Switch on Kirby G3 does not work

Found a guide that should be helpful! Kirby Vacuum Power Switch Repair

REPLACING THE POWER SWITCH ON ANY KIRBY SERIES VACUUM

see the video attached use the common sense: God bless you

normally its the field wire that goes first, needs visual inspection,
cant test power switch,so will have to test with new one

You'll be looking at paying between $30 & $40 as shown at the links below.

http://www.amazon.com/Kirby-Powe-Switch-Part-110590/dp/B002B91ODU%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJJFHCZENHTKLCE6A%26tag%3Djohnberg-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB002B91ODU

http://www.thevacuumstore.biz/power-switch-kirby-g3---sentria.aspx

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.

Reason number 1 (not sure why Kirby Co. still has not fixed it) - improperly installed outer bag. You have to push the bag all the way to the unit so it presses the safety switch that is between exhaust and the vacuum shell

Reason 2 - defective cord - try wiggling it. If you know how to do it - try removing cord and supplying power directly to the unit using another cord or wire (ONLY if you know how to work with electricity.If you get zapped - do not blame me)

Reason 3 - bad power switch (instructions on how to replace it HERE)

Reason 4 (very unlikely) - motor KAPUT

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]

sounds like brushes not being pressed down to the commutator shaft. pull out brushes and clean the brass brush guides and then apply a light coat of grease to brushes. however, what exactly do you mean by "the fan is OK"?

Try removing the nozzle and poking a screwdriver in the little slot for the safety switch and seeing if it runs. Maybe the nozzle's poker isn't pushing it in adequately?