Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

One of the first things to do when your Dyson vacuum cleaner keeps starting and stopping is to empty the bin. It may be full, or the machine may simply perceive it as too full to continue working. Dyson vacuum cleaners require constant airflow through them to work, and a full bin can stop this from happening.
The most common reason for this issue to happen is when there are obstructions or debris which have become lodged in and around the trigger and guard.
Most cases of a jammed or stuck brush bar are quick and easy to fix, simply pulling the debris gently from the brush bar. Alternatively, if you need to clear a problematic blockage, you can take the brush bar out of the housing easily, for quick maintenance.
If your vacuum cleaner keeps turning off, this could be due to the following reasons: Blockages – check the hose and head for any obstructions. Filter – always check your filters, if these are clogged this could be causing the vacuum cleaner to work harder and lose suction power.
Either it is fully blocked by something in air path, (e.g. paper or plastic stuck inside tube, or filter clogged like someone else mentioned) or it could be that the battery has deteriorated to unusable level.
Hot environments speed up battery aging. So it`s best to avoid cleaning the car in hot weather or leaving your vacuum in rooms that experience direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The same goes for cold porches and garages in winter.
If the machine is cutting out/pulsating, this will indicate a blockage. Be careful not to pull the `ON` trigger while looking for blockages. Operating the machine while it is partially dismantled could result in personal injury.
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on. Please note: In normal use, the Brush bar automatically turns off when the machine is upright and automatically turns on when the machine is in the vacuuming position.
If you use a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner, you`ll probably be familiar with a sort of “boing” sound whenever you stop cleaning as the motor winds down. But did you know that the “boing” sound is intentional and designed to give the device a bit of character? Don`t worry, we didn`t either.
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.
A vacuum cleaner can run continuously for 30 – 60 min each time. The vacuum cleaner has no suction power. For example, a hair cannot be sucked up.
It`s possible there`s a power consumption issue, with there just not being enough residual charge to run the machine. A new battery should fix this.
A Dyson vacuum cleaner has a lifespan of around 10 years. This is considerably longer than most other vacuums. So, if you`re looking for a high-quality vacuum cleaner that will last you for a long time, a Dyson could be a good choice. However, remember that Dyson vacuums are expensive.
Check the LED light to determine the battery level. A solid blue light indicates that the machine is in normal operating mode. A flashing blue light indicates that there is no power, and the battery needs to be charged for a minimum of 3.5 hours.
In many cases, you probably can repair a Dyson yourself, especially when it comes to common issues (see below). However, even if your machine needs some extra TLC by a Dyson expert, it can be worth getting it repaired.
If your vacuum cleaner has lost suction power, it`s time to empty the container. Vacuum cleaners come with various foam or mesh filters. These might get clogged over time if not cleaned or replaced properly. This will cause your vacuum to lose suction.
Machine is pulsating

This is an audible feature that indicates a problem, as well as preventing damage to the motor. This is usually caused by a restriction in airflow or a blockage within the machine. If the machine does not have any power, please check the status light and select which light is showing.

5-year warranty

To view your machine`s full warranty terms and conditions, please visit the Dyson Support page and follow the prompts to select your Dyson machine`s Owner`s Manual.

Dyson invested £2.5 billion in research and development.

While you might feel that this is the reason their products are expensive, you`re highly mistaken. This investment was mainly to accommodate a centre for their 1,200 employees, 22 laboratories, prototyping space, and areas for collaborative work.

Plug your machine into a working plug socket and press the yellow `Test` button. Once the red `Reset` button has popped out, unplug your machine from the plug socket. While unplugged, press the red `Reset` button. Plug your machine back into a working plug socket and test the power again.
If there is a strong burning smell coming from the motor area of your Dyson DC14 or DC07 then it is most likely that your motor has burnt out.
Why is the vacuum is blowing dusty air out of the back? Simple: the bag or canister is full and the vacuum has nowhere to store the dust it is collecting. Empty the canister or bag. If that doesn`t fix it, the vacuum filter needs to be cleaned or changed.
A universal motor is typically used as suction motor across vacuum cleaners. The universal motor is a series DC-motor that is specially designed to operate on alternating current (AC) as well as on direct current (DC). Universal motors have high starting torque, operate at high speed, and are lightweight.
Vacuuming every day, or even a few times a day, is not going to create any long term problems.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have the same problem as steve967 The dyson dc16 is fully charged, runs well for 5-10 seconds and shuts down. I wait for a second or 2 and it runs again for 5-10 seconds. This will continue for numerous cycles, until I am finished cleaning. I have cleaned all the filters, and the power is good, The system will just not stay on. It is just over 2 years old. A friend of mine had the same problem with his Dyson DC16 after just a couple of months and has replaced his Dyson with a Black N De
ANSWER : Dear Michael_Stad,

I am going to sound like a broken record but here is my same answer to another person with the same problem.

I have I had the same problem with my Dyson DC16, where it only runs for a few.seconds at a time with each trigger pull. My husband called Dyson.(Canada) and without hassle they shipped us a replacement part which I.just received this morning. The replacement part sent to us is: DC16.Main Body with Rating Plate. It is also under warranty for 1 year. The.great customer service makes up for the flaw in the machine. Also,.Dyson is aware of the problem. Hope this helps.

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I purchased a brand new Eureka Pet vacuum, sorry don’t know exact name but it the one that has the self cleaning duster on it. Last night I used the vacuum on my carpet, it was working fine until I accidently sucked up the corner of a scarf that was hanging off a couch. I shut the vacuum off, pulled out the scarf and and resumed vacuuming. Much to my dismay the suction on the vacuum had ceased. Can you tell me if there is a reset button on the vacuum? The vacuum does not appear to be damage
ANSWER : If the motor is running, there should be suction. Possible problems depend on whether it’s a canister or upright and are:
.A clog in the hose, UR or canister. Detach hose. Drop small coin in one end and lift hose causing it to roll out the other. If it does, no clog in hose. Drop same coin into hose opening on power head. If it rolls out, no clog in PN.
.Broken fan blades, UR. Needs to be taken to shop for repair/replacement.
.
.A reset button is for use if the motor isn’t running, so won’t have anything to do with the suction.

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Dirt devil vacuum cleaner–trouble vacuuming dirt and pet hair on carpeting –is the problem with the spinning brush which contacts the floor,  not contacting the carpeting??  I thought (when I bought this vacuum) that the aforementioned brush was adjustable to various heights of carpeting.  Sometimes, it seems like nothing is being vacuumed up –unless I have just put a new bag on the vacuum… Do I need or can I replace the spinning brush on the bottom of the vacuum so it kicks up and vacuums
ANSWER : Try replacing the belt. Rubber belts stretch out after about a year.

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Kenmore Progressive canister model 116.27514700
Problem: Vacuum motor won’t turn on. The power head operates, but nothing from the vacuum. Have checked all areas of airflow: hose, bag, motor filter and hepa filter. All are fine. Have checked and rechecked all electrical connections, all seem to be in working order. Vacuum hasn’t run for a week or so, so it’s not the thermal protector, unless it’s defective. Vacuum was running fine last week. Didn’t stop operating when using. Went to v
ANSWER : Hello! The culprit is the PCB Assembly;
Part # KC86WBZR3000…Cost is $6.99. I would remove and inspect for burnt components, or broken wires…Then clean connections both male/female using an eraser, toothbrush and alcohol…Using a bright light and a magnifying glass inspect solder joints for “bridges” or cold joints. If you detect a problem during this procedure (to the exclusion of burnt components) fix, reassemble, and test. If problem still persist: Order a new part.

if you have any question feel free to send a comment.

Guru……………..saailer

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Hello, I have a problem with my Eureka Powerline bagged upright vacuum. It has a 12 amp motor and is model #4352, Type D. It was probably bought new in 1998. My problem is, while vacuuming today the motor seemed to slow down all of the sudden and then began smelling like burning rubber. I shut the vacuum off to check for blockages but could not find anything blocked. When I then turned it on again it runs but seems to only be running at 1/2 the motor speed and still has the rubber buring smell.
ANSWER : It sounds like a rubber sealing in the motor has come loose and is being constantly rubbed against the walls of the motor with would cause the smell and loss of motor speed caused by the fricton of rubber against the rod so if you can get to the motor try to open it and see if you can get it if not take it to a small engine repair service hope this was helpful:)

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Dyson 16 runs 1-2 seconds quits – Vacuums
ANSWER : Hi Dana,

I’m sorry to hear you’re having difficulties with your DC16. In order to determine what is causing the machine to shut off, we’ll need to run through some troubleshooting over the phone with you. You can reach on 0800 298 0298 (UK), or 1-866-693-9766 (US) – please have the machine to hand when you call.

We’ll look forward to helping you resolve this issue.

Best wishes,

Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support
http://www.dyson.com

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Infinity Vaccum by Shark, model number NV31COS, will not start. The vacuum was running just fine until it grabbed the edge of a curtain. Turned it off to release the suction. Turned it back on and was working fine. About a minute later the vacuum was making an odd noise. Every 2 seconds or so it would “heave” (lack of a better word) then go away, then come back and so on. Turned the vacuum off and checked for blockage, none that could be seen or felt, and now the vacuum won’t turn. Any suggestio
ANSWER : Carpet brush won’t turn when vac on

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The breaker on the vacuum trips after about 3 seconds on. The canister was extremely full and started to smell like burnt wood, we fully cleaned out the unit. Now when the vacuum is turned on, the motor sounds weak, and then turns off in a matter of seconds,and we have to reset the breaker on the vacuum to get it to start again for another few seconds.
ANSWER : This sounds indicative of a worn set of carbon brushes on a dieing motor for a central vac. the armature is ,likely damaged causing teh breaker to blow. Please post back with more details as to make and model. Do not atempt to run the vac

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