Blinking shark vacuum lights? (try this) - Check the appliance (2023)

There are a number of lights that can flash on a Shark vacuum, and each flashing light tells a story. Some indicate problems and need to be addressed, while others simply indicate a normal job function. So before you rush off to the shop, read this article for a full breakdown of the information you need to determine what each light on your Shark Vac is for.

blue flashing lights

As soon as you connect a wireless Shark Vac to the charger and switch on the power from the socket, the blue lights will flash slowly. These are charging lights and indicate that the vacuum is charging.Blinking blue lights are normal when your Shark cordless vacuum is charging.Once fully charged, you will see a solid blue light.

Green light

The green light indicates it's on and everything is working as it should. When the green light is visible, you can suck at will.

flashing red light

A red light means danger or in this case a problem with your Shark vacuum cleaner. Anytime you see a flashing red light, it indicates a problem. however, it does not mean a specific problem and could mean any of the following;

• The brush roll is jammed
  If the device does not turn on or stops immediately after turning it on, the brushroll is probably the cause of the problem. Every time you vacuum, there is a risk that the roller brush will become clogged. The roller can become clogged with hair, thread, cotton, carpet scraps, or just general threadlike dirt and debris. You'll have to remove all of that dirt by hand (a pair of scissors will help if you're careful not to damage the roller or vacuum in any way).
• The brush roll belt is damaged
  The belt is stretched, damaged, snapped, or sometimes just has something caught in it that is preventing the belt from moving properly. The belt drives the brushroll, so any problem with the belt will cause the brushroll to malfunction.
• The vacuum is overheated.
  If you've been vacuuming for a while and the red light starts flashing, it's almost certainly an indication that the vacuum is overheating. If you suspect overheating is the problem, you should turn it off and wait at least 45 minutes before trying again. If the vacuum starts running again after the 45 minute cool down period, then it has overheated and you can continue.

If a Shark vacuum has been running for an extended period of time the motor can overheat, which is common and nothing to worry about as long as you let it cool down before turning it on again.

Flashing white headlights

If your Shark vacuum has headlights, these are located on top of the suction head and are used to illuminate the area in front of the vacuum so you can see the area being cleaned. When they start blinking, it usually indicates a problem. Flashing white headlights usually indicate a traffic jam and the rotating brush will also stop spinning.

Check the brushroll by removing the door on the brushroll by pressing the buttons on the roller head. After cleaning the brush roll, make sure the flap snaps back into place. You should hear a click to indicate it closed successfully.

Then check if the floor setting is set to carpet mode. Check if the brushroll rotates; If not, check if you have activated the brushroll activation mode.

Ground flashers and vacuum carpet

Most Shark vacuums have special lights for carpets and hard floors. These lights flash to indicate a problem. If both lights are flashing, it can mean one of two things:

1. When the carpet and floor lights flash together,There is a problem with the battery. Either it has no charge or there is a problem with the charger. You must allow the battery to cool before attempting to charge it. Once loading is complete, try again. If you continue to have problems, you will need to contact your local Shark dealer for a replacement or repair battery/charger.
2. When the floor and carpet lights flash alternately, there is a blockage somewhere in the vacuum preventing adequate airflow. Before attempting to find and clear clogs, you must first allow the vacuum to cool for 45 minutes. After you've cleaned the vacuum, test it and if the lights are still flickering, you need to have it repaired by a professional. Contact your local Shark dealer for details.

What do the lights on a Shark vacuum indicate?

The lights on a Shark vacuum aren't just for show. Everyone has a purpose, although that purpose is not always clear. The following is intended as a guide to help you understand what the specific lights indicate.

Regular maintenance can prevent many problems

To keep your Shark vacuum running in top condition, we have some tips to prevent problems from occurring. These include;

Wash or replace the filter

Most filters can be washed with water and air dried. Never put a wet or damp filter back into your vacuum cleaner and never use any type of heat to speed up the drying process. The filter should of course air dry before putting it back into the vacuum cleaner.

It is important to keep the filters clean as a clogged filter can cause the vacuum motor to overheat or fail altogether.

Clean hoses

Use the handle of a broom or tap the hose lightly to remove dirt and debris that may be causing the hoses to become clogged. Be careful not to damage the hose in any way.

Empty the dust bin (dust collector)

To empty the clear dust bin, or what Shark calls the dust cup, simply detach it from the vacuum, then hold it over a trash can and press the bottom release clip. Once the bottom is empty, close the bottom and press the top clip to release the top and clear the dust from the top section. When empty, wipe all areas with a soft, dry cloth and place back on the vacuum.

Clean brush roll

Remove the brush roll and clean it thoroughly. Be sure to remove all hair, cotton wool, carpet lint, dirt and debris. Also check the condition and position of the drive belt; If it appears damaged, it must be replaced.

Check the floor nozzle

Check the floor tool for clogs and remove if necessary. Then make sure the nozzle is properly attached to the brushroll.

Check the connection between the wand and the handheld vacuum

Make sure the connection between the wand and the handheld vacuum is secure and remove any dust or debris.

Fully charge the battery

Clean the area around the connectors on both the charger and battery pack with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Plug the charger into the socket, switch it on and connect your Shark vacuum cleaner to the charger. Once the blinking blue lights become steady, the vacuum is fully charged and ready to use. If your Shark vacuum is wired, make sure the cord is fully plugged in and turned on.

What to do if the lights on your Shark vacuum keep flashing?

If your Shark vacuum is still showing flashing lights after following all the tips in this article, it's time to consult your manual. If no other tips are available in your manual, or you don't have a manual, it's time to consult Shark^[1]for repairs or replacements.

Shark has built a solid reputation for reliability and durability. Shark vacuum cleaners come with a 12-month warranty, which can be extended for a further 4 years. This means that you get a full 5 year guarantee on a Shark vacuum cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions