G3. Also I can send you a parts diagram of the Kirby should you ever need any other part for it. I have all parts for Kirby in stock, and we are the cheapest price online.

If the cord tested ok, then there are a few other things that may have gone bad. I'd be more then happy to try and help you diagnosis the Kirby further. Please just request a repair clarifiaction here on Fixya with further details.

If this helped you figure out the problem, please rate my repair as helpful. I really do appreciate it, thank you.

Chris J.

It could be the power cord or even the switch. I suggest taking it to an authorized Kirby repairshop and have it looked at. It could be something as simple the power switch

Either the cord or the switch is bad. The cord is simple. Take the tab screw on the back of the machine off and the screw holing the cord cover off. Pop off the cord cover un-plug and remove then reverse steps to replace. If it is the switch that is better left to proffesionals so call your local vacuum shop.

If the brushead is removed,there is a safety switch which prevent the machine from operating if the brushead is removed or not installed correctly.Either this switch or the main power switch could be the culprit,as well as the cord.

Greetings from GoVacuum.com,

Unfortunately there is no fuse on a Kirby Generation model. In my 10 years of repairing Kirby's as well as other vacuums, I will tell you that 9 times out of 10, when a Kirby Generation doesn't turn on, it's the cord that needs to be replaced. This is by far the most common problem that we see on Kirby repairs.
The Kirby motor is very well built, and usually has a life of 30+ years (G3 is about 12-15 years now). The only other problem it could be on the Kirby would be carbon brushes, or the switch assembly.

I would first try testing the power cord, I think this will solve the problem for you. To test a cord on a Kirby Generation (all Generation models are the same machines, just different colors) first follow where the cord goes into the Kirby at the bottom. To access this cover easier, first remove the "boot" at the bottom of the outer bag. This is the plastic part at the bottom of the outer bag that connects onto the Kirby. You will see that there is a plastic cover over the cord. You will need to remove the screw that holds this cover on.



Now after you have removed the cover, pull the plug out of the machine. Once you have the cord disconnected from the machine, you can now test it to see if there is a short somewhere in the cord. You will need to purchase an inexpensive continuity tester from Home Depot, Radio Shack, or most other electronic stores. This will tell you if there is power running through the cord, or if the cord is bad. With the continuity tester, plug the cord into the wall outlet, then put the positive, and negative testing rods into the female end of the cord that plugs into the machine. You will then be able to tell if the cord has continuity going through it. The tester will indicate if there's continuity or not.


The picture here shows that the cord is good. If your tester does not light up, or indicate that there is continuity, you'll simply just need to purchase a new cord. As I stated earlier, this is the most common reason that a Kirby won't turn on.

If however your cord tests OK, this indicates that the machine either needs a new motor (or carbon brushes in the motor) or it needs a new switch.

Please feel free to email me if you'd like instructions on how to diagnosis the switch or carbon brushes, or if you need to purchase a cord for your G3. Also I can send you a parts diagram of the Kirby should you ever need any other part for it. I have all parts for Kirby in stock, and we are the cheapest price online.

Chris Jones
GoVacuum.com
[email protected]

Could be the switch, I would check the cord 1st. It has 2 wires running thru it, one may be open. That power cord goes bad often, if anyone is pulling on the wire rather then the plug, then it would have have stretched and break.