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Vacuum Power Issues
"Vacuum won't turn on or turns off unexpectedly."
Vacuum Overheating
This Dyson vacuum comes with an automatic safety system that will turn off the machine if it begins to overheat. If you find that your machine is turning off intermittently, the filter in you vacuum is most likely full and covering the ventilation system. An easy fix for this is to empty and wash the filter. Before replacing the filter check and make sure that there are no blockages on the vents. Do not run the device until you have let it cool for at least half an hour.
Vacuum Power Cord Broken
If your vacuum turns off immediately after turning it on or does not turn on, it may be a problem with the power cord. The cable usually breaks where it enters the vacuum cleaner, which can cause it to cut in and out quickly. The best option is to replace the entire cable. You can find a replacement cable at this site.
Unusual Smell/Noise
"The Dyson makes acidic smell or odd sounds"
Filter Needs To Be Changed
If you notice a strange smell while operating the Dyson, it may be time to change its filter. There are two ways to eliminate the odor. Empty out the dust bin, or change the filter in the Dyson . If the smell persists after the filter is replaced and the dust bin has been emptied, the motor may need to be inspected. For help removing the filter use this guide.
Cable Failure
If you notice a burning smell while operating the Dyson, immediately turn off the Dyson and unplug the electrical cable from power outlet to prevent potential fire hazard. Double check that the power reading on the Dyson matches the power supplied through the power outlet. If the power supplied through the power outlet is higher than the power reading of the Dyson, the burning smell may have been caused by excessive power supplied. If the power reading on the Dyson matches the power supplied through the power outlet, you may have a faulty cable. For help replacing the power cable use this guide.
Motor Malfunction
If your Dyson is making a "popping sound" and giving off a burning smell, then your Dyson's motor may need to be replaced. In most cases, a new motor is required as well as a new filter. With help replacing the motor call the Dyson help support number 1-866-693-9766.
Loss of Suction in Hose
“The hose doesn’t seem to be working ”
Clogging
Unplug vacuum before inspecting the hose for lodged object. Remove wand and detach external hose. For help on removing the wand and hose, use this guide.
Improper Attachment to Vacuum
Ensure the hose is attached completely at the base of the vacuum.
Check for Broken Seal
Examine the hose for any tears or punctures. If the hose appears damaged, use this guide to see how to replace.
Trouble picking something up
“The base of the vacuum seems to lack suction and won’t pick things up”
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. Check the external hose thoroughly running up and down the hose feeling for any nicks or lodged items. If there was no problem there, flip your Dyson and check the internal hose.
Brushbar Not Turning
Ensure that the brushbar button, gray and next to the power button, is turned on. If this is not the issue, then the brushbar itself may be damaged or stuck. You will need to remove and check the brushbar. For help removing the brushbar use this guide.
Team
Cal Poly, Team S15-G5, Banghart Spring 2017 Member of Cal Poly, Team S15-G5, Banghart Spring 2017
CPSU-BANGHART-S17S15G5
4 Members
16 Guides authored
54 Comments
We just got the animal 2 and the powerhead won’t turn on. Customer support is closed and of course it’s new so nothing in it.
Angela Bordignon - Reply
Dyson vacuums are way overrated in my opinion. I bought a Dyson animal four years again and was never very impressed with its performance. It has only been used as a back up for our central vac system. I Have cleaned out both filters and it still does not suck. It was not cheap, certainly the quality is not compatible with the $600 price tag.
visitus - Reply
Second that!
My died yesterday, strange engine sounds and burning smell.
Fazal Rahman -
Agreed!!!! Barely had ours (2months) the suction keeps dying all it does is run over the dirt! So not worth the money!!!
Beth -
My 25 year old Electrolux upright outperforms my 3 year old Dyson multifloor. The Dyson is too heavy for the thin, cheap plastic that it is made of. Never again will I purchase a Dyson product.
Paul O'Driscoll -
I cleaned the filters and the Dyson stopped picking anything up
susan - Reply
How did u clean the filters?
If using water you MUST ALLOW TO DRY 24 HOURS. If you did check your hoses, also go back and make sure u have the pre filter (one in the ball) securely in place.
Hope this helps.
Lisa Yates -
My dyson upright ball it loses power sometimes I've cleaned it through out sometime I turn it on after being on for 2 min it loses power it's stops ducking up
Gavin Grogan - Reply
the most annoying vacuum cleaner I have ever owned. The flexible tubing was almost impossible to use because of it,s inflexibility, completely useless for the car. Lifting power (suction) on carpets just about disappeared even with all filters cleaned. (The one in the orange ball was a nightmare to put back in ) No wonder Mr Dyson has stopped making this type of cleaner and has buggered of to foreign field to use cheap labour and get away from the $@$* storm of complaints.
owen galbraith, belfast
owengalbraith - Reply
I have checked everything (took off roller casing, checked side hoses) and replaced the filters just in case. Still not picking up like it should.
Barb Dwyer - Reply
Anyone else experience an issue where this vacuum just pushes hair around instead of picking it up? When I pull the vacuum back there is almost always a large collection of hair that it is simply pushing around. That, and there’s also a collection in the head area that it won’t suck up to the collection bin.
Ryan - Reply
Never have I seen such a pathetic tool.
Mr. Genius Dyson should be ashamed of himself. He should forever stay on his offshore island for ripping people off the way he ha$.
His inventions literally don’t suck.
Turns out he’s just a blowhard.
dbcb623 - Reply
our dyson is also lacking suction. Cleaned and dried the filter and it is still lacking suction. The suction is excellent from the body of the vacum, but once it travels through the filter and the hose the suction has diminished to the extent that it will not efficently work on carpets. When we first got the vacum it almost pulled the carpets up it was that powerful. This was less than a year ago. Any advice?
glenn doyle - Reply
Buy some brand new filters and see how it works, even though you cleaned your filters dies not mean that they are good. They may be nearly completely filled with microscopic particles that have bonded to the surface and even worse collected inside the filter to form a barrier that's not allowing much air to pass through before it becomes completely clogged up. Rinsing under water is not going to remove all trapped dirt, those filters might be said to be lifetime but that's a lie. I take 15miutes or so to clean filters. Repeatedly running water then squeezing it out over and over till I see only clean water. Sometimes I'll use a very thin detergent like pinesol to loosen the dirt, then rinse repeatedly at least 20 times. Meaning wet then stand on it, wet then gold and stand on it in your tub. Even pinesol will leave particles behind, but it breaks 99% of the dirt loose. Hard soaps will kill the filter! Dish & laundry soap clog filters. You'll never get it out of the inside & dirt will cling to it.
Mr. zinski -
There is only suction coming from the hose even when the handle is lowered to vacuum. Little suction coming from the head. Yes, i cleaned everything.
shelagh6 - Reply
Wand hose gets sucked back into vacuum
james.streiff - Reply
I think this happened to me when the wand was clogged. Take the wand off-easy to do- and peer through it to look for a clog.
K D -
Can barely pull the hose out(extend it) to use the wand
james.streiff - Reply
I'm not a huge fan of Dysons overpriced vacuums myself but I have to say that 90% of these comments left are all due to the lack of maintenance. If you have very low suction from the hose, then remove the entire house piece and look for a clog just below the point it attaches into the vacuum. There's also a few other places it can clog up, they have removable parts that can be cleared out.
I just have to say one more thing about bagless vacuums in general, these are not going to be like using your old bagged vacuums that you can just use constantly without ever doing any maintenance, they require constant cleaning of the filters or you'll lose suction. In a matter of a few minutes of use, you're going lose suction, that's just how they're built. That's why the commercials always showed them holding a bowling ball in the air but never claimed to keep suction while actually using it as it was intended for, so he didn't lie, he never said it was a good vacuum, you just assumed it was based on that demonstration
Mr. zinski - Reply
Nope, ours stopped working and nothing is dirty. Barely used. Its a rip off
Nicole Troje -
I must be in the 10% then. My vacuum is still brand new looking and it is always maintained. My ROOMBA, which is a FANTASTIC machine, helps on the side……and actually does more work and still going after many years. I CLEAN AFTER EVERY USE, both the Roomba and the Dyson Carpet Massager (it’s not a vacuum at all!). Face it, some of these Dyson apparatuses are JUNK. The DysonTard sold his junk and now he is enjoying his millions while we suffer with his VACUUM FAILURE. I really think he knew what he did too—I’m not stupid….anymore….I got this figured out and I will NEVER BUY ANOTHER DYSON AND I WILL PASS THE WORD TO ALL I CAN.. Peace out… LOL
Brenda -
Always had Dyson and loved them. Brought the Dyson ball and its rubbish! Cheap thin plastic, you have to remove the whole bin casing to empty the dam thing resulting in you getting covered in the contents. You cant dismantle easily to find blockages like the old ones. The pipe is flimsy. All in all a complete waste of £345.
sarahandadie - Reply
ive cleaned out everything in this vac n stil wont suck n im not happy with this piece of $@$* vac , who thehell makes a vac like this that cost so dam much n still cant do $@$* with it ,who really fixes this over rated junk, n how much is it gonna cost me to fix this dam thing ,ive cleaned it out in every single hole there is n still ? its as if the motor isnt working on the inside because it turns on n spins but wont suck, ? so whatelse do i check on this dam vac to make it run right , when i did clean it out it was full of $@$* in every single hole , but now that its cleaned out its not sucking at all but she spins it crazy but just wont suck up the crap, i only use it for my carpet so can u help me with this vac
paulbcsay - Reply
Paulbcsay, I just was nearly done writing a very in depth help guide explaining where the clogs are and how to get to them when the page disappeared and went to some advertisement for fixing a tablet. So I'm not going through all of that again I'm going to tell you that unless you removed every screw and disassembled it completely to the point that you could see the motors and power cords each laying on the ground you did not clean out every passage and your clog is most likely where the valve switch is located after the main tube is after the brush head.
Mr. zinski - Reply
Part 2 I used to work at an industrial fabrication shop where they made the real cyclonic dust collection systems, Dyson copied this design and miniaturized it. But the thing is the full sized versions were made to do the same thing as the Dysons? So how well do you think a Dyson will work when the real one has a 24” diameter duct carrying the same dust and dirt into a cyclone that's the size of a small trailer home? Plus there are a bank of 20 bag filters that are the size of a 50 gallon drum .
Knowing this I would expect a Dyson to run about 10 minutes and lose suction since they are relying in those 2 tiny filters to catch all dust 100% from entering the air. So when the filter gets dirty and you rinse it how many people are waiting till that filter is 100% dry, maybe 10%! If you don't wait you're just making a layer of concrete once it sets it completely cut off all air flow they're junk now. You need to have at least 2 sets of filters so one I trying while the other is used. 1 more part!
Mr. zinski - Reply
So you're repair will take you as long as it takes to remove every screw and check each and every part wash and reassemble, it takes me about 4 hours to do that, I've done 10 or more in the last 3 months. It will cost you exactly whatever they are getting for 2 sets of new filters my guess is about $60 or so . That's what you should expect. You asked and I can supply that information, it might not be what you wanted to hear but it's the truth. Just buy an old Kenmore babes vacuum and buy bags for $1 at thrift stores. I sell vacuums and I use my original first vacuum I bought new in 1985 from Sears, I have about 100 bags for it that cost me about $20 and I've never had to take it apart in 35 years and it still sucks better than any Dyson built. Oh expect to pay about $10 to $20 for that Kenmore and you'll have 20 or more to choose from when you start looking. Mine new cost me $230 and worth every penny, I paid $6 for my first set of bags. Belts are $2 and I've gone through 2 so far in 35 hears!
Mr. zinski - Reply
I bought an animal 2 for my parents and the cleaner head assembly pops off every time it bumps the furniture. Have I not assembled it correctly
pgcates - Reply
Very unimpressed with the Dyson mini. Now it won’t suck through the ball into the canister.
no clogs I can see, filters are clean. What else can I check?
Andy Ghelfi - Reply
Love this team
Amy Reno - Reply
For an expensive vacuum this is the worst. Hose works fine but no suction from the floor attachment. I've cleaned everything and checked for blockages and that's not the issue .
Help
hconway - Reply
My dyson seems to be sucking, i cleaned all the filters and it is not picking up hair.
Kendall r - Reply
We purchased our Dyson ball vac less than 1 year ago. The motor is already blown so I am NOT impressed. The suction has never been adequate within the hose (yes it’s switched to hose performance). I only have four areas of carpet which are bedrooms. Not even highly traveled. The rest of the home has hardwood. There is NO WAY it’s been overused.
Kelly Mulcahy - Reply
My best advice I can give everyone here that seems to have money to spend on something that actually would work and at the same time save them a bunch of Hassel and time spent messing around with the vacuum when you could be getting the task done instead of constant maintenance and studying goofy drawings or videos that seem to never get to the point until the last 30 seconds even though it is 5 minutes long! BUY A SHARK ROTATOR LIFTAWAY! I don't work for or endorse anythig made by intertech nor am I affiliated with any vacuum manufacturer. I do however service at least 4 or 5 per day and the models that I see having the least problems and also the least available as used vacuums (owners keep them) are the sharks, their main difference is the diameter of thir hoses and tubing is the largest available on vacuums under $300. This reduces clogging, well designed, they aren't made to be taken apart, no brittle plastic parts, no lies, no complaints either. ALL THEY SAY IS CLEAN FILTERS EVERY 4 MONTHS.
Mr. zinski -
hi my Dyson dc 50 head has no suction, it has had a new motor and head but still no suction. i have suction through the hose. there is no blockage and filters are washed and cleaned. can you help please.
r.conyers - Reply
Your hose is compromised below the switch valve that changes the air flow from, hose to floor, or you switch has stop flipping back and forth. You could have a year in the hose or blockage it's the only possible reason. The lower hose assembly is only a few inches so it's simple to check, just look inside the flipper switch and see if it moves when you tilt the handle back, if it dies then your hose has a big t ear in it it's clogged. I e seen the hoses clogged packed solid on every model, this is due to poor suction then wonder why it stops, it's becayse your hose is packed with dirt
Mr. zinski -
Hello all, it's taken Dyson 3 months to reply back to my questions about the continued failures of their lifetime filters. My main concern was with their super expensive big ball CINETIC vacuums where they have made the claim that those vacuums will never need to have anything done with the filters. This being their number one sales pitch for selling those vacuums and justifying that price tag if $600+. Since the vacuums have only been available in the USA since late 2016 that means that they are all under warranty. So why am I seeing these very same filters that never need changing or cleaning posted for $68 each on their website? Who's buying them? Why are they even available if they never need any attention? I waited 3 months to get a premade letter thanking me for the insight and bringing this to their attention. Research and v\blah blah blah, so I just sent them a other asking if these new filters (research and development blah blah…) have started to be distributed to those buyers if the cenetuc vacuums
Mr. zinski - Reply
my dyson is brand new, and i’ve just assembled it but there is not suction at the base only at the hose.
Starbuck1234! - Reply
I sent my 2nd message to Dyson asking once again about his BIG BALL CINETIC vacuum which is advertised as being a “filterless” vacuum that will never need filter cleaning or replacement. Only problem is, 4 years after purchase ($600+ sale price) these vacuums have all stopped sucking and overheat quickly. The reason , the filters in that filterless vacuum are now clogged to a point where air will not pass through them fast enough to provide any suction on the inlet if the motor. This also creates the overheating problem since the air is unable to move through the motor, it can't transfer the heat to the air exiting the motor. Dyson us selling these filters that according to him will last forever for a cool $68 each? Do you suspect that he already knew they would only last a very limited time? Knowing that 4 years was going to be the point that they would need to be replaced! The sale of the filters is his admitting he has lied about the item and false!y advertised. We need to start a class action suite!
Mr. zinski - Reply
Good idea! There’s plenty of us that have been LIED TO. I’ll be there!
Brenda -
I have cleaned all hoses, and the brush is spinning, but still does not pick up efficiently, leaves a lot behind.
wcbltd - Reply
Have a ball vacuum that stopped sucking (bottom) after 5 uses. Also have a stick dyson and that no longer works after about 20 uses (900 sq. foot house with only one carpeted small room). These vacuums really “sucked" when they worked, but unfortunately they all around suck as a vacuum. I could have bought about 20 cheap vacuums for the price of these two and they would last for years!
bing3lee - Reply
NO SUCTION, NO SUCTION, NO SUCTION, NO SUCTION…..ETC. Over and over again people are making this complaint. I’m adding mine to it. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DYSON FLOOR MASSAGE APPARATUS (it’s NOT a vacuum cleaner)! I have the purple THING for the pet hair. From now on, I will buy Roomba. I have one old one and it works great—long outlasted the DYSON FAILURE. This was a lot of money down the drain….could’ve bought another Roomba…….it’s too late now. I’m stuck with a NO SUCTION piece of purple mess! SO !#^&@@!!
Brenda - Reply
Dyson’s are not made like they used to be. I’m switching to a new vacuum. I am so disappointed. When I bought this last one it was obvious that they were no longer making them the way they used to.
Sandy Yanichko - Reply
I've had two Dyson Animal vacuums and they both sucked, but not in the way they should've. I'm about to throw the second one out, because no amount of troubleshooting, roller bar cleaning, filter replacement, or hose inspection will cause this piece of overpriced junk pick up ANYTHING. Not even LINT from a BARE FLOOR!!!!
Mary Pea - Reply
We have had the Dyson Animal vaccuum for a few years now. It is incredibly good at picking up our cat's fur which coats our carpet. It deep cleans our carpet very effectively. It is light and easily manoeuvres between our furniture and under beds.
It amazes me every time I vacuum, which is fortnightly, that I get 2 full filter containers of cat hair and dirt from our 4 bedroom home, of which only half is carpet, and there are only 2 adults a cat (main offender) and a dog living here.
gedgarservices - Reply
Bought the animal big ball, total waste of £400 as after 1st year it has numerous problems ! Leaves horrid white lines on the carpets, needs blowing out every couple of uses, pick up is greatly lessened ( and yes, I have cleaned filters and checked pipes etc., ) This is the third Dyson I have purchased and will NEVER buy another. Having read many reviews that state I am by far not the only one to have these problems AND that they have been going on for a long time I say “ shame on you and your multi millions Mr Dyson “ you should be refunding everyone who bought this piece of rubbish believing your advertising !!!!
Sharon fraser - Reply
Great info on how to maintain or get your Dyson up and running again. The info on letting it cool down for a half an hour was very helpful. Gave me time to thoroughly clean filters and hose out. Runs perfect again.
Maureen Graber - Reply
My Dyson has worked great for over ten years. I have solved problems by watching videos or chatting with Dyson. Also once it was fixed free because it was so easy for him to fix on the spot. But now I can't get suction from the base even though the suction is so great for the hose and under the canister. Washed filters and still not working. I guess it's time to take it to the shop....
K D - Reply
question: my dyson animal slim upright vacuum cleaner, the base is not turning,
Carol Lopez - Reply
My hose power was strong but the base wouldn't pick up. Take the red ring off the brush bar and pull the brush bar off. You will see a small hose (not the long one). Make sure this is attached at both ends. Mine had come apart from the main body so was just sucking air up. You may need small hands to pull it through and reattach it but its easy.
christine bond - Reply
Dyson use to be a quality product. My first worked for years I am on my third and this new one is 💩 CRAP! DO NOT BUY! Just my opinion!
Mary Woo - Reply
You know what ? I'm reading these negative comments, and wondering if their quality has slipped. We've had two Dyson "ball type" vacs in the past fourteen years, probably put over a thousand miles on 'em ! ! ! (we have a dog), and we love 'em ! the second one just konked-out yesterday, and we just ordered another one ten minutes ago. > Great suction, easy to maneuver, easy to clean, (we use compressed air), I can only hope this next one does not have the issues yours did. it does come w/a full two yr warranty, and if a vacuum cleaner lasts over two yrs HERE, it earned it's pay ! P. S. The new one is $350.00, which is less than either of the previous ones. . . .A SIGN ? Hahaha !
Tim Strong - Reply
How do you clean the filter?
nhill411 - Reply
What about if part of the brushbar turns are the other part does not? I don't see a way to fix it. Maybe it's because it's old and worn out
Bruce Weiser - Reply