Kenmore canister model 116.25512 won't start

Question

Vacuum cleaner only runs when hose is inserted into Power Mate attachment, and only when switch (located on the hose unit) is set to "carpet."  Does not turn on when set to "floors). 

When hose is not hooked up to the Power Mate, I can't turn the unit on at all. 

thanks for any perspective you can offer -

lenny
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