it is operating normally?
Dyson DC17 Animal Bagless Upright Cyclonic Vacuum

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 Ball Animal vacuum no longer sucks up dirt, dust, and debris when using the nozzle and its attachments, there may be a clog in the vacuum`s nozzle. Unplug the vacuum and use the Dyson Ball Animal Hose Replacement Guide to remove the vacuum`s hose and check for clogs at the base of the hose.
Faulty Suction

If the machine will no longer efficiently pick items up, the filter might be dirty. If after cleaning the filter your vacuum is still not sucking things up, turn your vacuum around and pull the red tab at the bottom of your Dyson out.

The suction control slider is located at the front of the cleaner head. The ball located between the bin and the cleaner head.
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.
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.
We recommend replacing your air purifier filter every 12 months. That`s because over time, filters can get clogged with pollutants, and even let unpleasant odors back into the room.
One of the easiest ways to increase vacuum cleaner suction is to empty the dust bag or container. Dust containers need to have enough space for airflow, otherwise, they could get clogged and have less suction power. Regularly check your dust compartment and empty or change it when it`s already 70-80% full.
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on.
How and when to clean/replace your Dyson filter. Your Dyson vacuum cleaner may include one or more filters that need to be cleaned to keep your machine operating at its best. Washing your Dyson filter is quick and easy.
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.
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.
So, the usual areas that cause suction loss include the wrong height setting, stuck rollers, a faulty gasket, a broken vacuum belt, a filled bag, or a clogged hose.
Clog located in the vacuum hose

Turn the unit on and feel the suction at the end of the hose handle. If there is no or low suction, then the clog is in the hose. You can remove the clog by running a long, stiff object through the hose, such as a butter knife, starting at the wall end.

The Dyson DC17 is an upright cleaner launched in October 2006 in the US. Although visually similar to the DC14, it contains new technologies. The first upgrade is the use of Dyson`s Level 3 Root Cyclone. This system incorporates 11 cyclones to more efficiently filter sand and dust particles out of the airstream.
Most problems arise because of a blockage – if not a dirty filter or cyclone unit, then something could be caught in the wand or the brush bar. Once again, the lack of suction could be caused by a dirty filter or a blockage somewhere in the vacuum`s system.
Extend its life. Dyson cordless vacuum filters are engineered to capture microscopic particles. Over time, these can build up in the filter and reduce performance. By washing it at least once a month, you can help maintain suction power.
Your Dyson vacuum cleaner may include one or more filters that need to be cleaned to keep your machine operating at its best. Washing your Dyson filter is quick and easy.
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.
For a vacuum cleaner to glide easily on a carpet, air must flow into the nozzle and through the machine. Block the air flow and the vacuum seals itself to the carpet and is hard to push. And, unfortunately, that`s what many consumers have discovered when their new carpeting is installed.
Replace the Brush Belt

If the vacuum is still hard to push, tilt it back far enough that you can inspect the moving brush while the vacuum is running. Be careful to avoid getting too close to the moving parts. If you see that the brush is not turning, that means you will need to replace the brush belt.

Blockages or dirty filters may cause this to happen, the safety cut off will activate and switch off the electrical supply. If the cleaner has cut out, simply unplug and check for a blockage or dirty filters.
To fix a clog in the hose, feed one end into a garbage bag, and poke the other end with the back of a mop pole, until you push the clog material out into the garbage bag. To fix a clog in the vacuum, whether it is a canister or bag, use your finger to feel for a clog. Pull as much of it out as you can and discard.
If there`s debris blocking your hose, it can affect your Dyson machine and slow down the cleaning process. Grab a mop handle (or something similar) and push the dirt inside through the length of the hose. Fill up a bucket with one part white vinegar and nine parts warm water.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have a dyson dc17 animal upright and I feel that the suction isnt as strong as it use to be . Is there something that I can check to be sure it is operating normally?
ANSWER : Check , replace filters, empty jug, If still poor , you may have a partial blockage somewhere,
pete

My dyson seems to have lost its suction therefore is not picking up anything yet i have found that when my dyson is standing upright it has a little more suction but nothing like how it use to work. This has only happend in the last 2 weeks. I sanded a floor & though the sander picked up majority of the dust i did use the dyson to pick up the excess and it is since then that my dyson has not been working to its full potential.
ANSWER : Hi there,
.
.Sorry to hear you’re having a problem with your DC07. You should be able to resolve the issue by following these simple steps: http://www.dyson.co.uk/support/help.asp?article=1940&product=DC07-SY
.
.If you’re still experiencing difficulties, please get in touch with us, free, on 08002980298 (UK), or 1866MYDYSON (US), so we can run through some checks over the phone.
.
.Kind regards,
.
.Jack
.Dyson Customer Service

No suction I have the central vac type. It has no suction at the can. I pulled the hose going to the walls and tested there…and nothing. I removed the dirt can and checked the motor …it is spinning but does not feel like any suction. I checked the exhaust and it is pushing strong air out. I also cleaned the filter and still nothing. Is there a relay or something that would cause only exhaust air. I emptied the can of dirt and put it back together and have absolutely no air…..hear the motor
ANSWER : On some units there is a screen that protects the impeller of the motor. If this gets sealed off with debris then it is like putting a potato in the tail pipe of a car. Taking the top off the unit reveals the motor. DO UN-PLUG the unit first from the electrical outlet. Take off the exhaust piping if any to allow the motor to be lifted out of the canister. There is typically enough wire to allow this without taking any wires off. Look at the bottom of the motor to make sure the nut has not spun off the impeller and it is still attached to make suction. The look at the hole (aprox. 2″ round) to make sure it is clear of any debris. If it is not clean it and re-install everything. If the impeller is off the motor it is new motor time.
.
.Hope this helps!!
.
.VR

When using my vacum upright its very low in suction, it used to be so powerfull that it lifted my carpet slightly….when using the tools section its as strong as it should be please help, ive cleaned it out but still loss of suction in upright position, from mrs richmond
ANSWER : Check the following items:
.
.* The bag and connection – change it if it’s full
.
.* Turn the vacuum over and inspect the beater bar area for any clogging. You may have to remove the bottom plate to really clean it out.
.
.* The beater bar and especially the drive belt – this area gets dirty and the belt can wear out after continued use. The brushes can also wear out on the beater bar
.
.Try to work on the vacuum in a well ventilated area. Make sure you unplug the unit so it’s safe to service
.
.

I’m trying to figure out which dyson vacuum is better, the DC14 or DC17. from what i read, the DC17 is the newer model of the DC14, the DC17 added an extra motor for the brush, but from the dyson site, the DC17 has less suction power. it went from 250AW (dc14) to 220AW (dc17). is that a significant difference that i should be worried about?
ANSWER : Hi,

DC17 is much better than DC14. I always believe User’s review are much better than what Features Company usually Displays.

Read :-

http://www.epinions.com/review/Dyson_DC17_Animal_Vacuum/content_404790546052

4 Star by 161 People is a Remarkable Achievement.

Let me know, if needed further assistance.

Hope i helped you.

Thanks for using ‘ Fixya ‘ and have a nice day!!

No suction whether I’m using the tools or using the vacuum upright, there is no suction. I have checked the hose to make it is not clogged- still no suction. What is the problem?
ANSWER : Your intake hose might be clogged at the bottom ,it the clear hose that comes up from the bottom .you will see it from the back.take the dirt cup off there is a filter inside that most likely is clogged

Poor Suction Heya! So I just picked up a used Dyson, but when I vacuum with it, the suction is pretty weak and it spits all kinds of stuff out the back and into my feet. When I pull the hose I have good suction, but in regular mode it hardly picks up anything. The brushes are spinning, and it eventually will clean an area if I go over it again and again. Maybe a clog somewhere? Please tell me that Dysons have better suction than my $50 Dirt Devil! Thanks!
ANSWER : I recently bought a second hand Dyson DC07. Its suction was poor. I removed all the un-clipable pipe bits and to remove any blockage but it all looked clear. The Final Sponge and hepper filter did have a lot of dust in it and the rotating brush was full of hair but nothing bad.
.
.I eventual gave in to curiosity and removed the three screws in the top or the yellow removable dust collection tube and cyclone bit to see what was in there. The mechanism to release the flap at the bottom of the collection tube does not allow you to remove the lid completely but it does open far enough to get inside. I found the whole top section of the yellow plastic bit blocked by a big plug of compacted dust and a champagne cork. If you are willing to take the risk and have a torx 15 screwdriver handy it that part may be blocked. It did get a bit messy.
.
.If I was going to attempt the same procedure I’d remove the dust collection unit from the vacuum cleaner as I did before, but leave the clear tube attached and the emptying flap firmly closed to reduce the mess from the dust falling out the bottom while cleaning the top part.

My dyson dc17 animal will pick up via the hose attachment but there is no suction when you use the regular vaccuum on the floor – you can hear the difference in the suction once you put the floor part down – we took it apart – cleaned it – checked all hoses – still does not work????
ANSWER : Hi its Darran at Dyson.

Check that the brush control dial is in the centre position when upright and then moves forward when the head is released. If the brush bar is still not spinning when switched on in the vacuuming position, check the base for blockages and remove any threads or hairs from the brush bar as outlined in your user guide or on our website.

If you are still having difficulties, please contact our Helpline on 0800 298 0298 (UK) or 1866MYDYSON (US).

Kind regards
Darran
Dyson Customer Service