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Vacuum will not pick up particles

The vacuum does not pick up any sized particle when in use.

Dust cap may be full

The dust cap is where all debris is collected; it must be emptied regularly. Check the dust cap, it may be too full. Our guide on replacing the filter will give you directions on how to access the dust cap.

Debris is blocking vacuum hose

Check our guide to replace your vacuum hose to learn how to disconnect the hose from the vacuum. After you have followed these steps, you should be able to remove the blockage using a thin, non-sharp device of at least 32 inches in length and reconnect the hose following the guide again.

Filter is old

The filter in your vacuum collects dirt as you vacuum and needs to be replaced regularly. If you have already checked the dust cap and it is empty, you may need to replace the filter.

Hole torn into vacuum hose

Check the dust cap to make sure it has been emptied. If you have emptied the dust cap and replaced the filter, the vacuum hose may have a hole in it. You may need to replace your vacuum hose.

Vacuum makes burning smell during use

The vacuum produces a burning smell or smoke during use.

Debris is grinding against the drive belt

The rotary brush at the head of upright vacuums are driven by a belt. Check that the rotary brush turns easily. You may find a large piece of debris jamming the drive belt. If so, the friction between the belt and motor will create heat and a possible burning smell. You may need to replace the rotary belt.

Lit ember is in the filter

If you vacuumed an ember from a cigarette or other flame, it can cause a burning smell; fortunately the debris in your filter is unlikely to burst into flames. You will need to replace the filter, but remain cautious when disposing of it.

Cable or wall plug has overheated

Overworking the motor can cause the cable to heat up. Replace your filter then run the vacuum again to see if the heat in the cable or wall plug continues. If so, check that the cable or wall plug is not torn at any points. If no tear is found, plug the vacuum into a different socket. If a tear is found or the heat persists when the vacuum is run, you need to seek help from an electrician.

Vacuum will not turn on

The vacuum is switched on, but will not turn on.

Power cord is not plugged in

The vacuum must receive its power from the wall outlet. Check to ensure your vacuum is plugged into an operational electrical outlet. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your power cord.

Overheating has occurred

Vacuums have a sensor that turns the motor off when it overheats. Turn the switch off and unplug the vacuum from the wall socket. Check to see if your dust cap may be full or for a blockage in the vacuum hose. Allow the vacuum to cool for 30 minutes before attempting to run it again.

Power cord has lost of electrical continuity

If the vacuum will not turn on at all, there may be an open circuit in your vacuum’s electronics. You will need to use a multimeter to check for electrical continuity.

Vacuum shakes or vibrates while on

Vacuum shakes or vibrates abnormally during use.

Rotary belt has a tear

The Rotary belt transfers the rotation from the motor to the rotary brush. A torn belt will spin freely inside the vacuum and prevent the rotary brush from spinning properly when the vacuum is in use. You may need to replace your rotary belt if there are any tears or holes.

Rotary belt is loose

If your belt comes loose, it can cause your vacuum to shake or vibrate abnormally as it clashes against the inside of the vacuum’s head. Follow our guide on replacing your rotary belt to secure your belt. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the rotary belt.

Fan has jagged edges

If your fan blades have jagged edges, they may not cut through air smoothly and produce turbulence that vibrates the vacuum. If you think this may be the problem, you may need to replace your fan.

Vacuum makes whistling noise during use

The vacuum produces an abnormal high pitched sound.

Vacuum setting is not appropriately set

Check if the noise changes as you vacuum over different types of flooring. If the whistling occurs over high fibers, like carpeting, the setting may be too high that you don’t get a good clean and may need to switch to a lower setting.

Extensions are not secured properly

Check to make sure your extension accessories and hand-held vacuum are securely connected. If they are not securely connected or have a split or crack, it can cause a whistling noise. If the accessories are securely connected but have cracks, you may have to replace them.

Plastic is caught in rotary brush

Plastic caught in the head rotary brush may cause whistling as it spins around. Check the brush for any plastic wrappers that may have been caught in the head of the vacuum. If the plastic is not easily accessible, try replacing your rotary brush.

Debris is slowing the rotary brush

Check to make sure there is no debris caught in your rotary brush. If the debris can be easily located, remove it carefully. You may need to remove your rotary brush to locate or remove the debris. Follow the steps to replace your rotary brush to remove the rotary brush and reinstall it after the debris has been removed.

Debris is blocking vacuum hose

Check our guide to replace your vacuum hose to learn how to disconnect the hose from the vacuum. After you have followed these steps, you should be able to remove the blockage using a thin, non-sharp device of at least 32 inches in length and reconnect the hose following the guide again.

Hole torn into vacuum hose

Check the dust cap to make sure it has been emptied. If you have emptied the dust cap and replaced the filter, the vacuum hose may have a hole in it. You may need to replace your vacuum hose.

Shelby Baccala

Member since: 10/06/16

847 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Team

Cal Poly, Team 10-5, Livingston Fall 2016 Member of Cal Poly, Team 10-5, Livingston Fall 2016

CPSU-LIVINGSTON-F16S10G5

4 Members

60 Guides authored

18 Comments

“If the vacuum will not turn on at all, there may be an open circuit in your vacuum’s electronics. You will need to use a multimeter to check for electrical continuity.”

Where can I GET a multimeter or get the shark tested?

kathleen lynch - Reply Share

Please let me know because it seems we have a similar issue

Veronika Zhukova - Reply Share

The pen came out where I open to empty

shaghoston - Reply Share

I'm in need of a pen I believe that fell out of the part u open to discard the trash.

shaghoston - Reply Share

My vacuum comes on, makes a screeching noise then stops and red light cones on to indicate roller will not turn, I have taken t apart to clean it out and put back together, I don’t know what else to do.

Shannon - Reply Share

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