How can I fix my Kenmore upright (model 116.31613100) vacuum?

I discovered the prong inside the plug had separated from the cable (abuse...puliing it from wall), but no until I had removed the motor and eliminated the "dirt sensor" circuitry. Put on a new plug and reassembled; works great! I should have diagnosed the cable/plug better; I kept getting intermittent power to motor and never imagined a molded plug could break down like that. If it's common, it's a factory defect and Sears/
Kenmore is probably aware by now. Certainly should be
a "negative" when reviewing their products!

Michael Geiger
October 2008

did you ever get an answer? I got the same problem with mine. must be a systemic problem. I changed the cord, but then fried the ciruit board. Not sure what happened.

Jerry K
September 2007