Why won't the electrolux 8801 start

Sorry for the delay.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Electrolux+1623+motor+wiring

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I had a similar problem with an Electrolux Excellio Z5030. The motor would cut out and then start up again. This machine has the row of LED's along the top next to the speed (min/max) switch. The problem was with the PCB where the LED's are soldered onto. One of the connections to the motor was burnt (possibly bad solder joint) and was easily fixed by resoldering it. If the motor cuts out and the LED's remain unchanged, then check the connection to the motor.

Symbols..Question mark means "Put a bag in me", checkered light means : "Change me, I'm dirty"....pre-lit power light means: "You have Powaaa" to the unit and the thermostat light means the motor is too hot if it comes on, (most likely from a hose clog) and needs to cool down before the motor will run again. The settings on the control valve basically have to do with the auto shutoff when the bag needs changed. The lower the valve is turned, the more full the bag will get until it shuts off. Hope that helps!

hose is blocked or change filters .

If the smell is like burning metal and very strong, the motor is bad and needs replaced.
The circuit board inside could also have shorted and burned out. You can check the motor by removing the low voltage wiring from the side of the vacuum and using long-nosed pliers. Open the pliers and slip a point into each terminal. The motor should come on if it's still good. If it does run, the problem is with the relay board.
Although you can get either motor or board and replace them yourself, if you let the tech at an authorized Aerus Electrolux store do it, there's a one year warranty on the part/s and labor.
The nearest store can be found using the following link.

http://www.aerushome.com/storelocator/

To test the vacuum motor and circuit card, detach low voltage wires from vacuum. Using insulated needle-nose pliers, place points of pliers in each wiring connector. This should start and run the motor as long as the pliers are in place. If it does, the problem is elsewhere, If the motor doesn't run, either the motor, circuit board, or internal wiring is bad. It needs to be taken to an authorized Aerus Electrolux store for repair/s.
If the motor runs, the problem exists in the hose and attachments. Broken wiring, switches, and worn or loose wand connections could be the problem. If you are unable to test the hose and wiring for continuity, take the whole machine to the nearest Aerus Electrolux store for a free diagnosis.

http://www.aerushome.com/storelocator/

make sure you have bags or you need to check if the motor or anything is clogged or needs fixing

Try turning the knob on top of the machine all the way to the right and try it again

If the light came on when you plugged it in, then you have power to the unit. You can take a coin and short across the two pins where the small, low voltage wires connect to the unit. Just remove the two wires, they should just pull off, and touch the two pins together with the coin. The unit should come on. If it doesn't, and the light is on, you may have a bad motor or a bad relay on the board inside the unit. Another thing to check is the filter. It has to be installed properly or the unit will not run. The top of the filter depresses a switch so that the unit cannot be operated without a filter in place. Good Luck!

The whine tells you taht the bearings are bad. Now they may be putting a drag on the armature and causing it to shut down after getting hot. You will have to replace the motor.