Festool Junkie Blog

I just received a call from a West Coast Junkie regarding his CT 22 shutting off unexpectedly. I thought I would take a moment to share this common “scare” with all of you. The problem has to with the thermal cut-off device on the vacuum. In other words when the vac ain’t suckin’, there is no air to cool the motor causing the motor to heat up. To protect the motor, the CT will shut off on it’s own when you are in “auto.”
The list to follow is a real simple checklist to trouble shoot the problem…here are my questions:

1. If you disconnect the hose from the Dust Extractor (vacuum), is there negative pressure at the port?

In Junkie terms: does the thing suck when the hose is not hooked up?

If you answer “YES” then all is cool, have no fear brother. More than likely, your hose is clogged. Take the rubber end off, shake the hose, rattle the hose, do anything to it you need to until it is clear. Reinstall the rubber end and you’re ready to start sucking again.
To reset the vacuum, turn the vac to “on” and then back to “auto”. This should work.
If the answer is “NO” to the question 1. Here we go.
A. Check the bag. If it is full, there ya go, change your bag dude.

B. Clean out your filters. THOROUGHLY! Not just a couple of little wimpy pulls. Clean ‘em like you mean it!
C. Ensure that there is not debris clogging your inlet port to the bag. Get on your hands and knees and look too; don’t be lazy!
If A, B and C do not work, call Festool 1.888.337.8600 and discuss the problem further with a technician. The dudes at Festool are awesome! In true German fashion, they will review your issues thoroughly with you….Great People.

Don’t forget about the 1+2 warranty. With the vacs, they have made it more economical to send back to the repair center. An owner can simply dismantle the motor from the housing and just send the motor rather than the entire vacuum…this saves a ton-o-cash in shipping.

Timmy C