Henry Hoover Won’t Turn On? 5 Common Faults Explained
When your Henry Hoover will not turn on, the most frustrating part is often not knowing which part has actually failed.
The good news is that most Henry power faults are usually caused by a small number of common issues, and many can be repaired without replacing the entire vacuum.
I have created a full 5-step fault-finding video guide below to help you diagnose the problem and get your Henry working again.
In the guide, I use a multimeter to trace the power loss issue step by step. However, I also explain the common symptoms for each fault, so even if you do not own a multimeter, you can still narrow the issue down.
1. Henry Hoover Power Cable Fault
A damaged power cable is one of the most common reasons a Henry Hoover stops working.
Often the cable fails near the plug or where the cable flexes repeatedly during use. In many cases the vacuum will cut in and out before failing completely.
The cable should be visually inspected for:
- Splits in the insulation
- Burn marks
- Kinks or crushed sections
- Intermittent power when moving the cable
If you have a newer Henry model with an LED power indicator and the LED still lights up when plugged into the mains, the power cable itself is unlikely to be the cause.
2. Rewind Contact Problems
The cable rewind contacts underneath the rewind assembly are another very common failure point.
These contacts transfer power from the rewind to the vacuum itself and can wear, burn or snap over time.
In many cases, a simple visual inspection is enough to spot damaged contacts.
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3. Henry Hoover On / Off Switch Fault
A faulty switch can also stop Henry from powering on.
This can be tested properly with a multimeter, but there are also some common symptoms.
If your Henry was working perfectly the last time you used it, with no burning smell or unusual motor sounds beforehand, the switch can often be the culprit.
In many cases, the switch simply needs cleaning rather than replacing.
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4. Motor Or Carbon Brush Failure
If the motor itself is failing, Henry will usually give warning signs beforehand.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning smells
- Sparking
- Strange noises
- Spluttering
- Loss of power before failure
In many cases, you do not need a complete replacement motor.
Worn carbon brushes are extremely common and replacing them is often enough to bring the motor back to life.
When replacing carbon brushes, it is also worth checking the motor commutator itself. If the contact surface is badly burnt, pitted or damaged, the motor may need replacing completely.
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5. PCB (Printed Circuit Board) Fault
PCB faults are only found on Henry models fitted with a Hi / Low power switch.
If the PCB fails, it can completely stop the vacuum from powering on.
In the video at the top of this page, I show how to quickly bypass the PCB to confirm whether it is causing the issue.
Connecting the switch directly to the motor bypasses the Hi / Low speed feature and will often bring the vacuum back to life.
You can also follow the video below to install a power LED when bypassing the PCB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my Henry Hoover suddenly stopped working?
The most common causes are a faulty cable, damaged rewind contacts, faulty switch or worn motor carbon brushes.
Why does my Henry keep cutting out?
This is often caused by a damaged power cable or worn rewind contacts, especially if moving the cable affects the power.
Can a Henry Hoover motor be repaired?
Yes. In many cases replacing the carbon brushes is enough to repair the motor without needing a full replacement.
How do I know if my Henry switch is faulty?
If the vacuum was working normally beforehand with no burning smells or strange noises, the switch may be faulty or dirty.
What does the LED light on Henry mean?
On newer Henry models, the LED power light can help confirm whether power is reaching the machine through the cable.
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