My Kirby Won't Turn On! Safety Switches and Other Common Problems 

Are you having trouble getting your Kirby vacuum to turn on? Today we go over a few common problems that may keep your Kirby from working the way it should.

 

Important Safety Tips

• Always make sure your machine is unplugged and the power button is turned off, before servicing your vacuum.
• Always make sure your hands are dry and free from moisture before servicing your machine.
• Be sure to wear gloves when servicing your machine to prevent any cuts or scrapes.
• If you are uncomfortable working on your vacuum, please don’t hesitate to contact us at service@greatvacs.com and we can help you through the process or you can send it into us to fix it for you. 

 

Instructions 

 

If your Kirby vacuum isn’t turning on, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the safety switches. We’ll start with the one behind the power nozzle.

 

Start by releasing the belt.

 

Now release the latch.

 

When you take the powerhead off, you’ll be able to see the safety switch.

 

When you put the head on, a small tab will press this safety switch. It should be sticking out about half an inch or so. If it looks short or has a jagged, broken edge, then you tab is probably broken and isn’t engaging the safety switch. The solution is to replace the power head and we can help you with that! Just email us at service@greatvacs.com with more details.

 

If your tab looks good, you’ll want to be sure you’re attaching the head properly. There is a bar on the vacuum and two hooks on the power head. These hooks will need to hook over the bar.

 

Raise the height of the vacuum all the way to make it easier, then attach the head.

 

Secure the latch and engage the belt. The power head should only have a slight, 1-2 mm gap. If yours looks like the one pictured above you should be good!

 

The next safety switch is by the bag. If you remove the bag, you’ll notice this tiny switch on the vacuum.

 

There is a tab on the bag that pushed the switch forward when attached properly.

 

For the bag to be attached properly it will need to be aligned on the three brass tabs.

 

Set the bag on the tabs and turn clockwise until you feel it lock into place.

 

 If any of these tabs are broken the bag may not engage the switch. Also, if you notice the bag is popping back out of place too easily that could be a sign something is worn out and needs replaced.

 

If you’ve checked your safety switches and those all work and it’s STILL not turning on you should check the power cord. Unwind the cord and try wiggling it around as you attempt the turn the vacuum on. If the vacuum turns on at some point you likely have a short in the power cord. If that happens send us an email at service@greatvacs.com and we can help replace the cord.

  

Which model of Kirby vacuum is the best? Here’s what we think!

 

Looking for more info? Check out our Education Center!

 

Need your Kirby repaired? Send us an email at service@greatvacs.com

 

We sell Kirby vacuums! We buy Kirby vacuums! And we sell bags, belts, cords, or anything else you need!

 

Here at Great Vacs we’ve serviced and rebuilt nearly 100,000 Kirby vacuum cleaners, so if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave us a comment! You can also head on over to our YouTube channel to see more education videos.

 

Kirby bag falling off?

Does your Kirby bag keep falling off? Tired of your Kirby vacuum not turning on due to your bag? Well, in this video we will go over a few things that will help fix this problem. We will also show you the proper way to put your bag on.

 

 

Important Safety Tips

• Always make sure your machine is unplugged and the power button is turned off, before servicing your vacuum.
• Always make sure your hands are dry and free from moisture before servicing your machine.
• Be sure to wear gloves when servicing your machine to prevent any cuts or scrapes.
• If you are uncomfortable working on your vacuum, please don’t hesitate to contact us at service@greatvacs.com and we can help you through the process or you can send it into us to fix it for you. 

 

Instructions

 

 

If you take the bag off by twisting counter-clockwise you will notice a small switch.

 

This switch needs to be pushed forward to engage the safety switch. This happens when the bag is attached properly.

 

You will also notice a tab on the end of the bag. This is how your bag engages the safety switch!

 

To make sure you bag is attached properly, take note of the brass pins on the vacuum and the three slots at the end of your bag.

 

Line the bag up on the brass pins and twist clockwise to lock it in place.

 

Maybe you've noticed that your bag pops out of place too easily! That could be a sign of a worn out part somewhere in the bag area. If that’s the case go ahead and send us an email with more details. Send a picture of the inside of the bag area and the attachment area if possible.

 

 

Which model of Kirby vacuum is the best? Here’s what we think!

 

Looking for more info? Check out our Education Center!

 

Need your Kirby repaired? Send us an email at service@greatvacs.com

 

We sell Kirby vacuums! We buy Kirby vacuums! And we sell bags, belts, cords, or anything else you need!

 

Here at Great Vacs we’ve serviced and rebuilt nearly 100,000 Kirby vacuum cleaners, so if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave us a comment! You can also head on over to our YouTube channel to see more education videos.

 

How To Use Rainbow Vacuum Attachments

Our customers often ask how to use their Rainbow vacuum tools and attachments. In this video, Dustin explains exactly how it works!

 

 

 

The first thing you need to do is determine which hose to use. Unless it is specifically stated, NEVER use an electric hose to vacuum up liquid. For regular vacuuming of dust and debris the electric hose is great. When you’re using the floor tool and when you’re cleaning up wet spills, the non-electric hose the one you should choose. It is also called the dry hose.

 

Once you have the hose type picked connect it to the vacuum.

 

If you have a D3, D4, or SE model you will simply push your tool of choice on and twist to the right to secure it. The newer E models use a button lock so the tool will snap into place. All of the onboard tools work this way, including the crevice tool, upholstery tool, and duster brush.

 

Let’s say you want to use your floor tool! Start by attaching the short straight wand.

 

Then attach the curved wand, making sure the two small bumps are at the unattached end.

 

Now you can attach your floor tool!

 

All of those instructions are for Rainbow’s genuine tools. What do you do if your Rainbow was sold with aftermarket tools? It works mostly the same. The tools will probably be friction fit.

 

The floor tool is where it may be different. Many aftermarket floor tools have a built-in swivel, unlike the Rainbow genuine floor tool. Because of this the wands will be a little different.

 

Usually there will be two short, straight wands.

 

You just simply attach the floor tool at the end and get to cleaning!

 

 

Want to know what Rainbow vacuum is best for you? Check out our Rainbow Vacuum guide!

 

Looking for more info? Check out our Education Center!

 

Need your Rainbow repaired? Send us an email at service@greatvacs.com

 

We sell Rainbow vacuums! We buy Rainbow vacuums! And we sell parts, tools, or anything else you need! If you need any parts, supplies or have any questions, email as service@greatvacs.com or leave a comment! You can also head on over to our YouTube channel to see more educational videos on all of our different products.