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Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Troubleshooting
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a blue vacuum cleaner with model number NV360.
Vacuum is not sucking up anything
The vacuum is not picking up any dirt when in use.
Filters dirty
If the vacuum cleaner filters are full, this could mean that the the vacuum cleaner is not picking up all the dirt since the dust is not being separated from the circulating air via the filter. On average, the foam and felt filters last three months and the HEPA filter lasts two years. To clean the filters, tap the major dust out out of the filter over a trash can. Then, wash the filters with warm water until all of the dirt comes out and the water going through the filters becomes clear. Let the filters dry completely before reusing them. If cleaning the filter does not help clear the dust, then it needs to be replaced. Click here for the foam and felt filter replacement guide. Click here for the HEPA filter replacement guide.
Dust cup full
If the dust cup is full, the collected dust has no outlet. In this case, the cup needs to be emptied out. To empty the dust cup, unclick the latches from the sides of the clear body of the vacuum and pull them down to slide out the container. Empty the dust in the cup and secure the cup back in place by clicking the latches back together.
Object stuck
If an object is stuck in the vacuum’s air path, the object prevents the dust from reaching its designated container. Also, an object or an accumulation of various dust on the roller brush could be blocking the roller brush movement, keeping it from picking up dust. To resolve this issue, first locate the position of the object by checking the bottom of the vacuum with the roller brush. If the object is not found, check the air pathways such as the tubes and handle of the vacuum. If the object is stuck in the air pathways, the tubes can be detached by pulling and simultaneously pressing on the latches on the two sides of the connection. Remove the stuck debris. If the object is on the roller brush, cleaning the roller brush would solve this problem. To clean the roller brush, carefully cut out the debris accumulated around the roller brush. If the object is severely stuck, the roller brush can be taken out (see replacement guide) to ease the process of retrieving the object.
Tubes hissing
If the tube is making a hissing noise, there could be air leaking from the tube which prevents the vacuum from picking up dust. The tube’s body may have been damaged by fast moving debris or the connection of the tube to the main body could have loosened through the vibration of the vacuum. If there is a hole in the tube, it should be plugged with tape. If the connection is loose, tighten the connection until the hissing noise is gone.
Roller brush not spinning
If the roller brush is not spinning, it cannot pick up dust. One reason could be that the power button is not set to position II, which runs the roller brush. If the button does not work, here is the link to the power button replacement guide. Another reason is that the roller brush could be broken. Here is a link to the roller brush replacement. If the roller brush is not clean, an accumulation of debris can be blocking its movement. To clean the roller brush, carefully cut out the debris accumulated around the roller brush. Once clean, check if the brush is intact. Additionally, the roller brush may not be spinning because the motor stopped running. The roller brush has its own motor separate from the main motor to run the roller brush mechanism. To replace the motor, click here. If the belt connecting the motor to the roller brush lost its mechanical connection, either replace or reconnect the belt using this link.
Low suction
If the vacuum is not picking up the debris, the suction might be too low. Make sure the power button is on the right setting for the respective surface being vacuumed. Position I is for bare floors and position II is for carpets and rugs. Also, try adjusting the suction release collar clockwise on the handle to balance the airflow and raise the suction to the needed level.
Vacuum has a bad smell
A bad smell is coming from the vacuum.
Filters dirty
If the vacuum cleaner’s filters are full, there could be a bad smell due to the dust not being separated from the circulating air via the filter. To clean the filters, wash them with warm water until all of the dirt comes out. If cleaning the filter does not help eliminate the smell, then the filter needs to be replaced. Click here for the foam and felt filters replacement guide.Click here for the HEPA filter replacement guide.
Dust cup full
If the dust cup is full, the collected dust has no outlet. In this case, the cup needs to be emptied out. To empty the dust cup, unclick the latches from the sides and pull them down to slide out the container. Empty the dust in the cup and secure the cup back in place by clicking the latches back together.
Object Stuck
If an object is stuck in the vacuum’s air paths, the object prevents the dust from reaching its designated container and might cause the bad smell. Also, an object or an accumulation of various dust stuck on the roller brush could be source of the smell. To resolve this issue, first locate the position of the object by checking the bottom of the vacuum with the roller brush. If the object is not found, check the air pathways such as the tubes and handle of the vacuum. If the object is stuck in the air pathways, the tubes can be detached by pulling and simultaneously pressing on the latches on the two sides of the connection. Remove the stuck debris. If the object is on the roller brush, cleaning the roller brush would solve this problem. To clean the roller brush, carefully cut out the debris accumulated around the roller brush. If the object is severely stuck, the roller brush can be taken out (see replacement guide) to ease the process of retrieving the object.
Vacuum not turning on
When the power switch is on, the vacuum does not switch on.
Power cord not plugged in correctly
If the vacuum does not turn on, the power cord could be plugged incorrectly into the power socket. Check if the cord is plugged in completely. Check if the vacuum turns on by plugging the cord into another power socket, as a failing power socket does not provide the power to the vacuum.
Power button failure
If the vacuum does not turn on, the button might not be switching between the power and different surface settings. Through the vibration of the vacuum, the wire connection of the power button could have gotten loose or completely detached. There is also a possibility that the power button itself is damaged or broken.Follow the guide on how to replace the power button.
Power cord broken
If the vacuum does not turn on, the problem may pertain to the power cord. If the power cord shows exposed wire, electric tape can be used to temporarily cover the wire for safety, but it would be safer to replace it. If the vacuum turns on only at a particular orientation of the power cord, replacing the power cord will fix the vacuum.
Main motor failure
When the airflow is restricted, the main motor shuts down as a safety mechanism. Check to see if anything is blocking the airflow such as a stuck object. If the main motor is broken, it cannot be easily replaced like the other components as there is plastic moulded around the motor.
Motherboard failure
If the vacuum does not turn on, the motherboard, which controls the vacuum’s functionalities, might have failed. Here is a link to motherboard replacement.
Vacuum is hard to push
The vacuum is more difficult to maneuver and push around than usual.
Wheels not spinning
If the wheels are not spinning, the vacuum could be hard to push. Look at the bottom of the vacuum and check if there is an object stuck in the wheels restricting the spin of the wheels.
Roller brush not spinning
If the roller brush is not spinning, the vacuum becomes hard to push. One reason could be that the power button is not set to position II, which runs the roller brush. If the button does not work, here is the link to the power button replacement guide. Another reason is that the roller brush could be broken. Here is a link to the roller brush replacement. If the roller brush is not clean, an accumulation of debris can be blocking its movement. To clean the roller brush, carefully cut out the debris accumulated around the roller brush. Once clean, check if the brush is intact. Additionally, the roller brush may not be spinning because the motor stopped running. The roller brush has its own motor separate from the main motor to run the roller brush mechanism. To replace the motor, click here. If the belt connecting the motor to the roller brush lost its mechanical connection, either replace or reconnect the belt with the help of this guide.
Object stuck
If an object is stuck in the vacuum’s air paths, the object prevents the dust from reaching its designated container, so it might get in the way of the vacuum’s motion. Also, an object or an accumulation of various dust on the roller brush could be blocking the roller brush movement keeping it from picking up dust. To resolve this problem, first locate the position of the object by checking the bottom of the vacuum with the roller brush and the air pathways such as the tubes and handle of the vacuum. If the object is stuck in the air pathways, the tubes can be detached by pulling and simultaneously pressing on the latches on the two sides of the connection. Remove the stuck debris. If the object is on the roller brush, cleaning the roller brush would solve this problem. To clean the roller brush, carefully cut off the debris accumulated around the roller brush. If the object is severely stuck, the roller brush can be taken out (see replacement guide) to ease the process of retrieving the object.
Suction too high
If the vacuum is hard to push, the suction could be too high. Make sure the power button is on the right setting for the respective surfaces. Position I is for bare floors and position II for carpets and rugs. Try adjusting the grey suction release collar on the handle counterclockwise to balance the airflow and lower the suction to the needed level.
Vacuum does not sound right
The noise level of the vacuum is too high to be considered normal or the vacuum makes sounds that are very different from its regular noises.
Object stuck
If an object is stuck in the vacuum’s air path, the air circulation is interrupted and the vacuum would be making abnormal noises. Also, an object or an accumulation of various dust on the roller brush could be blocking the roller brush movement causing it to sound unusual. To resolve this issue, first locate the position of the object by checking the bottom of the vacuum with the roller brush. If the object is not found, check the air pathways such as the tubes and handle of the vacuum. If the object is stuck in the air pathways, the tubes can be detached by pulling and simultaneously pressing on the latches on the two sides of the connection. Remove the stuck debris. If the object is on the roller brush, cleaning the roller brush would solve this problem. To clean the roller brush, carefully cut out the debris accumulated around the roller brush. If the object is severely stuck, the roller brush can be taken out (see replacement guide) to ease the process of retrieving the object.
Filters dirty
If the vacuum cleaner filters are full, the vacuum would be straining to separate the dust from the circulating air from the dust via the filter, therefore creating an abnormal noise. On average, the foam and felt filters last three months and the HEPA filter lasts two years. To clean the filters, tap the major dust out out of the filter over a trash can. Then, wash the filters with warm water until all of the dirt comes out and the water going through the filters becomes clear. Let the filters dry completely before reusing them. If cleaning the filter does not help clear the dust, then it needs to be replaced. Click here for the foam and felt filter replacement guide. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 HEPA Filter Replacement
Tubes hissing
If the tube is making a hissing noise, there could be air leaking from the tube which prevents the vacuum from picking up dust. The tube’s body may have been damaged by fast moving debris or the connection of the tube to the main body could have loosened through the vibration of the vacuum. If there is a hole in the tube, it should be plugged with tape. If the connection is loose, tighten the connection until the hissing noise is gone.
53 Comments
Green light on for brush roller?
nancyrupell - Reply
Mine is an hour old and cannot make an easy clean on the carpet. I had to push and pull. Not right. It worked find on hard floors and rugs but not satisfied with the carpet.
Dora -
green light.
Dora -
Where do you purchase a motor?
Brianna - Reply
ebay is where I bought my replacement. It was new, as well, only 20 bucks
joemharris -
wheels spinning still hard to push adjusted suction did not help do they make a self propelled model this is going in trash shortly my wife is 65 cannot push it .waiting on solution’s.
bruce hutchison - Reply
Everything is working, but it is still too hard to push on my new carpet. it worked fine on the old flat carpet, but plush carpeting is too much for this vacuum. I have to buy a different vacuum as well. i am a 70 year old woman who is otherwise very strong….but vacuuming my carpet should not be THIS MUCH WORK!
Sandra Stewart - Reply
We’ve had the same problem. It’s the carpet material rather than the plushness. The carpet manufacturor is aware of the difficulty with almoste all vacuum cleaners. In our case it was fibers made from corn in the carpeting. The friction it causes is tremendous. The manufacturor lists a couple vacuums that adjust high enough to overcome the problem…and they aren’t cheap. We wish carpet buyers were made aware of this known problem before purchase. It’s hard to live with!
Kmk -
Brush/Roller for carpet works on identical Shark NV355, check voltage @ the vaccuum to brush connection and only getting 60vAC?
golcpl - Reply
Just purchased this vacuum. Green light does not stay on and vacuum is hard to push seems brush may not be turning. Vacuum is literally 2 hours new..,
Donishia - Reply
How thick is your carpet? I can’t hoover my rug because it is a thick pile but it is ok on my carpet. Maybe try opening the air vent.
leannedodds91 -
This is probably too late to help you, but maybe it will help someone else.
We had this same issue where I was putting my whole back into trying to push the vacuum and it just was not rolling on our carpet - straight out of the box. It was ridiculous! What we found is that there is a grey ring near the top of the handle that says "suction release" that twists. I guess this raises and lowers the height of the vacuum for more/less push carpets? When we twisted that it was suddenly much easier to vacuum and the brushroll finally spun allowing us to push the vacuum easier. Hope this helps the next person!
Ashley Wyma -
Has anyone else had a problem with the hoover making a scratching noise on wood flooring?
leannedodds91 - Reply
I feel the need to post a potential cause for the brush not turning, along with the indicator light not turning on, that I found. There’s two metal prongs that plugs the bottom part of the vacuum into the top part, and on the inside, a black and white wire runs one wire from each prong. for me, on of the wires had broken where it was soldered to the prong.
Daniel Alleman - Reply
My Shark Navigator freestyle started making a high pitched squealing noise when in contact with the floor. I removed all the hair that was wrapped around the rollers and it still squealed. I removed the cover to excess the belt and it looked fine. On further inspection I pulled the roller up freeing it looking at the gears. it seemed the gear and shaft was offset slightly on its axle. I turned the axle 90 degrees and reset it in place. Squeal is gone for now. Love this little vacuum.
John Caverly - Reply
My Shark Lift Away 3 in 1 makes a horrific noise when ever I use it. I have to have the handle and hose at specific angle or the resulting high pitched whistling is deafening. The have checked everything recommend in the owners manual, including inspecting the hose for any holes and nothing was found. The hose itself is very tightly coiled and has never really stretches out, even when I am vacuuming, I don’t know if this is part of the problem but, I am at my wits-end and just about ready to pitch the vacuum. Any suggestions on how to get rid of the noise?
Patricia 09/07/2019
Patricia Blakeley - Reply
Re: shark navigator lift away deluxe. The dirt collects on top of the foam filter instead of going into the dust bin. Any idea why?
Darlene - Reply
If the vacuum is set to ‘Hard Floor’ then the brush doesn’t spin, simply set it to carpet and this activates the motor that drives the brush
TC - Reply
Our 356E is having the bottom brush not working issue. It will come on when I barely tilt the handle back, then stops if I lower it any further. Is there some kind of mercury switch or floating contact that activates it when the handle is lowered?
Don
taurusshoguy - Reply
As a follow up, I had to disassemble the lower brush unit, and found that the white wire that feeds power to the motor had gotten pinched at the swivel point, and over time cut in half. I was able to solder the wire and tape it. So far, so good!!
taurusshoguy - Reply
The handle of our shark liftaway keeps coming out. Not able to pull back on Hoover.
anndarling48 - Reply
You don’t understand the issue with how hard it is to push this vacuum over carpet. The Navigator does fine on rugs and hard flooring, but on carpet the suction is too strong, even with the suction adjustment all the way open. So, if you have carpet, don’t get a Shark. If you want a Shark then don’t get carpet. That’s the best advice you could give to everyone.
Phillip Holt - Reply
I am trying to troubleshoot what is causing the lack of suction with a really loud sound. It seems to be coming from the side of the vacuum. I replaced all of the filters and checked for anything lodged and I did not find anything clogging my vacuum. Any suggestions?
Shelly Storper - Reply
My roller brush quit working and there was no light on. When I opened the vacuum up, There was a plastic clip that held the wires that powered the brush motor in place. The clip had snapped off somehow. I snapped it back on and it was good as new.
Mr Smith - Reply
Mine was working fine until an hour ago. Then the suction reduced with the brushroll, and if I try to use the liftaway, or in an upright position, it turns off. Any suggestions?
Surya - Reply
Roller cover doesn't close completely causing lights to blink and rollers to not move. Works with slight pressure to the lid.
I can't find where it's not connecting.
Both sides click when pressed to close it.
Yet, green indicator light. Headlights still flashing. Just purchased 1 week ago. Worked for 3 minutes the very first day.
Now it's still new. And I can't understand what else to do.
Ciji Davis-Cortez - Reply
Bought this vacuum yesterday and the roller brush is not spinning. No jams, clogs, or debris. When we turn it to II, the green light comes on and the brushes spin for 1/2 second and the red light comes on and brushes stop. Over $300 and lasted less than 24 hours. Frustrating!
Joseph Gunnells, Sr. - Reply
Red light keeps flashing indicates the cover is not fully on.
OR
It's fully on and the plastic piece on the left side of the cover that pushes into the sensor to make it roll isn't long enough to keep the sensor active and the brush rolling.
SO
I added a bead of super glue let out dry then one more for good measure to lengthen the material.
BOOM BABY.
NO ISSUES EVER SINCE …. PURCHASED 4 MONTHS AGO.
The piece is on the hood it pushes into the sensor when it's closed shut. It does not come off. It's just plastic mold.
Maybe rubber cement would too.
Either way,
The point is to build up the pedal.
Hope this fixes you!!! Until they fix it!!!
Ciji Davis-Cortez - Reply
The latches to lock down the reservoir pop open when the power is turned on.
Roy - Reply
The latches to lock my reservoir also pops open while I am vaccuming.
Jackie
Jacklyn Cannon -
My vacuum roller brush is spinning really fast and making the whole vaccine shake. How can I fix this?
Kat - Reply
The roller brush will spin when turned on, but the main motor won't turn on to suck anything up, what is the problem
Ashley Windham - Reply
When I vacuum with my Shark lift away vacuum cleaner, I get stipe marks in the carpet, not the normal vacuum marks, but these stipes go completely across the whole bottom of the vacuum. What causes this?
GP Reception - Reply
Love my new Shark Lift Away, it works well everywhere except on polypropelene carpet. Red light comes on, but no blockage
Lottie - Reply
My vacuum was great until I was vacuuming one day and it went from sounding normal to making this awful high pitch almost like maybe a grinding sound it's hard to describe I've taken all the parts off meaning the tubes and all easily removed parts to see if there's a blockage I've looked at the roller brush to see if that's the problem but it doesn't seem to be I've tried turning it back on to see if it fixed itself but it works ok for a minute or two then it starts making that awful loud sound it's horrible
Sherry Morgan - Reply
My roller spins intermittently and seems to stop when it gets any unusual pressure at all even on a flat rug any ideas? Clearly not the motor or an obstruction belt still has teeth on it I resecured the electric on the motor so don't know why it stops turning intermittently
James Hoge - Reply
Just got a new Shark Navigator lift away. The suction is so powerful I can’t use it on a fairly plush carpet even with the suction release open all the way. Shark said “Sorry, can’t help you.” :( !!!
jimtroyful - Reply
I love the vacuum however, it is almost impossible to push across some carpeting in my home. I’ve done all the maintenance suggested and checked the gray suction valve on the handle and still I literally have to use an insane amount of force to push it or get a running start. I’m so disheartened by this because aside from that issue I am in love with this machine.
Yeebakah Ye - Reply
I have a Shark Navigator upright and it has never worked well. I stopped using it after 3-4 times. Theres no suction, the roller never worked and it’s loud!! It’s junk. I’m so disappointed.
Val - Reply
I have Shark model NV552 31 and lift off will not lock when put back on lower unit
Martha Hosford - Reply
I’m having the same issue. Did you figure out how to get it to lock back in place?
Mary Ellen Blackstone -
When using my vacuum and pushing forward works good but pulling it back it bounces.
funtymeswithu - Reply
Wand is not working, but roller part is
Tonia - Reply
Just took my Shark out of the box. Suction is so strong pushing it on carpet is hard. I am 6’3” and weight 230 lbs. it should not be this hard. Roller is working, green light is showing and I have tried manipulating the suction collar. Any one want to chime in?
John Doherty - Reply
Are both roller brushes supposed to be spinning, or just the inner most one? Outer one stopped spinning even though it’s set to carpet and max suction.
Jimmy Ramirez - Reply
mine is turning the brush off when you pull it back but turns it back on when you push forward. Does the problem lay in theconnection between the head and the handle?
richard harrison - Reply
My latches to lock reservoir pops open while vacuuming carpet.
Jacklyn
Jacklyn Cannon - Reply
Vacumm won't stand up right.works great just falls over when handel is up.
schatter - Reply
Crappy vac. Never buying shark again. I have 3
cleanqueen07@comcast.net - Reply
IS it Possible to obtain an internal FAN ,MOTOR SEAL for NV360 ??
THANK-YOU in ADVANCE for any INFO. THIS HAS and STILL IS the BEST VACUUM have ever purchased maybe about 10 years ago.
ALSO BETTER THAN ANY OVER PRICED DYSON I'VE EVER FOUND JUNKED and thats been many .
DEVOTED SHARK USER , PAUL
Paul Douglas - Reply
The suction window is open. Located around the handle.
Curt mueller - Reply
This page helped me. The suction motor wasn’t working anymore but the carpet spinning motor still worked. I took off the casing and readjusted the power switch and it worked like a charm. Thank you
Devon Parker - Reply
Very hard to push to clean carpet. I have adjusted the handle but nothing works
Sarah Dean - Reply