Dyson Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

If your dyson vacuum isn`t turning on, don`t panic – there are a couple possible causes. It could simply be that the vacuum overheated and shut itself off. If that is the case, wait 24 hours and turn it back on. However, another problem with dysons are failed power switches.
The most common cause of no power is the machine overheating and cutting out. In this case once the vacuum cleaner loses power leave it for at least half an hour and then try turning it back on again. If it comes back on again after an hour then clean your filters and check for blockages.
Check that the vacuum cleaner is plugged into a working power outlet and that fuses and breakers don`t need resetting. An activated thermal cut-out due to a blockage is the next most likely cause of the problem. Check for blockages in the hose and filters, and remove any obstructions that you find.
If you hear a clicking sound, one or both of the motors have failed and should be replaced. If no clicking sound, the relay has failed and should be replaced.
If all you hear from the vacuum unit is a click at the when you try to start the vacuum motor from inside the house, then the motor in the unit is dead and has to be replaced. A strong odor from the shellac, which coats the copper coil windings, is an indicator that the motor is about to or has burnt out.
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on.
If your Dyson machine isn`t working properly, please visit our Troubleshooting page where we may be able to help you fix it, or where you can purchase replacement parts. If our Troubleshooting steps have not resolved the problem with your Dyson machine, we can arrange for a repair.
When your Dyson no longer powers on even after charging the most likely cause is a damaged battery. This means the battery will no longer hold a charge and will need to be replaced. Once a new battery is purchased you can learn how to replace it by visiting our battery replacement page here.
Test that by turning the motor off and pushing on the center shaft, the armature. If it has any play, besides spinning, then replace the motor. If solid then replace the brushes – motor brush replacement instructions.
First thing to try is empty your bin and make sure there are no blockages, if that doesn`t solve it then remove the brushbar and then try switching your Dyson back on again. If the noise is normal again then it is your brushbar or possibly clutch if applicable.
The most common problems found in vacuum cleaners are low suction force, excessive noise, burning smell, vacuum not turn on, and overheating. These issues can be fixed by either cleaning the device or replacing some parts of the device. At times, it is best to seek a professional to fix the cleaner effectively.
Clicking: Damaged or malfunctioning controls and relays can cause a clicking noise at the compressor as these components try but fail to function. Ticking, rattling, clicking or rumbling: A loose piece of hardware could cause sounds like this to occur near the compressor.
Loose connections will cause your vacuum cleaner to lose suction. Make sure that the dust container, the hose, the tube and the brush are all attached properly. If the problem continues, your vacuum cleaner might have a technical problem. If you suspect this to be the case, contact an authorised service agent.
If you find that your machine is turning off intermittently, the filter in your vacuum is most likely full and covering the ventilation system. Remove the filter, then empty and wash it. Allow the filter to dry for at least 24 hours, or until it is completely dry.
When your Dyson no longer powers on even after charging the most likely cause is a damaged battery. This means the battery will no longer hold a charge and will need to be replaced. Once a new battery is purchased you can learn how to replace it by visiting our battery replacement page here.
Over time, all batteries are subject to degradation. So if your run time has declined when the machine is not in Max / Boost mode, it might be time to buy a new battery. All our machines come with a 2-year initial warranty that includes the battery.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have a Kenmore Elegance Vacuum with Dirt Sensor, Model # 116.30750400C, Serial number M41901532. When vacuuming the carpet the power head will work for 3-6 mins then automatically shut off, power is still there and lights work but the power head motor turns off and the suction stops. I will turn it off and on, check the outlet, flick the on off buttons…nothing. I will turn it off for a couple minutes and it turns back on and runs like normal. I’ve check the bags, filters, cleaned the hos
ANSWER : It is an electrical problem in the handle, if you can or know somebody that has any fix it ability it can be fixed in about ten minutes. Oh, and Sears SUCKS!!

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Hoover Windtunnel On/Off switch will not turn Off…Switch seems to work O.K. when pressed directly but not with handle switch…It will turn on but not off..Cam seems to be intact on switch actuator..How does switch come out? Thanx
ANSWER : Take the handle off, then remove the tool holder, then you can get to the switch. Just has tabs on each side of switch, depress them and push it out. These switches will do this after awhile, replacing them is usually the way to correct the problem.

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Electrolux Epic 6500 SR …no power to power nozzle. I think it is the switch in the handle because if I use my friend’s hose/handle (same model), my power nozzle works fine when I turn on the switch. If you think it is the switch, can I get a part for it?
ANSWER : That’s about the best one to narrow down a problem, however, there could also be a break in your hose wiring. Switches, hoses, and hose handle assemblies are all available at your local Aerus Electrolux store. Simply take your entire machine in so they can check it to be sure what the problem is.
.The nearest store can be found using the below site. Simply type in your zip code and press enter.
.http://www.aerushome.com/storelocator/

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Power head attachment works great when plugged into the hose part of the vacuum. The problem is when I attach it to the tube for normal use there is no power. I have checked all the connections and switched the power switch on and off still no power from tube to power head.
Is there anything else I can try? Model Callisto
ANSWER : Try having someone turn the machine on and off while you pull the cord in and out with the cord more angled towards the on/off switch. Sometimes these models have a break in the cord rewind and will not put the power through to the motor.

Keep in mind this is repairable, and if the unit is less than 5 years old it should still be under warranty.

Good luck .

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BURNING SMELL My DC 07 has suffered from poor suction in the upright position for some time now but this morning it ground to a halt. It was if the motor had burned out. I turned it upside down and some small stones etc tumbled out. I tried switching on again and the motor kicked in but the smell was horrendous so i switched off immediately. If it’s likely to be **** inside the motor area i don’t no how to access it. I’ve removed for fixing screws but still unable to prise apart. Is it just the
ANSWER : Hi.
.
.Try this site http://dysonmanuals.llc.nu/ has service manuals covering removing the Dc07 motor.

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REMOTE CONTROL IS MALFUNCTIONING & NOT TURNING ON CUSHION – Hello. I bought a used (by near new) Shiatsu+ Massaging Cushion from Ebay. When I installed it today the remote control was faulty. When you push the Power button, the blue light comes on, but none of the other buttons work. When you push the Power button again to turn it off, it clicks & turns itself back on again. So it’s running but nothing is happening in the massage cushion.
I did see a card in the box saying “For the Shiatsu
ANSWER : Before you use this cushion you MUST first ‘unlock’ the rollers which are held in place by a screw which MUST be removed or the unit will self destruct. The manufacturer provides a hex wrench to remove the shipping screw and a large label on the back of the device states that if the screw is not removed then the item will be damaged when you turn it on.

The large tag says “For the shiatsu mechanism to function, you MUST remove and discard screw BEFORE using this cushion. Failure to do so WILL CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT”. The manual does not mention this screw. There is a two year warranty and a $(ten dollar) handling fee for warranty repairs. I suppose that the warranty is void if you do not remove the screw, however, it seems that only by luck would one normally find this shipping screw (and tag) that holds the rolling mechanism in place during shipping....Remove the screw from the back as instructed by the manual.When you first get the massage cushion you will need to open the box and set it up. The first thing you need to do is remove the safety screw. This screw is holding the massage mechanism in place for shipping purposes. If you do not remove this screw before you turn it on you could permanently damage the cushion.After removing the screw you need to find a good chair and strap it on and plug it in. There are two straps that you need to attach. One is on the back and the other is where the back meets the seat. Once those are around the chair then you plug in the transformer to the wall and the massager.After setting up the massager all you need to do is sit on it and turn it on. You may want to start out with a rolling massage so that you can get a feel for the massager.————–.but as you mentioned, that its a used product, then yes the screw must be already removed by the previous user.and in that case, it indicates any thing internally is got shorted, a loose wire or shorted transformer or burned circuit or weak motor.This are few possibilities , that can cause the problem.Also check batteries in remote.——— And i dont think, this problem is caused by you.This problem must be there before buying this product.Thats why, the user must have sold this on ebay.A local electrical parts repair store tech can get the internal board checked and confirm.If this board is faulty or any small loose wire or shorted wire.————–.This should help.Thanks.Helpmech..

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Electrolux Centralux I have a Electrolux Centralux. When I plug the hose in at one of the wall outlets the motor will not start. If I go to the motor and slap the unit it will start…..then…it will not stop unless I unplug the power cord to the motor. If I plug the power cord back in, the unit will not restart until I slap the motor unit again. The unit has only been used 20 – 30 times. Any suggestions?? Thanks, Bruce
ANSWER : I dont know if you had your unit looked at yet but it sounds like the Power module is going. I repair the machines so I know some of the work.

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I had the vacuum cleaner question about the canister and the wand/powerhead… the Kenmore Progressive Vacuum canister model 116.25812 and the canister not powering off without unplugging the vacuum. The solution I received that they both run on their own switch so it is normal makes sense. However, is there a power switch on the canister anywhere? The only way for the canister to be turned off is by unplugging it. Any ideas? One would think there would be a switch. I am new to fixya and hope
ANSWER : Hi. On some models, one switch controls all of the power. Your issue, which is no working switch is almost certainly a blown triac on the circuit board in the canister – kenmore part number KC86WBZRZ000

Looks like a common fault with this particular model judging by the number of complaints on the web.
.
.Take it to your local vacuum repair shop and they should be able to fix it for a nominal fee.

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