Vacuum Cleaner Loss of Suction Fix (AEG AJM 6820 Jetmaxx)

The AEG AJM 6820 Jetmaxx vacuum cleaner contains an ST BTB16/600BW TRIAC riveted to a heatsink. In my case not very firmly. This instructable shows you how to replace the TRIAC with a BTA24/800BW (24 Ampere / 800 Volt) TRIAC.

Losing suction

After the vacuum cleaner shut down suddenly during operation, but turned back on after cooling down, the vacuum strength seemed to have diminished. I took it in for repair, but got it back unrepaired because they couldn't find anything wrong.

Today it shut down again multiple times and I decided to replace the TRIAC with a new one I got from eBay. After replacement the suction power was back to when I first bought it: at some points it lifts the carpeting off the ground making it difficult to move the brush.

1. remove HEPA filter cover and filter
2. unscrew all 4 T20 torx black screws holding the top cover in place
3. remove black seal gasket
4. on the backside gently push against the top cover above the clips shown in picture 4

Tip: Double-click an image to view all sizes

N.B. The 4 chrome colored screws (also T20 torx) connect the vacuum engine to the chassis. They don't have to be unscrewed to replace the TRIAC.

1. remove black tubing (provides airflow to heatsink of TRIAC)
2. slide circuit board out of plastic holder
3. set vacuum power slider to maximum and remove slider by pulling upwards

1. with a 4mm drill bit remove heat sink from circuit board
2. desolder BTB16 TRIAC (heat one solder joint and smack circuit board against the ground splashing the solder off of the circuit board or use a desoldering tool)
3. solder three wires where the legs of the TRIAC were
4. connect a new BTA24 TRIAC with a heat sink to the other end
5. position and secure heatsink firmly in place
6. direct the black tubing to the new heat sink
7. finished! gently click and screw the cover back on.