08 Jan Why is the Red Light Flashing on My Shark?
If you notice a red light flashing on your Shark vacuum cleaner, don’t panic. While it’s trying to get your attention and let you know something is wrong, it doesn’t necessarily mean your vacuum is broken. The flashing red light is an indicator to alert you to a potential issue that likely just needs some troubleshooting and an easy fix to get your Shark back up and running. Let’s explore why is the red light flashing on my Shark?
Common Causes of a Flashing Red Light
There are a few common triggers that will cause a red flashing light on your Shark vacuum:
1. Clogged Airflow
One of the most frequent reasons for the red light flashing is a clog somewhere that is blocking proper airflow through the vacuum. Sharks rely on strong consistent airflow to operate correctly. If airflow becomes restricted due to a clog or blockage, it triggers the red light to come on.
Potential clogs that could set off the light include:
- A full dust cup that needs to be emptied
- Clogs in the filters, tubes or hoses
- Blockages in the brush roll area from hair, string, carpet fibers or other debris
- Obstructions in the intake opening from large objects or dirt buildup
To troubleshoot a clogged airflow in your Shark vacuum, begin by addressing common culprits. First, empty the dust cup to ensure it’s not hindering suction. Next, meticulously clean all filters, as they can become obstructed by dust and debris over time. Be sure to check and clear any visible obstructions in the hoses, as these can impede the smooth flow of air. Additionally, inspect the brush roll for any tangled hair or debris, as a clogged brush roll may contribute to airflow issues. If you are experiencing the specific issue of shark battery 3 lights flashing, it’s essential to address this separately. Check the battery connection and charging status, ensuring the unit is receiving a proper charge. If the problem persists, consult the user manual or contact Shark customer support for guidance on resolving the flashing lights issue.
2. Motor Issues
Problems with the motor can also trigger the flashing red light on your Shark. Issues like an overheated motor, stalled brush roll or faulty motor speed can all disrupt optimal operation and cause the light to turn on.
If you notice the motor making unusual noises, the brushes aren’t spinning properly or suction seems weak, the red light may be alerting you to a potential problem with the motor. Let the vacuum rest for 30 minutes to see if an overheated motor just needs time to cool down.
3. Low Battery
On Shark cordless vacuums like the Rocket, IONflex and APEX models, a flashing red light usually signals the battery is low and needs to be charged.
Charging a fully depleted battery can take around 3-5 hours. The red light will turn solid red when charging and turn back to blue or green once fully charged and ready to use again.
4. Brush Roll Jam
If something gets tangled in the brush roll and jams the spinning motion, it automatically triggers the red light as a warning.
This commonly happens from vacuuming up strings, carpet fibers, pet hair, socks or other objects that get wrapped around the brush roll. Turn off and unplug the vacuum, then carefully remove any debris causing the jam.
5. Overheating Issues
Due to the powerful motors in Shark vacuums, they can sometimes overheat with prolonged heavy usage or when vents and filters are clogged.
If the red light appears during use, it may signal the vacuum is overheating and needs to rest. Let it cool down for 30-60 minutes to see if that fixes the issue before assuming other problems.
6. Loose Hose or Parts
The red light can also indicate when a hose, wand or other attachment isn’t securely clicked into place. Re-connecting all the parts properly typically clears the light.
How to Reset a Flashing Red Light on a Shark
In many cases, a simple reset will get the red light to turn off on your Shark once you’ve fixed the issue. Here are the steps:
- Unplug the vacuum and make sure the power switch is in the off position.
- Empty the dust cup, clean filters, clear any clogs and check for blockages.
- Secure any loose hoses or attachments.
- Let the vacuum rest 10-15 minutes if it was overheating.
- Plug vacuum back in, turn on the power and see if the red light is still flashing.
- Press and hold the reset or power button for 10+ seconds to reset the light.
- Turn it off and back on to check if the reset worked.
The location of the reset button can vary by model but is usually found right on the handheld portion or the main canister. Check your owner’s manual if you have trouble locating it.
If the red light returns after resetting, further troubleshooting is likely needed to resolve the underlying issue triggering the warning light.
When to Call Shark Support
While most red flashing light causes can be fixed with basic troubleshooting, sometimes reaching out to Shark customer support is the next best step if you’ve tried all other solutions to no avail.
Shark’s customer service team can provide tailored advice based on your specific vacuum model and the details of what’s occurring. They can walk you through the remaining steps to take or determine if a repair or service may be needed.
We recommend contacting Shark support when:
- The red light persists after troubleshooting and resetting.
- You notice a distinct change in suction power.
- There are obvious signs of motor issues – strange noises, bad smells, etc.
- You need help locating a jam or internal clog.
- There are error codes or lights other than just the standard red one.
- There is visible damage like cracks, broken parts or frayed cords.
Shark’s vacuum cleaners come with excellent warranties so don’t hesitate to use their customer service if needed during that coverage period. They can determine if a replacement or repair is covered.
Preventing Red Light Issues
While flashing red lights will occasionally crop up on any vacuum, there are tips to reduce the likelihood of issues and keep your Shark running optimally:
- Empty the dust cup before it gets overly full.
- Wash filters monthly and replace as needed per guidelines.
- Check intake openings and brush rolls for tangled hair or debris before each use.
- Detangle hose after use and inspect for clogs.
- Use proper voltage outlet for corded types to avoid overheating.
- Don’t forcefully tug on hose which can loosen connections.
- Keep vents and cyclones clear of dust and dirt buildup.
- Don’t run repeatedly on low battery for cordless models.
- Avoid vacuuming up wet messes or large hard objects.
- Don’t use with blocked vents or clogged filters.
- Let motor rest 30 minutes if you notice overheating.
FAQs
How long can I use my Shark when the red light is on?
As soon as you notice the flashing red light, it’s best to turn off the vacuum and address the cause right away to avoid potential damage. Using the vacuum for an extended time once the light activates can lead to motor problems or other breakdowns.
Does the red light mean my Shark needs a new filter?
Not necessarily. While a clogged filter that needs replacing can cause the red light, there are various other reasons for the light as well. Try washing filters first before replacing. Make sure to check hoses, clogs and connections too which could be triggering the light.
Why does my Shark keep overheating?
Frequent overheating issues signal a problem needs addressing. Most commonly this is caused by blocked airflow from full dust cup or dirty filters. Make sure to clean filters regularly, check intake openings for obstructions and don’t overfill the dust bin. Also give the motor a chance to cool down for 30 minutes between uses.
Can I stop the red light from flashing?
The red light is there as an alert and can’t be permanently disabled. You will need to address the underlying issue first, then follow reset steps outlined above which should turn off the light once problems are resolved. Covering or disabling the light is not recommended.
Is there a reset button on my Shark APEX UpLight?
Yes, the reset button on the APEX UpLight is located on the side of the hand vacuum next to the extra tools. Press and hold for 10+ seconds when powered on to reset the vacuum and turn off error lights after fixing any issues. Check user manual for exact location.
Summary of Red Light Causes and Fixes
- Flashing red light on your Shark vacuum is an alert of a problem needing attention.
- Most common triggers are airflow clogs, motor issues, low battery, brush roll jams or overheating.
- Try emptying dust bin, cleaning filters, clearing jams, letting overheated motors rest before assuming major breakdown.
- A simple reset typically resolves the light after fixing underlying issue.
- Call Shark support if light persists after troubleshooting – they can advise on any needed repairs.
- Prevent issues by monitoring fills, washing filters monthly and detangling debris before use.
Don’t panic when you see that flashing red light on your Shark. When faced with a sluggish toilet, fear not—just like troubleshooting a Shark vacuum, in most cases, it simply requires some minor adjustments to identify and resolve the problem. With proper maintenance and resetting when needed, you can clear the sluggishness and keep your toilet running smoothly for years to come.