Need to open the canister to get to the cord assembly of my Electrolux Lux 5000

HOSE HANDLE REMOVAL ELECTROLUX CANISTER VACUUM

Electrolux C type of bag. These usually come packages of 12. Available at any electrolux dealer or vac shop.

The only way is to replace the cord winder assembly.

It sounds like the valve assembly (full bag control) is faulty. Threr are two O rings inside of it and the plactic holding the bottom one has broken. You'll have to take it to the shop.

try to go with a smaller size bag

Here is the manufactures website to download the manual for your machine.

http://www.aerusonline.com/service/manuals.cfm

Your machine should still be under warranty which is voided if you do the work yourself or have another vacuum shop do it for u.

Clear solution here - the hose is blocked.
Using a blunt stick with blunt ends, remove the entire hose assembly and compact up with the stick. Wriggle the stick a couple of times and this should dislodge whatever has got stuck up the hose. 
Dont forget to rate, thanks,

HAVE YOU TRIED PUSHING THE RED "RESET" BUTTON?

The trim pieces along the sides just pull off seperating the two housings. The back portion where the retract drum is is held by two plastic tangs on top inside. use a screwdriver to pry the ring down to dislodge the tangs. the bottom part will lift off. remove the front part using two screws just below the hinge. the retract has a long coil spring wound around a free spinning hub. there are two "tangs" inside that engage a ratchet-pawl assembly. you'll need to rotate the drum to rewind the spring onto its hub.