Thread Number: 37447
/ Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
Electrolux Ambassador doesn't work |
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Post# 399532 , Reply# 1   10/14/2018 at 11:42 (1,992 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)   |   | |
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Post# 399533 , Reply# 2   10/14/2018 at 12:03 (1,992 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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How do I gain access to the switch? I'm not familiar with this model. |
Post# 399547 , Reply# 5   10/14/2018 at 14:55 (1,992 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
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I think Greg is exactly correct. It's most likely a switch issue. The question is, which switch? I would definitely look first at the main power switch. Once you get the machine taken apart, you'll be better able to judge the action of the switch than when it's under the rocker, which is just a plastic cover. Also test the switch with a volt-ohm meter (aka multitester) to confirm it's working properly. If that's okay, the next possible culprit would be the bag eject lockout switch, whic is what kicks the bag door open when the bag is full. I'm assuming your machine is equipped with one. Full disclosure here, I have never used one of the later plastic canisters, much less taken one apart.
On the older style metal canisters, this switch is located inside the bag door. You have to take the bag door apart by opening it and removing a few screws. When I first got my Super J, it wouldn't work but the main power switch felt healthy with a definite click back and forth. When I disassembled the bag door, the lockout switch had definite issues. There were a couple of burnt contacts with the plastic melted around them and the damage didn't appear to be new. Interestingly, there was an extra contact adjacent to the blue wire that would allow you to bypass the lockout switch by moving the black wire there. I didn't try it; I just ordered a new lockout switch. Once that was in place, all was right with the world--or at least with that Super J. Be sure also to check the cord and plug and let us know how things turn out. I'm reasonably certain the machine is fixable. |
Post# 399551 , Reply# 7   10/14/2018 at 17:37 (1,992 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)   |   | |
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Post# 399568 , Reply# 11   10/15/2018 at 11:01 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Gregvacs28 That was exactly what I was thinking about a few minutes ago. I'm looking for a good cord with free ends and a pair of alligator connections. |
Post# 399569 , Reply# 12   10/15/2018 at 11:05 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Test done: motor works fine. So, where do I go next ? |
Post# 399571 , Reply# 13   10/15/2018 at 11:10 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)   |   | |
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Now I would remove the two leads from the cord winder and connect electric direct to the two leads. test the vacuum |
Post# 399573 , Reply# 14   10/15/2018 at 11:27 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Wouldn't that be easier and safer to simply testing with leads from connections on the winder to connections on the motor? |
Post# 399574 , Reply# 15   10/15/2018 at 11:48 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)   |   | |
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you need to clarify that |
Post# 399576 , Reply# 17   10/15/2018 at 12:11 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Test #2 done: the motor doesn't turn when powered through the cord winder. It could be the cord itself or the connections in the winder, I suppose? How do I safely open the winder? |
Post# 399580 , Reply# 20   10/15/2018 at 12:43 (1,991 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)   |   | |
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It does LOOK like it could be an issue. I would still test the vacuum like I suggested, there could be something else and this cord may still be functioning.
But yeah the cord will need shortening. |
Post# 399582 , Reply# 21   10/15/2018 at 12:55 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Well, after measuring carefully what I'd have to cut, it's more like 18 inches, that would leave the cord significantly shorter. Now I consider using the cord from an AP-200 I have that is in poor condition (winder not working and damaged body). |
Post# 399586 , Reply# 24   10/15/2018 at 14:34 (1,991 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)   |   | |
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A new generic cord winder on eBay is less than $40.00. I would just get a new cord winder
CLICK HERE TO GO TO Kloveland's LINK on eBay |
Post# 399590 , Reply# 25   10/15/2018 at 16:25 (1,991 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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40$ US, it could easily mean close to 55$ canadian plus shipping...I don't want to put that kind of money in that machine. |
Post# 399591 , Reply# 26   10/15/2018 at 16:35 (1,991 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)   |   | |
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Post# 399600 , Reply# 29   10/15/2018 at 20:35 (1,990 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)   |   | |
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for sharing your issue and sharing pictures.
I hope we can see more of the progress and finished item. |
Post# 399618 , Reply# 31   10/16/2018 at 05:53 (1,990 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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I forgot to mention that the cord winder works fine. |
Post# 399633 , Reply# 32   10/16/2018 at 15:23 (1,990 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Here are a few pictures of the Ambassador and the power nozzle I want to use with. It is a PN-6. Is it a good match ? |
Post# 399652 , Reply# 33   10/16/2018 at 22:31 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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I don't know this model of power nozzle, all other ones I've owned where rectangular, is this PN-6 superior to other models in any way? It has a selector on it for Floor or Carpet, is it actually effective in both modes? |
Post# 399664 , Reply# 35   10/17/2018 at 09:17 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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OK thanks for the info, so the switch is useful when you don't have any on the flexible hose, right? |
Post# 399666 , Reply# 36   10/17/2018 at 09:24 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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I thought there were 2 different modes plus the OFF position.
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Post# 399668 , Reply# 37   10/17/2018 at 10:03 (1,989 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)   |   | |
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I'm not all that fond of the L-shaped "Omniflow" power nozzles that began with the PN5. I find the little outrigger gets hung up on furniture legs, but I'm left handed so it may just be that it's on the "wrong" side for my needs. My favorite Electrolux power nozzles are the PN2 and PN4, which are more square in shape and being narrower, are much easier to maneuver in tight spaces. All that said, the PN6 should do just fine, provided your brush roll is in good shape.
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Post# 399669 , Reply# 38   10/17/2018 at 10:06 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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I just used it on my carpet in my basement, man, that thing is powerful ! |
Post# 399670 , Reply# 39   10/17/2018 at 11:28 (1,989 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)   |   | |
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Pushing the switch forward is for reset which on previous PNs you would push the red reset button. |
Post# 399671 , Reply# 40   10/17/2018 at 12:11 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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I don't understand what this RESET is supposed to do exactly. COuld you please explain ? |
Post# 399675 , Reply# 41   10/17/2018 at 13:02 (1,989 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)   |   | |
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What pushing the switch forward to "reset" does is it makes the powerhead turn back on if you got a jam in it. Remove the obstruction, press the switch forward to reset & voila, it turns back on.
That powerhead looks like it would have come from a Canadian Electrolux 2100, later in the run. First version was white, with just a red reset button, & the filter cover on the canister didn't have the hooks for the crevice & combo dusting/upholstery tool. That change, & changing the powerhead color to blue & adding the 3 way off/on/reset switch, & including the combo tool instead of 2 separate dusting & upholstery tools, are what differentiates this from a earlier Canadian 2100. The powerhead that came with your Ambassador would have been essentially the same as the PN6, with a slightly different hood cover. The other change they made to the PN6 was to the cover over the height adjustment wheels in the back, they added slots so axles could be used in place of the automatic height adjustment wheels. This was desirable for commercial users, & also for people that want fixed height adjustment so the powerhead grooms the carpet better. Very nice job refurbishing your Ambassador! Very admirable you were able to fix the cord reel, instead of just buying a new one. My only suggestion would be, now that you have it fixed, is to buy the HEPA Cloth Style C bags available online & thru some vac shops. Most of the distributors in Canada, such as Hibbert & JohnnyVac, carry them now, so if a shop doesn't have them they can easily be ordered. They are a little pricey compared to the 4 ply paper Style C bag, but if you order them in bulk on Evacuumstore.com, they are reasonably priced there. Definitely worth it for the improved filtration. Enjoy your free working Electrolux Ambassador! Rob |
Post# 399677 , Reply# 42   10/17/2018 at 13:17 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Thanks Rob, I appreciate you took the time to explain. I also has a sort of cream colored PN6A with the same selector the blue PN6 has. |
Post# 399678 , Reply# 43   10/17/2018 at 13:25 (1,989 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Here it is:
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Post# 399691 , Reply# 45   10/17/2018 at 18:49 (1,988 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)   |   | |
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How did you happen to be so lucky as to get a FREE 5 Pack of Electrolux canisters? .... and where are the pictures of all of them? Don't tease us. lol |
Post# 399719 , Reply# 47   10/18/2018 at 10:55 (1,988 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Ah, I forgot to mention that I also bought two Elux for 25$ CAN one month ago, one AP-100 and one AP-200, average condition. |
Post# 399742 , Reply# 49   10/18/2018 at 21:26 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Thanks a lot Paul for these informations. About the Sidekick, is it norma I can't turn the roller by hand ? |
Post# 399749 , Reply# 50   10/19/2018 at 08:18 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Here are my recent acquisitions: |
Post# 399751 , Reply# 52   10/19/2018 at 08:30 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Thanks Jimmy, I'll dig into it these days. |
Post# 399753 , Reply# 53   10/19/2018 at 10:01 (1,987 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 399756 , Reply# 54   10/19/2018 at 11:57 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Rob I bought two SuperJ's last year, sold one to recover some money I spent for other vacs I bought just before, fixed one that I've kept for the basement. I may keep this one too, it looks and sounds pretty decent. |
Post# 399763 , Reply# 55   10/19/2018 at 15:13 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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What is the usual fix for this? The plastic washer at one end of the sidekick roller brush is broken, and the other one is cracked.
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Post# 399764 , Reply# 56   10/19/2018 at 15:29 (1,987 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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No luck, Sidekick #2 is worse than #1, so no swap possible. |
Post# 399777 , Reply# 57   10/19/2018 at 20:53 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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I'll be lucky if I find nylon washers the right size and with a hole small enough to fit there. |
Post# 399786 , Reply# 62   10/19/2018 at 22:42 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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For the moment, she finds my hobby "cute"... This said, she's very comprehensive for so many things, I feel lucky I have her in my life ! As for the Singer dealer, his ELux business is a sideline. |
Post# 399794 , Reply# 63   10/19/2018 at 23:28 (1,986 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)   |   | |
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Thanks for sharing pics of your stash.
It looks like the Canadian metal body models used the same type hose connection as the plastic body. ? Are these metal bodies from the 80s or 70s?
I've never seen that in the U.S.
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Post# 399807 , Reply# 65   10/20/2018 at 09:32 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Greg The only 100% metal-body model I have isn't on the pictures, it is a no-working ZB-89. They are a bit hard to find in good condition around here. |
Post# 399819 , Reply# 67   10/20/2018 at 14:14 (1,986 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Well, I just realized my last message was wrong, the Sidekick is made to fit directly to the flexible hose. |
Post# 399888 , Reply# 70   10/22/2018 at 08:55 (1,984 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)   |   | |
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The short metal adapter above was not for Discovery.The all plastic hand grip would be changed to the plastic grip with metal end by simply screwing off & on.Yet another box with hand grip,hose cord with straps and adapter with outlet & switch was packed for uprights. |
Post# 399902 , Reply# 72   10/22/2018 at 16:22 (1,984 days old) by quebecois (Waterloo, Canada)   |   | |
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Thank you guys for that bunch of informations. Both Sidekicks I have came with nothing, so I had no clue to how to connect them. Being a member here improves my knowledge. |
Post# 399906 , Reply# 73   10/22/2018 at 17:31 (1,984 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)   |   | |
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If you want to use the sidekick on a hose with out terminals, such as a plastic shop-vac hose, just get one of these. Plug it into the nozzle and then into an extension cord.
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