Shark Vacuum Won’t Turn On – How To Fix It

ByRelentlesshome
Shark vacuum won’t turn on
Shark vacuum won’t turn on

Shark is one of the favorite vacuum cleaner brands— mainly because they are powerful as Dyson-made cleaners but are pocket-friendlier.

However, like pretty much anything out there, Shark vacuum cleaners can sometimes malfunction and you will eventually run into small issues here, and there including a Shark vacuum won’t turn on.

Fortunately, there are fairly simple explanations and solutions, too.

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What should you do when your Shark vacuum won’t turn on?

1) Power Plug

This is probably the simplest reason why Shark vacuum won’t turn on with the easiest solution. Most of the time, you just did not plug the vacuum cleaner into the outlet correctly.

So, check if the power plug is securely connected to the power outlet by wiggling the cord in order to check if the plug doesn’t fall off from the outlet. Otherwise, give the plug a push into the power outlet in order to secure it in place. Read Here: How to clean shark vacuum filter – A Step by Step Instruction

2) Vacuum Cord

If the vacuum still won’t turn on after, then you need to look at the cord itself, which might be cut or faulty. A damaged or faulty cord is common in the older vacuum cleaners with the damaged electrical wires inside the cord preventing power from getting to the vacuum cleaner.

Check the entire length of the vacuum cord for any cuts which can be stopping the electrical power from moving to the machine.

If you suspect an issue with the cord, then unplug the vacuum cleaner from the outlet in order to avoid fatal electrical shock. You can easily repair or replace a cord, depending on the extent of its damage.

3) Vacuum Switch

If the plug is securely connected to the outlet, the next thing you need to look at is the vacuum switch. AS obvious as it may seem, sometimes you need to check whether the switch is actually on.

If it’s on and the Shark vacuum still won’t turn on, then it could be a faulty switch that needs replacing.

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4) Circuit Breaker

Vacuum cleaners are notorious for tripping circuit breakers. This is usually caused by electrical arcing that happens when electricity skips a gap between 2 conductors. Usually, these conductors are 2 pieces of exposed wires.

Arcing doesn’t usually trip a normal circuit breaker. However, it can easily trigger the AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter), which is an advanced type of circuit breaker. If your vacuum cleaner has an AFCI, then it senses even the slightest sign of arcing in order to prevent dangers like electrical fires.

When powered, the vacuum cleaner will produce small sparks, which are tiny electrical arcs. As such, they can sometimes trip your AFCI circuit breaker and preventing the vacuum cleaner from turning on.

Whether you have a GFCI or AFCI outlet, you will need to check whether the breakers have tripped. If so, then the reset button on the outlet should have gone off. You can simply reset the breaker by pressing the reset button.

Now, if you have a normal outlet— doesn’t have a reset button— then you’ll have to check whether your home’s circuit breaker panel has tripped. If so, simply switch on the reset button. Read Here: 10 Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors and Carpet

Tripping of the outlet breakers or circuit happens sometimes, however, if your Shark vacuum regularly trips the breaker, then it could be a sign of an electrical issue in the machine.

Some signs of electrical issues to check for include:

  • Sparks when the vacuum cleaner is on: When switched on, the vacuum cleaner produces sparks. If this happens, the vacuum cleaner might need replacing or servicing.
  • A burning smell: A burning when you vacuum indicates that electrical arcing is burning other parts of your vacuum and prevent the machine from staying on or powering on. If you notice a burning smell, then it might be time to replace or service the machine.
  • Old Cords: Frayed, old cords? If so, it’s possible that these wires are causing electrical arcing, thus, tripping the circuit breaker.

5) Suction Motor Thermostat

Some Shark vacuum cleaners like the Rotator model has a thermostat. This comes in handy in preventing the vacuum’s suction motor from the effects of excessive heat.

Vacuum cleaners are prone to overheating for various reasons.

Vacuuming while the dust canister is full not only reduces the efficiency of the vacuum but also lets excessive dirt into the inner parts of the machine.

This forces the motor to work harder leading to overheating. By emptying the bin regularly, you can minimize the risk of your vacuum cleaner overheating.

In addition, blockages in the brush bar, attachments, and hose can also prevent airflow and causes the motor to work harder. Clogged up or dirty filters can also have a similar effect on the vacuum cleaner.

Blockages in vacuum cleaners are especially common if you have pets that constantly shed their furs. Removing any blockages and cleaning or replacing clogged up or old filters can prevent overheating.

Now, when overheating, the thermostat shuts off the vacuum in order to let the motor cool down and prevent further damage from the excessive heat. You can get your vacuum cleaner back on by resetting the thermostat.

Here are the steps:

  • Turn off the vacuum cleaner.
  • Unplug from the power outlet.
  • Empty the dirt canister.
  • Check for obstruction in the hose or the filter and remove it. OR you can also replace the filter as needed.
  • Allow the vacuum cleaner to cool down for at least an hour before trying to use it again.
  • When ready to use, plug the vacuum cleaner and switch it on.

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6) Motor

Vacuum cleaners have motors. And motors can eventually break down. No motor lasts forever. And they have lots of moving components which can also break over time.

If the problem of your Shark vacuum won’t turn on is the motor itself, then you’ll need to bring it to a professional for repairs. However, in most cases, if the motor already gave up, it is usually cheaper to just get a new Shark vacuum cleaner altogether.

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