Shark DuoClean Roller Brush Not Spinning and Lights Flashing

When you’re using your Shark DuoClean vacuum and you notice that the roller brush isn’t spinning and the lights are flashing, it can feel frustrating. The good news is that this is a common issue, and most of the time, you can easily fix it without needing to call for help. In this article, I’ll explain in simple steps how to fix your Shark DuoClean vacuum when these things happen. You’ll be back to cleaning your floors in no time!

Why Is My Shark DuoClean Roller Brush Not Spinning?

When the roller brush stops spinning, it could be because of a few different reasons. The good news is that fixing the problem is often simple, and you don’t need to be a professional to get your vacuum back to working order.

Blockages in the Brushroll or Hose

The most common reason for a roller brush not spinning is a blockage. Over time, dirt, dust, hair, and other debris can get stuck in the brushroll, causing it to stop spinning. This is especially common if you have pets, as their hair can get tangled in the brush.

How to fix it:

• First, make sure your vacuum is turned off and unplugged for safety.
• Flip your vacuum over so you can access the brushroll. You may need a screwdriver to remove the cover.
• Once the cover is off, look at the brushroll to see if there’s any hair or debris wrapped around it. You can use scissors or your hands to carefully cut or pull away any debris.
• Also, check the hose for blockages. Sometimes hair or dirt can get stuck in there, preventing proper suction.
• Once you’ve cleared everything out, put the vacuum back together and test the brushroll by turning the vacuum back on. If it spins, you’ve fixed the issue!

Brushroll Motor is Malfunctioning

If the brushroll isn’t spinning and there are no blockages, the motor that powers the brushroll might be broken. The motor is responsible for making the brushroll turn, and if it’s not working, the brush will stop moving.

How to fix it:

• Turn off and unplug the vacuum.
• Check the area around the motor for any visible damage. Look for signs like smoke, burning smells, or anything that looks out of place.
• If you don’t notice anything, but the brushroll still isn’t spinning, you might need professional help. The motor may need to be repaired or replaced.
• Contact Shark customer service for advice on how to proceed. They may be able to send a technician to help or recommend a repair shop.

Faulty Belt or Belt Tension

Another reason the brushroll might stop spinning is that the belt that connects the motor to the brushroll is either broken or loose. The belt is what transfers power from the motor to the brushroll, and if it’s not working properly, the brush won’t spin.

How to fix it:

• Unplug the vacuum and flip it over to access the belt.
• Remove the cover that protects the brushroll and look for the belt. You should be able to see the belt either broken or too loose.
• If the belt is broken, you’ll need to buy a replacement belt. You can find the correct one on the Shark website or at a local appliance store.
• To replace the belt, carefully remove the old one and put the new one in place. Be sure the belt is tight enough to make the brushroll spin when the vacuum is on.
• Put everything back together and try the vacuum again. If the brushroll spins, then the problem is solved!

Why Are the Lights Flashing on My Shark DuoClean?

Flashing lights on your Shark DuoClean vacuum are a warning sign that something is wrong. These lights let you know that your vacuum is experiencing a problem, and they’ll keep flashing until the issue is fixed. There are a few common reasons why the lights might be flashing.

The Vacuum is Overheating

If you’ve been using your vacuum for a while, especially on large areas or thick carpets, it can overheat. When this happens, the lights will flash as a warning to let you know the vacuum is too hot to use. This is a safety feature to prevent damage to the motor.

How to fix it:

• Turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the power outlet.
• Allow the vacuum to cool down for 30 minutes to an hour. It’s best to let it rest completely before trying to use it again.
• While the vacuum is cooling, check for any blockages that might be restricting airflow, like dirt in the hose or the filters.
• Once the vacuum has cooled, plug it back in and turn it on. The lights should stop flashing if the overheating was the issue.

The Dirt Canister is Full

If your Shark DuoClean’s dirt canister is full, the vacuum can lose suction, and the lights will flash to tell you it’s time to empty it. A full canister can also make it harder for air to flow through the vacuum, causing it to overheat.

How to fix it:

• Unplug the vacuum and remove the dirt canister from the body of the vacuum.
• Empty the canister into your trash and make sure no debris is stuck inside.
• Check the filters inside the canister for dirt. If they’re dirty, wash them according to the instructions in the user manual.
• After everything is clean, put the canister back into the vacuum and try using it again. If the lights stop flashing, the problem was a full canister.

The Brushroll Needs Cleaning or Resetting

Sometimes the issue with your vacuum’s lights flashing is related to the brushroll itself. If the brushroll is clogged or dirty, the lights might flash to alert you that it needs cleaning. Additionally, some models may need the brushroll function to be reset before it starts working again.

How to fix it:

• Turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the wall.
• Remove the brushroll by taking off the cover, and inspect the brush for any debris or hair wrapped around it.
• Clean the brushroll thoroughly using scissors or your hands to remove any stuck debris.
• Once cleaned, place the brushroll back into the vacuum and check if the flashing lights stop when you turn it on.
• Some vacuums require you to press a reset button after cleaning the brushroll. If you see a reset button near the brushroll, press it for a few seconds to reset the system.

How to Reset the Shark DuoClean Vacuum

If you’ve checked all the obvious issues and your Shark vacuum is still not working, you might need to reset it. Resetting the vacuum can help clear any errors or malfunctions and return it to normal.

Power Off and Unplug the Vacuum

The first step to resetting your vacuum is to turn it off and unplug it from the wall. This ensures that you’re not working with a live electrical connection, keeping you safe during the process.

Check for Any Visible Issues

Before you attempt a reset, make sure you’ve already cleared any blockages, emptied the canister, and cleaned the brushroll. This will ensure that the reset is necessary and not just a result of a simple issue.

Hold Down the Reset Button

Look for a reset button on your Shark DuoClean vacuum. This button is typically located near the brushroll or the vacuum’s body. Hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. This should clear any temporary errors in the system.

Plug It Back In and Test It

After holding down the reset button, plug the vacuum back in and turn it on. Test the brushroll and the vacuum’s lights to see if the problem has been solved. If the lights stop flashing and the brushroll begins spinning, the reset has worked.

I hope this guide has helped you fix your Shark DuoClean vacuum. By following these simple steps, you should be able to troubleshoot most problems, whether it’s the brushroll not spinning or those pesky flashing lights. A little maintenance goes a long way, so remember to clean your vacuum regularly to keep it in top shape. Happy cleaning!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use the Shark DuoClean vacuum with the lights flashing?

It’s not recommended to use the vacuum when the lights are flashing. The lights are a warning that something is wrong, and continuing to use it could cause further damage.

Can a dirty filter cause the lights to flash on a Shark DuoClean?

Yes, a dirty filter can reduce airflow and cause your vacuum to overheat. This will lead to flashing lights as a warning. Be sure to clean or replace the filter regularly.

Do I need to reset the Shark DuoClean vacuum every time the lights flash?

You don’t always need to reset the vacuum. First, check for blockages, a full dirt canister, or a dirty brushroll. If those aren’t the issues, a reset might help.

Is the belt easy to replace on a Shark DuoClean vacuum?

Yes, replacing the belt is fairly simple. You just need to remove the brushroll and check the belt for wear. If it’s broken or loose, you can replace it with a new one.

Can pets cause blockages in the Shark DuoClean roller brush?

Yes, pet hair is one of the main causes of blockages. Make sure to clean the brushroll regularly to remove any tangled hair or debris.

Is it normal for the brushroll to stop spinning occasionally?

It’s normal for the brushroll to stop spinning if there’s a blockage or if the vacuum needs a little maintenance. Make sure to clean the brushroll and check for any issues.

Do I need to clean the Shark DuoClean vacuum’s roller brush often?

Yes, you should clean the roller brush regularly, especially if you have pets. Hair and dirt can build up, preventing the brush from spinning effectively.

Can I use my Shark DuoClean on hard floors and carpets?

Yes, the Shark DuoClean is designed to work on both hard floors and carpets. The brushroll adjusts automatically to provide optimal cleaning for different surfaces.