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 vacuum is leaving dirt behind, or even spitting dirt back out while cleaning, it`s usually due to a blockage. It sounds like you`re experiencing this from the base of your machine, so we would suggest having a look at this video here, on removing blockage from the cleanerhead.
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.
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.
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.
The suction control slider is located at the front of the cleaner head. The ball located between the bin and the cleaner head.
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.
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.
The simplest place to start: empty your dirt container. Debris in the main cyclone passage will cut suction rapidly. If the container was really full, you should also check the filters because they can get loaded with dust if the Dirt container is too full. Test the vacuum, and see if the suction is back.
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.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Hoover WindTunnel Self-Propelled V Belt
ANSWER : I had this same problem with the V belt on my Hoover Vaccuum..
.There are three (3) basic things that will cause the brush roll not to spin..
.1. When handle is upright, brush roll is OFF..2. When switch is set for HARD surface, brush roll is OFF..3. Broken/worn FLAT belt or V Belt, brush roll will not spin.
.
.I noticed that the brush roll was not spinning when my vacuum was set for CARPET. After removing the cover I noticed that the V belt was loose, I thought the belt was worn so I purchased a correct replacement belt and installed it, but the new belt was also loose and when I turned the large flat belt pulley it did not turn the V belt pulley at the same time..
.I double checked the surface setting and I had the vacuum switch set for carpet, but still when I released the handle out of the upright position the brush roll would still not spin..
.My aggravation finally led me to this posting on FixYa’s website..
.The first thing I did was checked the screw to the left of the V belt as suggested by ejmjr5 and this did nothing to solve the problem or create more tension on the V belt, even when the upright handle was not in the upright position..
.After playing around with the surface setting control switch/nob I notice that when I moved the switch out of the HARD surface setting and over to CARPET, I had thought that the switch was set for CARPET as it visually appeared, but I was not pushing the switch over hard enough to click it into the CARPET setting mode..
.VOILA, the brush roll now spins correctly even though the V belt seams to be too loose for the pulley..
.You really have to force the switch into the CARPET setting. Be sure that you hear the switch/nob click into place..
.Now you can effectively clean up after that hangover of a party!.
.Burp!

It appears to be picking up but then spits things out again. The belt has been changed and I’ve washed the filter.
ANSWER : Check to see if you have a blockage from the brush to the filter system.

What causes these things to become unbearably loud? We’ve cleaned evey filter on the machine, pulled every speck of hair and lint off the brushes, changed the belt, no clogs anywhere. I’ve totally (and I mean totally, down to the brushes on the motor!) torn this thing down and put it back together with no difference. Also have a Eureka bagless, and after minimal use, and almost anal retentive maintance, it does the same thing,to stinkin loud. Wish one would **** up the other to save a trip to th
ANSWER : A clog in the hose or dirt inlet by the brush roll will cause the motor to sound loud. But so will a bad motor bearing, or motor fan, in which case you would have to replace the motor.

My electrolux oxygen cannister has the “bag change” light on when there is a new bag. The light stays on when the suction power is high (to pick up small particles) and it won’t pick up, but the ight goes off when the suction power is low (to pick up big objects). I changed the hepa filter, cleaned the motor filter and changed bags, but all that didn’t help.
ANSWER : You may have a clog in the hose, and/or the inlet by the brush roll. A clog will turn on that light as well as a full bag.

HEPA Filter My vacuum came with a sponge over the filter and the directions said I could wash the filter. Do the directions mean to wash the black sponge or the actual filter? Is the sponge part of the filter or is it trash? Filter F27 Dirt Devil Purpose Cleaner for Pets Upright Bagless Vacuum Model #1LY2108-000
ANSWER : Http://geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=618630&thid=730623
.HEPA Filter
.Posted by jenski66 on Jul 02, 2008
.My vacuum came with a sponge over the filter and the directions said I could wash the filter. Do the directions mean to wash the black sponge or the actual filter? Is the sponge part of the filter or is it trash?
Filter F27
Dirt Devil Purpose Cleaner for Pets
Upright Bagless Vacuum
Model #1LY2108-000

.
.Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. Typically the top filter of which is the sponge is washable but the HEPA filter is not, it can be brushed off and vacuum off with another vacuum, but the best filtration is to replace the HEPA filter and to wash the sponge filter, if the sponge filter get to bad then replace the sponge filter as well. Or, you can check with your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or to contact the manufacturer’s website and or phone #. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.

.http://royalvacuums.com/ Customer Service 1-800-321-1134
.Hours are: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (EST)
.Thanks, Don the Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

Windtunnel belt I have a new Hoover Windtunnel canister. The belt keeps coming off. It happened a couple weeks ago (several times after putting the belt back on) so I assumed I might need a new belt as it might have dried out at the store. I ordered new belts and today I used it for about an hour and the belt came off again, twice. There doesn’t seem to be anything to hold the belt on the stem as it seems to slip off. I have tried it centered, to the left and to the right….can you help. I am v
ANSWER : I’ve successfully used a compatible belt – Royal 104425001 .It’s still new, but for the time being at least – it works.

Changing belt
Please advise how to change the belt. I wasn’t the person who took the belt off, didn’t watch. Now it’s just me and the belt. I had 2, but 1st one burnt right off. Apparently I didn’t have in the right spot! don’t want to waste the only other new belt I have. Pictures would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!! Thanks Tammy Can call 920-660-0680
ANSWER : Step 1: Lower handle to floor to change belt
Step 2: Remove the two screws from the top hood on the foot
Step 3: Lift hood to remove
Step 4: Lift right end of brushroll (the belt end)
Step 5: Remove and discard belt.
Step 6: Place new belt around motor shaft.
Step 7: Place new belt around brushroll pulley.
Step 8: Align left end cap with base. Push end cap securely into
place. Make sure the square on the brushroll cap is in
place
Step 9: Pull right side of brushroll to stretch belt. Secure right
end cap into base.
IMPORTANT
Step 10: Rotate brushroll by hand several full rotations to properly
position belt.
Step 11: Place hood back on cleaner. Replace and tighten
two screws.
Step 12: Return vacuum to upright position.

You can also download your user manual here which has instructions on how with diagrams

I had used Dyson DC08 to **** out a wet car carpet. A few days later when using the V/C, there was a burning smell. Subsequently I washed the flexible hose, changed the pre-filter and post filter , but I wrongly put the pre-filter in the spot for the post filter. When the V/C was next used, there was again a burning smell and sparks. The filters were switched, but the V/C would not re-start.
What shall I do?
ANSWER : Hi there,

We’d strongly recommend against using your Dyson to pick up water. If you haven’t already got in contact with us directly, I’d encourage you to do so. One of our experts will be happy to recommend the best course of action. You can call us free on 08002980298 – our Helpline is open from 7am until 10pm, 7 days a week. We’ll look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support