Vacuum does not run at all

the motor carbon brushes need replacing which is a most difficult job to get the cleaner disassembled. Brushes are easy to fit if You have replaced carbon brushes in other appliances etc..
Getting to the brushes in the Kirby is very difficult...
Lee in Australia

The Kirby does not have a restart button. There are a number of reasons why it may not start. First be sure the bag assembly and rug head or hose are properly in place. The motor will not run without them firmly in place. If this is not the problem, the next thing to check is the cord. Remove the plastic cord cover on the base of the unit, pull the cord straight out to unplug it, and check the cord for continuity with a voltmeter. Wiggle the cord around a bit to be sure it is conducting current continuously. If the cord is good, either the switch has failed, or the carbon brushes in the motor have worn to the point where they are not making good contact with the motor armature. This will usually require professional repair.

First be sure the bag assembly and head are tightly installed on the motor unit. Safety switches prevent operation with the fan or motor outlet exposed. If this isn't the problem there are 3 possibilities. 1 - defective cord, 2 - defective switch, or 3 - worn carbon brushes in the motor.

Its not a simple fix, it will involve some disassembly of the motor unit, especially if the mechanism would not change from neutral to drive. One of the vac experts at vacuumland.org, a collector and enthusiast website, may be able to provide detailed instructions with pictures.

either that, or it was pulled so hard, it came disconnected from the vac switch. stepping on a cord rarely affects power. so, check vac switch and outlet to make sure the outlet has power.

(if you know an electrician or if you feel comfortable disassembling the vac i would look at the point that the cord enters the vac and trace it to the switch looking for obvious breaks)

Kirby recommends getting it serviced yearly but if you are mechanically inclined you can service it yourself. the biggest thing is cleaning and blowing all the dust out of the motor and inside compartment. also check your motor fan for chips nicks, and stress cracks around the center. Inspect the bearings and motor carbon brushes for wear and noise. and put some 3 in 1 oil on the top handle slide assy on top of the motor. do not disassemble this unit there are many way bearings inside and if its not reassembled just right it will throw off your self propelled unit

First remove the back, then remove the handle assembly. Then pop off the plastic switch cover and it has one screw on the back you will need to take out, then there are two screws in the front of the body housing and two on the back that you will need to take out and then you are ready to take the top cover off and get into the motor area.

I would take it into a local vacuum shop but DONT take it to a kirby shop because they will charge way more

There are 2 safety switchs, one on the front that the nozzle activates, and one on the side that the bag asembly activates. The motor brushes and/or armature maybe bad.

No, you just need to take it to a shop for repair.