kenmore vacuum handle repair?

There are 3 screws on the handle outside. After you remove those screws you'll need a flat screw driver (smaller the better with a thin tip) and unsnap (lift & pry) a plastic latch.
This can be found where the hose enters the handle. Now lift the top plastic cover (one that holds the on off switch) up carefully and use your screw driver again to release two more plastic latches (left & right sides of top cover) at the nozzle end. Once they are released, the top plastic cover is off.
The on off switch plate will now come off. You will be able to get to the switch with ease.

If you need more of the handle to dismantle then you will find one more screw located under the top cover. Once that top cover is off access is easy for fourth screw. After this is removed you will have to pry apart one more plastic latch where the hose enters the handle again. Normally a flat screw driver wedged between the seam with a prying motion will release this latch. Be careful and patient though when prying. Don't worry about small pieces falling out, it's a very basic connection in the handle.

If your problem is no power going to the powerhead, check the wire socket holder on the handle first. It has two holes near the nozzle end that plug into the vacuum pipe with the two male ends.

What happens is, two tabs break on the inside that hold this part in position. This part then slips back and won't make contact with the ends on the vacuum pipe with the powerhead. See if it is in place. It should be sticking out even with the harder plastic part that surrounds it. If it isn't, you'll have to take appart handle and figure a way to make that wire socket stay in place.

My tabs broke and I used electrical tape wraped around it to hold it in place. It works, just have to be careful when connecting each time.
So before changing the switch or any wires, check that female socket holder, it must make contact with the male ends.

Hope this helps.

Garner
November 2006