Dyson Vacuum Troubleshooting Guide

Dyson has been in the business for decades now, producing some of the most popular vacuums used in households worldwide. These products perform very well, but they do face their fair share of problems from time to time.

However, with some simple Dyson vacuum troubleshooting, you can solve most of those problems pretty quickly.

Some of the most common Dyson vacuum problems include shutting off after a few minutes or not turning on at all. In addition, some problems might trigger blinking yellow or red lights on the vacuum, or you might find that the vacuum isn’t charging or isn’t producing any suction.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your Dyson vacuum, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place. First, we’ll explore each issue to understand its likely cause. Then, we’ll present some possible solutions to them so you can get back to vacuuming like usual.

What Are The Most Common Issues With Dyson Vacuums (And How To Fix Them)?

Here are some of the most problems you might face with your Dyson vacuum, including their possible causes and potential solutions.

Dyson Vacuum Shuts Off After A Few Minutes

Why it happens: Suppose your Dysoom vacuum runs normally but shuts off after a few seconds or minutes. If that’s the case, then it’s likely that the vacuum is doing so to prevent damage from overheating.

The vacuum does that because airflow is blocked, likely in the vacuum’s filter. Over time, the filter will naturally get clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris.

Despite emptying all the dust and dirt, the filter might still fail to allow air to pass through smoothly.

Without sufficient airflow, the Dyson vacuum can’t stay cool and will therefore shut itself off before anything bad happens.

How to fix it: Fixing this problem involves two steps. Firstly, the filter needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Washing it under a tap is good, but it’s not enough.

In addition to that, you’ll want to take it apart and ensure that you’re cleaning out any buildup deep inside the filter and its compartment. 

Once it’s been thoroughly cleaned and dried, then you need to wait at least 24 hours to let it dry before put everything back together.

Next, unplug the Dyson vacuum charging point from its power supply. After five seconds, plug it back in and place the Dyson vacuum on the charging point. Press the trigger on the vacuum for 20 seconds and let go.

Then, use the vacuum as usual. It should work normally.  

Dyson Vacuum Blinking Red Light

Why it happens: Dyson vacuums have a flashing light on both sides to let you know if there’s an issue.

These lights are color coded, and a red blinking light indicates a big problem. Besides the color, how many times that red light blinks will also indicate a different type of problem. So, 

• If the red light blinks less than 12 times, then it’s a problem with the motor.
• If the red light blinks more than 12 times, then it’s a problem with the battery pack.

To find out, pull the vacuum trigger and count how many times the red light blinks.

How to fix it: The solution for a blinking red light on a Dyson vacuum will depend on whether it’s a motor problem or a battery problem.

If it’s a motor problem, you can inspect it to see if it’s jammed by a foreign object. If it still won’t work, then it’s possible that you might need to replace the motor for your Dyson vacuum.

However, if it’s a battery problem, then it’s likely that you’ll need to purchase a new battery pack instead.

Dyson Vacuum Blinking Blue Light

Why it happens: A flashing or blinking blue light on the side of your Dyson vacuum could mean one of two things. All of it depends on which light is flashing. 

Firstly, it could be that the filter cover on the vacuum is loose. Dyson vacuums can sense that and will try to notify you by turning on the blinking blue light on the side of the appliance.

However, if you see that the blue battery light is blinking, then it could just mean that the battery is out of power and needs to be recharged.

How to fix it: Assuming it’s a loose filter cover, you’ll need to screw the cover on securely. Before you do that, be sure to check that no dust or debris is getting in the way and preventing the cover from forming a secure fit with the rest of the vacuum.

If the problem is the battery, then you’ll want to recharge the battery. Be sure to give it enough time to charge all the way up to its maximum capacity so that you can use your Dyson vacuum without any interruptions.

Dyson Not Working After Cleaning The Filter

Why it happens: You might face a situation where your Dyson vacuum won’t work even after you’ve cleaned the filter. To troubleshoot this, your first step should be to take the filter apart and ensure that you’ve cleaned it out thoroughly.

Even though you’ve cleaned it, it’s possible that there’s some dirt or debris deeper inside that still needs to be removed.

If you’re like most people, you probably clean the filter by washing it in the sink.

Unfortunately, most people don’t give the filter enough time to thoroughly dry before putting it back in the Dyson vacuum. That is also a likely reason why the vacuum isn’t working after cleaning the filter.

How to fix it: To fix this problem, first ensure that the filter is truly cleaned inside and out. You’ll need to take the filter apart and also clean its compartment in the vacuum. Take your time doing this to ensure that nothing is missed.

After you’ve washed the filter, it’s best to let it air dry for as long as possible. A good rule of thumb would be to leave it out to dry overnight so that there’s no chance of any moisture still trapped inside the filter.

Dyson Not Turning On

Why it happens: When a Dyson vacuum isn’t turning on, there are two general reasons: a lack of power or a blockage in one of the parts.

To troubleshoot a power supply problem, first make sure that you’ve charged the battery to its maximum capacity.

At the same time, be sure to inspect the battery and its charger for any visible signs of damage. It’s possible that the charger isn’t delivering any power to the battery, even though you’ve set it to charge as usual.

A Dyson vacuum is all about airflow. So if something jeopardizes that smooth airflow, then it might cause the Dyson not to turn on. Your first step here would be to inspect the filter and cyclone to ensure that neither one is blocked.

The blockage could also be further down the line in the inlet, the wand, or in the brush bar that sweeps the ground.

How to fix it: If the battery or its charger is faulty, that would require a total replacement. You might need to purchase a new battery pack, a new charger, or both.

A blockage is a bit easier to resolve because it doesn’t involve any additional cost. All it needs is a thorough inspection and cleaning of all involved parts.

Start by cleaning the filter and cyclone, because that’s where the blockage is most likely to occur.

Next, take the vacuum apart and inspect the inlet, the wand, and the brush bar. It’s possible that larger debris like cloth pieces or strings may have gotten stuck in these parts, preventing the Dyson from getting smooth airflow.

Dyson Vacuum Not Charging

Why it happens: If your Dyson battery isn’t charging, the problem is either with the battery itself or the charger.

Dyson batteries have an expected lifespan of 3 to 4 years. So, if your battery has been in use for a long time beyond that timeframe, it’s possible that the battery is faulty and can’t hold a charge anymore.

Besides that, check the battery pack for any cracks or visible signs of damage. A damaged battery could also fail to hold a charge.

Lastly, check the battery charger. Inspect the charger and its cable for any signs of breakages or damage that might require a replacement.

How to fix it: Old or faulty batteries can’t be fixed. They can only be replaced. The same is true for their chargers as well. Before you purchase a replacement, there are a couple of steps that other users have found helpful.

Firstly, disconnect the Dyson charger from the wall socket, then reattach it. Plug it into your Dyson and pull the vacuum’s trigger for 20 seconds. Then, take the vacuum and try to see if you can use it normally.

This procedure acts as a sort of ‘reset’ for the Dyson vacuum. Many users have reported that this is an effective solution.

Dyson Vacuum Not Suctioning

Why it happens: If your Dyson vacuum isn’t suctioning, that means there’s a lack of proper airflow inside of the unit.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it could be the result of a clog along the airflow’s path. Second, it could be because there’s an air leak somewhere in the vacuum as well.

An air clog could be the result of a dirty or wet filter. As the dirt continues to build up at the dirty filter, airflow will gradually become more restricted. Without proper and smooth airflow, the suctioning power of the vacuum will decrease.

Blockages can also occur elsewhere on a Dyson vacuum. The usual places include at the brushbar, inside the wand, and at the inlet where the wand connects to the vacuum. A blockage at any of these points will cause the same outcome: reduced airflow, leading to a lack of suction.

The same could also happen if the filter is wet. Many people wash their Dyson vacuum filters without giving them enough time to dry out completely.

When they put it back in the vacuum and turn it on, the water stuck in the filters will also restrict airflow, causing a lack of suction.

The suction power of a Dyson vacuum is also dependent on the seals around all of the connecting parts. Those seals ensure that all of the suction happens at the end of the vacuum and that it doesn’t pull air from anywhere else.

So, if any of the vacuum’s seals are worn out or broken, that could also cause a loss of suction. Instead of sucking in dirt and dust from the end of the wand, the vacuum will inadvertently suck in air at the broken seal’s location.

How to fix it: The first step to fixing this is to identify and remove any blockages the Dyson vacuum might have.

To do this, take apart all of the Dyson vacuum’s attachments, like the brush bar and the wand. Then, inspect each part for any large pieces of debris that might be blocking the airflow.

Next, check the filter and cyclone to ensure that there aren’t any blockages. Also, check that the filter has been completely dried since its last washing. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to leave the air filter out to dry overnight.

Once you’ve ruled out any blockages, put all of the parts back together and turn on the vacuum. Run your hand over the entire length of the wand and around any sealed parts of the vacuum. What you’re doing is feeling for any suction happening where it shouldn’t.

If you manage to feel suction around any of the seals, that means it’s worn out or broken and needs replacing. Typically, these seals or gaskets are sold in complete kits. You can find the replacement kit for your Dyson vacuum model directly from Dyson or from third party parts sellers online.