Symptom-first diagnostic directory
Vacuum and robot-vacuum symptoms
Lost suction, short battery life, burning smells and robot vacuums that refuse a room or lose their map: the filter, brush and sensor checks that fix most of them. Robot vacuum errors are listed by manufacturer, each taken from that manufacturer's own charts and articles.
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64 complete records in this directoryCordless vacuum battery dies quickly on maximum power
Maximum mode legitimately shortens runtime, but immediate shutdown can indicate a weak battery, blocked airflow, cold/hot battery or a high-resistance motorized tool.
Open record Vacuums · blockage signalCordless vacuum motor pulses on and off
Pulsing commonly signals restricted airflow from a blockage, full bin or dirty filter rather than an electronic power switch fault.
Open record Robot vacuums · navigationRobot vacuum keeps cleaning the same area
Repeated coverage can result from dirty navigation sensors, wheel slip, reflective/dark surfaces, moved furniture or a corrupted/incomplete map.
Open record Robot vacuums · appRobot vacuum map disappeared from the app
A map can be hidden by the wrong home/account, a new mapping run, app sync failure or a reset. Do not immediately create another map.
Open record Robot vacuums · dockRobot vacuum pushes or moves its charging dock
A dock can slide on a slick or uneven surface, lack wall support, have the wrong clearance or be approached with dirty sensors.
Open record Robot vacuums · cliff sensorsRobot vacuum will not cross a dark rug
Some cliff sensors interpret very dark patterns as a drop. Cleaning sensors and checking model-specific settings is safer than covering the sensors.
Open record Robot vacuums · mappingRobot vacuum will not enter or clean one room
A missed room can be blocked by a threshold, closed door, no-go zone, weak map connection, dark floor or insufficient battery to reach it.
Open record Vacuums · batteryVacuum battery shows full but the machine will not run
A full indicator with no operation can come from a bin/filter interlock, blocked brush, battery contact problem or battery/control fault.
Open record Vacuums · brush rollVacuum brush roll stops on thick carpet
A powered brush can stop when carpet height creates too much resistance, suction is set too high or hair has triggered brush protection.
Open record Vacuums · filtersVacuum has weak suction after installing a new filter
A new filter can reduce airflow if it is the wrong part, installed with packaging, not seated, still damp or blocking a gasket.
Open record Vacuums · airflowVacuum loses suction after a few minutes
Suction that fades can indicate a filter loading with fine dust, an air-path flap closing, a soft blockage moving into place or thermal protection.
Open record Vacuums · urgent symptomVacuum smells burnt or like hot rubber
A burnt smell can mean a stalled brush, slipping belt, blocked airflow, overheating motor or damaged battery. Turn it off and disconnect power immediately.
Open record Vacuums · odorVacuum smells musty when running
Musty odor usually comes from damp filters, organic debris in the bin/brush or liquid contamination in a dry vacuum.
Open record Vacuums · floor headVacuum spits dirt and debris back onto the floor
Debris can be thrown back when the bin is full, suction path is blocked, brush direction is wrong for the floor, or large pieces cannot enter the head.
Open record Vacuums · filter safetyWhat happens if a vacuum filter is installed while wet?
A wet filter can restrict airflow, carry moisture into the motor, create odor and damage a dry vacuum. Remove it and do not run the machine until every approved washable part is fully dry.
Open record Dyson · no suctionDyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum has weak or no suction
Dyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum has weak or no suction: airflow must pass through the head, wand, bin, cyclone and fully dry filters without a leak or blockage. Scoped to UP30 / Ball Animal 3.
Open record Dyson · keeps stoppingDyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Dyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to UP30 / Ball Animal 3.
Open record Dyson · loud noiseDyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise
Dyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise: sound location identifies an air leak, blockage, brush, bearing or motor fault. Scoped to UP30 / Ball Animal 3.
Open record Dyson · no suctionDyson Cinetic Big Ball vacuum has weak or no suction
Dyson Cinetic Big Ball vacuum has weak or no suction: airflow must pass through the head, wand, bin, cyclone and fully dry filters without a leak or blockage. Scoped to CY22 / Cinetic Big Ball.
Open record Dyson · no suctionDyson cordless vacuum has weak or no suction
Dyson cordless vacuum has weak or no suction: airflow must pass through the head, wand, bin, cyclone and fully dry filters without a leak or blockage. Scoped to SV22 / V15 Detect.
Open record Dyson · keeps stoppingDyson cordless vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Dyson cordless vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to SV22 / V15 Detect.
Open record Dyson · loud noiseDyson cordless vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise
Dyson cordless vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise: sound location identifies an air leak, blockage, brush, bearing or motor fault. Scoped to SV22 / V15 Detect.
Open record Dyson · keeps stoppingDyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Dyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to SV12 / V10.
Open record Dyson · loud noiseDyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise
Dyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise: sound location identifies an air leak, blockage, brush, bearing or motor fault. Scoped to SV12 / V10.
Open record Dyson · filter warningDyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum filter warning stays on
Dyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum filter warning stays on: the filter must be the correct part, clean, fully dry and seated while the airflow path is clear. Scoped to SV23 / Gen5detect.
Open record Dyson · error lightDyson V11 cordless vacuum shows an error light, symbol or message
Dyson V11 cordless vacuum shows an error light, symbol or message: the exact indicator pattern and operating stage are required before reset or parts replacement. Scoped to SV14/SV15 / V11.
Open record Dyson · no suctionDyson V12 Detect Slim vacuum has weak or no suction
Dyson V12 Detect Slim vacuum has weak or no suction: airflow must pass through the head, wand, bin, cyclone and fully dry filters without a leak or blockage. Scoped to SV30 / V12 Detect Slim.
Open record Dyson · keeps stoppingDyson V12 Detect Slim vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Dyson V12 Detect Slim vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to SV30 / V12 Detect Slim.
Open record Dyson · keeps stoppingDyson V8 cordless vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Dyson V8 cordless vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to SV10/SV25 / V8.
Open record iRobot · keeps stoppingiRobot Roomba Combo j7+ keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to Combo j7+.
Open record iRobot · brush not spinningiRobot Roomba i5/i5+ brush roll will not spin
iRobot Roomba i5/i5+ brush roll will not spin: hair wrap, floor setting, blockage, belt/head power and overload protection should be separated. Scoped to i5, i5+.
Open record iRobot · keeps stoppingiRobot Roomba i7/i7+ keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
iRobot Roomba i7/i7+ keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to i7, i7+.
Open record iRobot · keeps stoppingiRobot Roomba robot vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
iRobot Roomba robot vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to j9, j9+.
Open record iRobot · loud noiseiRobot Roomba robot vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise
iRobot Roomba robot vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise: sound location identifies an air leak, blockage, brush, bearing or motor fault. Scoped to j9, j9+.
Open record iRobot · gets lostiRobot Roomba robot vacuum robot vacuum gets lost, stuck or misses rooms
iRobot Roomba robot vacuum robot vacuum gets lost, stuck or misses rooms: lighting, sensors, map state, floor transitions and environmental traps matter more than repeated factory resets. Scoped to j9, j9+.
Open record iRobot · Wi-FiiRobot Roomba robot vacuum will not connect to Wi-Fi or the app
iRobot Roomba robot vacuum will not connect to Wi-Fi or the app: confirm supported Wi-Fi band/security, account and pairing mode before deleting maps. Scoped to j9, j9+.
Open record Shark · keeps stoppingShark AI Robot Vacuum Series 3 keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Shark AI Robot Vacuum Series 3 keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to RV2502.
Open record Shark · loud noiseShark AI Robot Vacuum Series 3 makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise
Shark AI Robot Vacuum Series 3 makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise: sound location identifies an air leak, blockage, brush, bearing or motor fault. Scoped to RV2502.
Open record Shark · keeps stoppingShark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to NV350/NV360/NV352.
Open record Shark · keeps stoppingShark PowerDetect cordless stick vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Shark PowerDetect cordless stick vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to IW3511 (IW1111 on accessories).
Open record Shark · filter warningShark PowerDetect Speed cordless vacuum filter warning stays on
Shark PowerDetect Speed cordless vacuum filter warning stays on: the filter must be the correct part, clean, fully dry and seated while the airflow path is clear. Scoped to IZ862H.
Open record Shark · keeps stoppingShark PowerDetect Speed cordless vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Shark PowerDetect Speed cordless vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to IZ862H.
Open record Shark · loud noiseShark PowerDetect Speed cordless vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise
Shark PowerDetect Speed cordless vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise: sound location identifies an air leak, blockage, brush, bearing or motor fault. Scoped to IZ862H.
Open record Shark · not chargingShark PowerDetect Speed cordless vacuum will not charge
Shark PowerDetect Speed cordless vacuum will not charge: outlet, charger, dock contacts, battery temperature and pack condition should be proved before replacement. Scoped to IZ862H.
Open record Shark · keeps stoppingShark robot vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off
Shark robot vacuum keeps stopping, pulsing or shutting off: blockage protection, dirty filters, battery temperature and motor overheating are common boundaries. Scoped to RV2300/RV2310.
Open record Shark · Wi-FiShark robot vacuum will not connect to Wi-Fi or the app
Shark robot vacuum will not connect to Wi-Fi or the app: confirm supported Wi-Fi band/security, account and pairing mode before deleting maps. Scoped to RV2300/RV2310.
Open record Vacuums · batteryCordless-vacuum battery and charger behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
Open record Vacuums · batteryCordless-vacuum battery and charger fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition
Open record Vacuums · batteryCordless-vacuum battery and charger is not working
Open record Vacuums · batteryCordless-vacuum battery and charger is unusually slow or delayed
Open record Vacuums · batteryCordless-vacuum battery and charger keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Open record Vacuums · batteryCordless-vacuum battery and charger stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
Open record Vacuums · suctionVacuum airflow path behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
Open record Vacuums · suctionVacuum airflow path fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition
Open record Vacuums · suctionVacuum airflow path is not working
Open record Vacuums · suctionVacuum airflow path is unusually slow or delayed
Open record Vacuums · suctionVacuum airflow path keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Open record Vacuums · suctionVacuum airflow path stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
Open record Vacuums · brushVacuum brush-roll drive behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
Open record Vacuums · brushVacuum brush-roll drive fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition
Open record Vacuums · brushVacuum brush-roll drive is not working
Open record Vacuums · brushVacuum brush-roll drive is unusually slow or delayed
Open record Vacuums · brushVacuum brush-roll drive keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Open record Vacuums · brushVacuum brush-roll drive stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
Open recordVacuum and robot-vacuum problems: suction, battery and mapping
Weak suction almost always has an ordinary cause: a full bin, a clogged filter, a blocked hose or a brush roll wrapped in hair. Cordless machines add a battery question: a vacuum that shows full charge but will not run, or one that dies quickly on maximum power, may have a worn battery or a protective cut-out triggered by a blockage or heat. A burning smell is a sign to stop and let the motor cool, then clear any blockage in the airway before you use it again.
Robot vacuums have their own set of problems. A robot that will not cross a dark rug may be reading it as a cliff, one that moves its dock may be hitting it on the way home, and a map that disappears from the app often comes back after the app or the robot's software is updated. Wash filters only as the manual allows and let them dry fully, and replace worn side brushes and filters on the schedule the maker gives. Manufacturer error codes for robot vacuums are on their own pages.
Why does my robot vacuum refuse to cross a dark rug?
Cliff sensors can read very dark surfaces as a drop. Wipe the sensors clean and check your model's manual for its cliff-sensor guidance.
Why does my vacuum lose suction after a few minutes?
A blockage or full filter makes the motor overheat and the machine cut power. Empty the bin, clean the filter and check the hose.