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Dyson vacuum cleaner - Base, cleaner head suction problems troubleshooting tips
If your upright Dyson vacuum has poor base suction this means poor suction where the brushbar is then follow these steps:
Determine if you have a clutch or clutchless model Dyson, a clutch model will have a round dial on the cleanerhead, a clutchless model won't. Look at the photo below to help you.
Looking from the front, look to the bottom left, if there is a circular dial there then you have a clutch model, if not then you have a clutchless model.
If you have a clutch model then look at the dial and make sure it is NOT in the "N" position or on newer models OFF with large lettering (the "N" postion is for vacuuming hard floors only). If it is turn it to the "P" position or for newer models off with smaller lettering.
Try vacuuming again and you should hear the brushbar turning when you tilt the machine back. If you don't hear the brushbar or any difference in pickup then it may be the clutch belt has broken (there are 2).
If you are so inclined you could visually check to see if the brushbar is turning but the machine would have to be tilted back as the brushbar does not spin when the vacuum is upright so it is up to you but be extremely careful due to the brushbar spinning at high speed.
If you determine the brushbar is not spinning then do not go any further as this will be your problem and it requires a repair and usually a new clutch. On most occassions something has happened to the clutch to cause it to break the belt.
If you have a clutchless model Dyson then with the machine unplugged and switched off (it has been known for someone to plug it in while your working on it, as stupid as it sounds it happens, so make sure the switch is off) put your hand underneath and rotate the brushbar with your fingers. If it is extremely easy to turn then you either have a severely worn or broken belt. Replace the belt and it should be fine.
On occassion a belt can slip off and/or break also, if this happens continually then try this simple solution. When starting your Dyson vacuum, start it in the upright position, do not put the head to the floor then start it, as this is like wheel spinning a car. Let it get up to speed in the upright position (which takes 2 seconds) then put the head to the floor. 99% of the time this will solve your problem.
BEFORE CHECKING ANYTHING ELECTRICAL, SWITCH OFF AND UNPLUG
If you have a ball type Dyson such as the DC24, DC25 etc then check to see if your brush is spinning.
If not, first make sure the brushbar switch is on, then try unplugging your Dyson, removing the brushbar, cutting any hair off, re-inserting the brushbar and pushing the red reset button down by the brush bar on the DC18, DC24 models and simply turning the brushbar off and on again on a DC25, DC40, DC41, DC50, DC75, small ball etc.
If this does not solve it, you will more than likely need a new brushbar motor (but not always see the warning below), these are replaceable on DC15 (now obsolete), DC18 (now obsolete), DC24, DC25, DC40, DC41 and DC75 Big Ball
DC25 owners should also check the Yoke wiring loom at the right hand side of the machine looking from the front, this is protected by 3 Torx T15 screws (again please switch off and unplug)
For Dyson DC40 owners be aware that there are two different types of Brushbar motor, if you have a grey brushbar then you will need to buy an entire new cleanerhead as Dyson do not supply the brushbar motor separately. If you have a purple brushbar then you can buy a compatible brushbar motor but you will have to use some of the fittings off the old brushbar motor so do not throw it away.
Also for DC40 owners with the grey brushbar (and on rare occasion the purple brushbar) a common fault is a break in the yoke wiring loom to the brushbar. The break in the wiring loom does sometimes happen on DC41 but not as often as DC40 in my experience.
Dyson do not supply the brushbar motors for DC50, Dyson small ball or Ball 2 as they are impossible to replace without specialist tools so it means an entire new cleaner head which is usually around £65.
Please be aware that sometimes the brushbar failing can also damage the PCB (electronic circuit board) and sometimes the reset switch. Depending on what model you have depends on how simple or expensive this becomes.
DC24 you can simply buy a new cleanerhead
DC25 The brushbar motor and PCB come in the cleanerhead, the reset switch is at the top with your main on/off switch. If the reset switch hasn't blown then it's just a case of buying a new cleanerhead. If the reset switch has failed as well then opening up the switch is like a jack in the box if you've never done one before, springs and clips will fall out so open it VERY carefully.
DC40 The brushbar motor is in the cleanerhead, the PCB is in the Ball part and the reset switch is up the top near the main on/off button. The brushbar motor is relatively easy to replace, the PCB and reset switch are best to left to a professional.
DC41 The brushbar motor is in the cleanerhead, the PCB is in the Ball part and the reset switch is up the top near the main on/off button. The brushbar motor is relatively easy to replace, the PCB and reset switch are best to left to a professional.