How to fix retractable chord on Kenmore cannister vacuum?

First you need to remove the cover which is not obvious. Remove the collector bag, open the cover all the way and you can pop out the brackets on either side that retain the coner to the canister. That will reveal two screws holding the rear cover but there are 2 more hidden under the cord retractor 'Button' (about 2" x 6 "). Removing that button probably requires a special tool designed to cause more product sales, but... you can insert 2 or 3 thin flat blade screwdrivers or possibly a putty knife or two between the hinge side of the button and the canister cover, press down and pry outward. The button is held by 4 tongues that enter the forward cover and curve upward. It seems like the thing might break in removal but mine did not!
The unit I was investigating would not power on. There was a simple spade connector next to the motor that had vibrated off the lug!

Marin Lenny
August 2008