How to Fix a Retractable Cord on a Vacuum Cleaner

Replacing a Damaged Cord

• 1

  Cut the power cord just behind the damaged section using wire cutters.

• 2

  Place a pair of wire strippers around the power cord about two inches from the end, and strip away the insulation to expose three smaller wires inside.

• 3

  Remove the retaining screw in a replacement power plug to expose the back of the plug.

• 4

  Thread the exposed wires through the back of a replacement plug. Strip away 1 inch of insulation from each of the three smaller wires.

• 5

  Place the exposed end of the white wire into the silver terminal. This is your negative electrical connection. Tighten the screw on that terminal to secure the wire.

• 6

  Place the exposed end of the black wire into the gold terminal. This is the positive electrical connection. Tighten the screw on the terminal to secure the wire.

• 7

  Place the exposed end of the green wire into the green terminal. This is the ground electrical connection. Tighten the screw on the terminal to secure the wire.

• 8

  Place the back and front pieces of the new plug together and secure them with the provided retaining screw.

• 9

  Plug in the power cord and test the vacuum cleaner.

Repairing the Retractor

• 10

  Remove the screws around the housing where the cord enters the vacuum cleaner. There should be several small screws. Remove all of them.

• 11

  Pull out the plastic housing around the retractable cord. This may contain two pieces that fit around the cord.

• 12

  Inspect the reel where the cord is wrapped. If the cord appears to be bound over itself or the reel, pull firmly on the cord to loosen the bind. Use a screwdriver to pry loose the cord around the edges of the reel, if necessary. Pull the cord straight until there are no more binds, and slowly allow the cable to retract into the housing.

• 13

  Place the plastic housing back on the vacuum and replace all of the screws.