My Panasonic MC-E468 upright cleaner has stopped working barely two years after purchase brand-new. It was sudden. I vacuumed the hall, switched it off, moved to another room, it would no longer switch on. Dead.
I checked the 13-Amp socket (plugged in a table lamp).
I changed the plug fuse for a known good fuse.
I cut off the moulded plug and put another on, just in case the wires had become loose internally.
I dismantled the cleaner.
See
I used a testing screwdriver (neon light) to check whether juice is getting to switch and beyond (it is)
Motor commutator appears to be in good condition. Motor shows no signs of overheating.
Only thing left is the little condenser/capacitor thingy connected to the switch.
BIG QUESTION: WHAT IS THIS CONDENSER FOR, WHY IS IT THERE? And I can I get a replacement?
NB: New motor costs £65 !!!!!
New cleaner, e.g. Electrolux from Argos: £49.99
This Panasonic cleaner seems to have very few parts - motor, switch, cable - that there is no explainable reason why it won't work.
Any ideas before I drive it to the tip?
Thanks!
MM