Sunbeam T20 toaster. Vintage. this model has the auto up and down feature to lower and raise the bread/toast. It goes down and won't come up and burns the bread. When I unplug the toaster, the lifter brings the toast up. Either the thermostat is bad or the light/dark setting. How can I get this toaster repaired?

Just a guess since I have had the same happen to my Proctor Sillex - When you push down the lever, you are actually completing the transformer frame that then magnetically keeps the toast down until it's setting lets the toaster pop up.
In my case, a piece of toast was wedged and I could not get the handle down so that the hardware was in place to magnetically hold. Have you tried to give your toaster a good thorough shaking upside down, unplugged over the garbage can or the sink?
Good luck Eric

It lowers itself? I would clean it thoroughly, you may have food particles causing this issue

I have/had a similar problem. Here's how I fixed it.
UNPLUG THE TOASTER
1. Clean the crumbs out throughly. I removed the bottom of the toaster (6 screws) to make sure all the debris was removed. Use a soft brush. Replace bottom and tighten screws. 2. Gently brush the sensor area in the 'one slice' slot with a soft brush. 3. Remove 'darker-lighter' knob. I gently pried mine off with a small screwdriver. 4. Plug toaster in. 5. Put a slice of your usual bread in the 'one slice' slot. 6. Watch it toast. 7. When 'done' to your liking slowly rotate the control counter clockwise using a small screwdriver until the toaster stops toasting. 8. Replace knob with the pointer at the mid point (up and down) to allow for minor adjustments.

I have the same problem with some breads. Mine is also set up for bagels, and the bread goes further into the toaster. When it pops up, it then drops back down just enough where I'm not about to stick my fingers into the darn thing......sound familiar? The only thing that I've found that helps is that, when the toast pops up, and then drops back down, I lift up on the lever that you push down to start the toast, and I can lift the toast up about an inch, and safely remove it. Try this, and see if it works for you.
Best regards, --W/D--

The fact that pressing down the lever fails, means the toaster contact will not function and can not be repaired. Since a two slice toaster is only $15 at Target, why bother fixing a toaster?

I WILL TAKE IT TO A LOCAL AGENT FOR REPAIR
Thank you.

there a mixup between sunbeam toasters and pontiacs.
there was no problem

Hi, most new toaster have a selenoid that hold down the handle while toasting then release when done so a spring bring the toast up. Possible problem with the selenoid, the electronic circuit that controls it or the plate that the selenoid holds. When you lower the handle you close the contacts of the AC line inside the toaster so if the handle is raised there is no power.

Be sure the temp/time dial is not on zero.

if u need a manual for a toaster, then u r really in trouble...espcially for the amt of money u paid for it.
ok...
if u need instructions on how to use a toaster...here goes:
When:
A toaster is used to heat slices of bread, bagels, waffles, etc. to a hot, crispy consistency. Most toasters allow the user to set the toasting length to ensure the toasted bread comes out to temperature and crispiness to the user’s likes.
Where:
Toasters should be used on a flat, uncluttered surface near an electrical outlet but far from sinks, or running/standing water.
How:
To toast bread in a toaster, follow these instructions:

1. Place slices of toast, one each, in the slots on the top of the toaster.

2. Find the toast setting (a knob or lever) and adjust to the desired wellness of the toast. (Generally, there is a scale printed near the knob or lever ranging from light to dark toast).

3. Push down the toasting lever (moving the slices of bread down into the toaster between the heating elements.

4. When the toast is finished, the slices will “pop” up automatically.

5. Remove the toast from the toaster.
WARNING:
If the bread should get stuck inside the toaster, DO NOT PUT ANYTHING INSIDE THE TOASTER in attempt to dig it out. UNPLUG the toaster, turn it upside down and shake. If the toast does not fall out, use a plastic fork or knife to gently remove it from the toaster. Using metal utensils could damage the heating elements. NEVER stick anything in the toaster while it is plugged in.
*For further safety, it is recommended that the toaster be unplugged after each use.
I wish u luck and happy toasting.