Shark Rotator Troubleshooting

[@glearned]

You are a savior amongst mankind. I thought my vacuum was broken, but NO... I was just too stupid to notice that the brushroll button was turned off. THANK. YOU. SO. MUCH.

[@docandcindyking9606]

NO SUCTION & NO SOLUTION...until I watched this video and removed the plug by accessing the bottom of the vacuum. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! Was practically ready to throw it out!!

[@rebeccagreenperez9374]

I have come back to this site for the past 8 years and have ALWAYS found the solution!! I need to buy a new Shark soon, but in the meantime, love this site and will continue to come back when I have issues!! Thank you!!

[@susanbarden2023]

Great troubleshooting video! Messed around with the vacuum for 30 minutes prior to watching this. Was able to remove a clog from the handle and now its like new again! Thank you!

[@CarrieMilburn]

I have had my Shark Rotator since 2012 and it's 2020! Still works great! I didn't realize I could unclog at the base - THANK YOU!!

Thanks so much for this video! My vacuum cleaner had low suction and would turn off after being on for only moments. My husband and I were about to take it to a repair shop, but I'm so glad we didn't. You made this so easy and straightforward.

[@Shaberry14]

I was getting ready to get a new one! I didn't know the bottom had a lock and I didn't think to take the handle off. I kept hearing this whistling sound. I found the blockage and I'm so happy. Thanks for making this video

[@trueimage83]

This was very informative, thank you. After going through all of these steps, I found that loss of suction on my vacuum was caused by a clog below where the hose detaches. To get to it, looked on the bottom of the brushroll part. There are two little slots that you can turn with a screwdriver or coin, and that will release the tube that comes straight from the brushroll to the the bend up to where the hose connects. That bend was packed full of dog hair. I got what I could with my fingers and a screwdriver, but for lack of anything long and flexible enough to reach the rest of the clog, I shot water down the top of the tube with my kitchen sink sprayer (being very careful not to get anything else wet, and letting it dry before turning on my vacuum). Works like new now.

[@gregorymyrberg2342]

+Veronica Bishop EXACTLY my problem and solution!+

[@carriejennings4165]

My clog was in the circular handle! Turned out that someone (maybe me) vacuumed up a business card. It was wedged in there and caught all the subsequent dog hair I was vacuuming until I lost suction. This video helped me out tremendously because I had looked everywhere but there. Thanks, you're a lifesaver!!!

[@gvorwaller]

Same issue as Christie. The roller won't roll. The brush roller button is pushed, and green. But the indicator at the bottom is off; no clogs; all hair removed from the roller. The headlights are lighting up.

[@angienicolini708]

Thank you so much! This was very helpful even though it didn't solve my problem, but it did help when chatting with Shark customer service. I did everything you showed us and found lots of gunk (child decided to clean rabbit cages using only the vacuum - broom? cloth to scoop up the hay and food and rabbit pellets that didn't make it into the litter box? Goodness no, the vacuum made it so much easier!) When I needed to vacuum the carpet, I could tell there was still something somewhere, but I couldn't find it. The Shark CS had me remove both filters, turn it on while checking to see if there was air flowing in the area where the filters go, then he had me start at the top (while the vacuum was still on) and remove each section. The air flowing is what must have moved the jammed gunk to where I could get to it at the S joint. Finally! Like new again. Thanks for the short, very informative, to the point video! Keep them coming!

[@FredBTs]

Fantastic! Until 10 minutes ago I did know that I could easily remove the curved bit where the hose attaches at the bottom . So easy and it was packed, now the Shark works like new.

[@tylerdavis1704]

My Shark Rotator was overheating and had very poor suction. Turns out I had a clog, your vid helped me find it in 4 minutes. Thanks!

[@lusiamitchell]

Thank you so much. I followed your video and discovered several points where the vacuum cleaner was completely clogged up. Not only is my vac working perfectly again, but now I know what to do when I am not seeing that happy swirl of dirt in my see-through canister.

[@cherylunderhill3075]

I've had my Shark for about 5 months now. I purchased the latest model at the time. I haven't had any problems at all. I'm a previous Dyson owner for about 8 years & I like the Shark just as much. Thanks for reading & sharing. ENJOY!

[@jeremydeane7057]

Thanks man my vaccume at work was major clog. It took me an hour to sweep my section after a super busy day. You just saved me alot of hard work and time. :)

[@eunicebailey9939]

I am so glad that I watched this. I called customer support, told them that the brush was not spinning (apparently I need to be smarter than the vacuum) and she said, they will send me out a new brush. She never asked if I had pushed the brush power button. I am sure she assumed anyone old enough to purchase one, should be able to operate one!

[@mrsajackson79]

I had a bad clog near the handle and tried to unscrew it with no success. Then I looked at this video and used the broom to push it through! Genius! Thanks for the help, I was ready to give up. Great video :)

[@faj3ane]

thank you SO much! I found i had a little piece of paper clogging the S bend (pro tip .. don't be lazy like me and try to vacuum scraps of paper. Bend over and pick them up with your hands!) The way you showed how to reinstall the S bend was really helpful as well

[@Ilixdee]

I wish I had come across this informative video months ago! I routinely clean my vacuum but apparently missed one of the main hoses 🤦🏻‍♀️ It's silly looking back at it now especially since I had to buy a new one out of frustration. Now I was able to fix the problem and have two vacuums that I can properly maintenance for the best performance. Thank you for posting this video! 🙌🏼

[@kingsdaughterFATHERSPIRITSON]

Good thing you kept your shark and didn't toss it.

[@susanpreisler6036]

Thank you so much I was just about ready to throw out the vacuum but after following your directions I was able to locate the blockage. Thank you again!!!!!!

[@JayZeeBoo]

This video was super helpful! For the life of me I couldn't figure out where a clog in my vacuum was coming from. I didn't realize that the handle could be removed from the hose (which is where my problem was located) Thanks!

[@amycampagna3562]

Thank you!!! I couldn’t figure out why my vacuum seemed to be working but was making a weird noise and no dirt was appearing in the canister. It turns out I had a clog at the base of the hose. Thank you so much!

[@judiedafforn9413]

This was a marvelous video and was very helpful when I had a no-suction problem. My first thought was that we broke a belt and had to take it to a place that repairs vacuums. Then I found this and followed his directions step-by-step and discovered that my daughter had sucked up a shower cap! (It was clear in the handle!) Thank you so much for your instructions.

[@michelledafforn]

Sorry about the shower cap, Ma!!!

[@tphillyranch3154]

Hi- My Shark Rotator Lift-away is making a high pitched sound when turn on. . The brush works and there are no clogs. Do you think it is my motor?

[@trashytrevino]

This helped me a lot! Sucked up a plastic bag and couldn’t figure out where it went in the vacuum. Then started to have suction problems.Took the bottom apart, not there. I disconnected the hose from the handle and found it! 👍🏼

[@keinusulli4614]

This was so oooo helpful...I had to clean a vacuum like this but the filters were BEIGE AND GRAY LAYERED IN DUST AND DIRT. YUCK!! I WAS TOLD TO WASH ALL OF THE FILTERS AND LET THEM AIR DRY.....? Well I hand washed them and now the suction is very weak. This video helped me explain to the elderly owners about their great vacuum...The VISUAL OF SEEING THE CLEANER FILTERS LOOK LIKE HELPED!! WHEW

[@realtorToddS]

I took it apart looking for the clog and couldnt find a clog. Then I watched you video and I learned all the parts that i could check and i found it. Thank you very much!!

[@toren1970]

The broomstick idea saved us. Thanks a million!

[@deedeespiros9446]

Excellent video. My rotator had a bad clog inside the white tubing. I could not get the clog out so I bought a 24 inch lighted mechanical pickup made by HUSKY with a claw at the end and got it out. Sold by Home Depot. Thought I would share this with you.

[@dougb7648]

little different shark model here but your video convinced me to shove a plastic tubing down the whole length of the flexible pipe and found a clog I was unaware of. thanks!

[@lpgirl]

Thank you for this video. On a snowy day when getting out is impossible, I found your troubleshooting video to be extremely helpful. My Shark vacuum is back up and running....without a trip to the fix it shop.

[@sarahlynch6364]

Thank you! I have been hassling with my vac for 3 days now. Your video helped me solve the problem.

[@kingsdaughterFATHERSPIRITSON]

You did a really thorough step by step walk through. Thanks.

[@trishtyrone2141]

Best troubleshooting video ANYWHERE! Thank you~~~~~

[@angelinhiseyes0655]

I was losing my mind trying to figure out why the brush wasn't working. Thank you so much!!!!

[@pixelcolejo]

Awesome and well put together video. I was able to figure out why I lost suction in the vacuum and it's back to running like clockwork. Thank you so much!

[@jc9622]

nice vid, im just in doubt, how can the hepa filter capture any big chunk if theres a cyclone witha screen blocking huge debris? Also theres a foam and felt filter that will block the dust. Theres also a cyclonic technology which means it will keep huge debris on the dust cup. The only possible way is dust and dirt building up on the hepa filter if not washed every 12 months.

[@jessicaleta7777]

Thank you so much for this video, mine was clogged at the bottom from the brush to the top, never knew how to fix until your video, I was just going to turn around and buy a new vacuum.

[@sandykiermas4463]

Thank you so much for this clip- I never knew about the handle coming off- and thats where the clog was- !!! You just saved me a trip to the vacuum repair store and a few bucks - thanks again!!!

[@tomwyant9297]

Thank you for this video!!!!! Our Shark Rotator lost suction and also would not run when sitting in the upright position. I walked step by step through your video with you and finally got it back to perfect working order once we cleaned the filters. I certainly appreciate your information. What would we do without KZbin?

[@beckii770]

I did all of this and did find an obstruction! My son lodge a circular LEGO (explains the whistle) but it still didn’t suck after afterward but the roller works...it overheated before I did all this. Am I too late or does it need to cool down?

[@nichellejones5229]

Great video, I was upset trying to figure out why my shark wasn't sucking,but after watching your video I found the clog up in the hose by the handle I was able to unclog it put it back together. now she running good as new......I am sooooooo happy ..........Thank you! Thank you ! Thank you!

[@bonita4372]

Thank you so much! I love this vacuum cleaner. You saved me money. A new vacuum would be about $200. I didn't know how to access some of parts. I found a clog in the base hose. I wasn't strong enough to open the latch. Luckily my son was able to open it. It was packed with debris. Works great!

[@erineastmead]

Thank you SO much for this clear video. We were about to spend a lot of money on a new vacuum for nothing!!

[@donc893]

This video is the go to manual for Sharks. Every time I get a clog, I go back to it. My wife insists we buy a ridiculously priced Dyson, but the shark works great when it is not clogged. Clogs are going to happen, just go back to this video and your problems will be solved.

[@danmorse2002]

Hilarious that he finished the video with one sock on lol. Good vid. Fixed my issue !!

[@Myajia03]

Thank you soo much !!! Finally figured out why the vacuum was not picking anything !!!

[@sonjastark4620]

THANK YOU!!!!! Just fixed my vacuum clearer thanks to this AWESOME video.

[@heliotropezzz333]

This is a great video, along with your maintenance video. Had a strange problem where the power cut out on the machine while I was using the wand but the machine lights were still on, both the power light and the search light. The power still worked the machine in the recline position but not in the upright position. (In the upright position there was no machine noise, only the lights worked). I'd cleaned all the parts I knew about and was at a loss to know why it still wasn't working. After watching your video I realised there was a front panel for a filter I'd not checked. We removed that and though we only saw a little dust, after a wipe of the filter and surrounding area followed by replacing the cap, the machine worked again in the upright position. What I relief. I'd just got to the part of your video where you stated "and if that doesn't work you'll need to contact Sharks".

[@alexmiller0427]

Thanks so much for posting this video, it was very helpful. My wife was ready to buy a new vacuum, so this saved us a lot of money!

[@ritat1]

Excellent video!! Found cedar ball in S Bend! No other clogs, but I still get a high-pitched whining sound when I push down the brush roll button. Green light goes on, but roller doesn't move; yet roller works when the button is off (roller always turns)! That's how I've been using it. Strange!

[@brittanytigano6880]

My brushroll won’t turn on when pushing the button, everything has been cleaned and checked and the indicator light won’t come on.. thoughts??

[@TheThomasMom]

This helped me, thank you so much! I thought my vacuum was dead, a stuck sock was the culprit!

[@rebeccaparisi3031]

Thank you so much! i thought i knew my vacuum inside and out and couldn't figure out what was wrong. Thanks to you i found the clog in the head. And now its working again!! thanks again!!

[@gostillerz]

Thanks for the video man, you helped me fix this damn thing that we were messing with for 2 weeks. My clog was in the top of the hose by the handle. Didn't even know you could take it apart lol. Thanks again!

[@carlsloss6182]

Worked more than a charm. my vacuum work just as if it was new again. Cleaning is everything.

[@miltonbouxin3343]

Thanks for the video. It was helpful but I still have a issue removing the wand aluminum tube from the base. Any tips? I do push the bottoms and pull the tube but nothing. Any tips?

[@laurenbrown4304]

Thank you! I was ready to give up and you saved my vacuum!!!!

[@JKing60540]

It was worth my time to watch the video, I thought I had a rock in the vacuum rotor only to have a clog in the hose right before the S bend. When he said 90% of the clogs were in the wand and hose, he was right.

[@jessicasakimae541]

OMG! 45 minutes later, cut out all the hair on roller, cleaned everything I can, after watching a video on how to clean the roller then STILL not being able to open the top I watch this video and 🤦🏼‍♀️ this was the problem. Thank you. This is the first time using my fiancé‘s vacuum and now I feel like the biggest idiot on earth 😁 thank you for helping dummies like me

[@jaket.9193]

*** If the headlights come on but the brush power button is on and your roller doesn't work but your roller LED is neither red or green you may have a bad microswitch in the rotator tilt mechanism that shuts off the brush when the vacuum is on and upright. this was the problem with mine. I simply connected the 2 microswitch wires to each other and fixed the problem. this microswitch can be replaced though.

[@maryridgway4284]

Absolutely the best video, cleared my Shark!!!!!!!

[@caprisun2k1]

I need a replacement part...The small button at 6:15 that holds the "s-bend/hose elbow" came off and has gone missing. Now the elbow just falls out. Do you know where I can get a replacement?

[@Snowbunny1002]

Hello! My Shark Rotator Pro's wand is stuck in the groove of the main vaccuum unit. I used your approach of placing it on the caddy and pushing the Lift Away button to release it while pulling the entire unit in the air to get a little help from gravity, but no go. The wand length is stuck right in the groove fairly tight. Any ideas on how I can either nudge or loosen this out before I just take this to a repair shop? Great maintenance video, BTW, was able to really clean my vac out good with your tips. :)

[@SuperAprilable]

Thank you soooo much for making this video! I went through all your steps and finally the brush roll started working! I look forward to the maintenance video. I love this vacuum and use it every day (I have a dog) ....thanks!

[@barryd.9426]

Wow bro. You just made me feel stupid and happy at the same time. I'm an above average DIY guy. Switch you say? Problem solved. Now I have to put it back together. Can't believe I was that stupid. Much appreciate you mentioning the simple things.

[@cgarvin4637]

what to do if the brush isn't turning? We cannot figure out why it won't turn? We have checked for a clog and there isn't any.

[@hogggit]

+C Garvin I have the same problem, first with my navigator now with my pro complete.... Frustrating so really love this vacuum.

[@mindybirdwell821]

Hi there. My headlight turns on, however the brushroll indicator light does not neither does the brushroll light up top by the power button. Any ideas? I found no clogs anywhere.

[@karlablades3086]

mindy birdwell this is egsacly my problem have you figured it out?

[@alfalfasgirl3562]

i have the Shark Professional. It does not have the base. My clog is up in the handle. I can not get it out. I did get alot out in the clean out , under the brush head. But it is clogged up higher and i have no idea how to get it out. Will a coat hanger wire work to grab the clog? It is new carpet fuzz that is packed in there.

[@thealexkates]

Very helpful. My issue was dirt was caked all around the cone. Thanks again!

[@goldenhand824]

Thanks a lot for sharing this video. I noticed I had lost some suction on my shark and could not figure it out until I watched the video. 5 STAR.

[@JPsWoWaccount]

Thanks for the video, helped me find where someone had vacuumed up the lid to a 2 liter soda bottle and got it wedged in the handle.

[@heliotropezzz333]

I did all of these things to my shark model, even replacing the spongy filter and the one underneath and it still wouldn't work but after I left it a while it would work. That's happened once before. When problems or blockages caused it to overheat. It seems, after removing any blockages or inserting new filters, you need to leave it to cool right down again before restarting. It must be a self protective mechanism.

[@bettyjensen4889]

There is also another filter under the round filter. Can that one be washed too?

[@heartlandgardenspondsupply917]

I have the shark professional rotator and when turning on the brushes both green lights light up and brushes are rolling buy when you go to vacuum it won't propel forward. Any suggestions. worked fine 4 days ago when we last used it. Thanks for any help

[@Rm4lazee]

Hello, I was curious if you get this annoying whining/squeaky noise? I get that noise even when the vacuum is not turned on when I am wheeling it around... I thought it was coming from the vacuum wheels but its coming from the brush roll is this normal??

[@isaiahmahood885]

Can u do a video about replacing the hose for the floor attachment?

[@nld-bl5ct]

I have the rotator professional NV500 and with mine, the heavy dust parts that are bundled together gets stuck in the upper parts of the canister and wedges into that filter cone. What causes that?

[@heavinhensley7972]

Hey I have the same vacuum and I noticed it wasn’t getting much suction and my brush roller wasn’t spinning and the green light wasn’t on. I took it all apart and cleaned everything and put it back together. Now the brush roller won’t spin and the light won’t come on still. I’m confused I’ve cleaned it all and there should be no reason for it to not come on. Before I noticed the lack of suction and roller not working I vacuumed so kinda wondering if I broke it. I turned it off because I smelt it getting hot and that’s when I noticed the issues.

[@FallenRaynn]

I never knew about the part under the brush where all the dirt sucked up! My vacuum would turn on, the brush would turn on, but there would be no suction. Cleaned it out and it works like a charm! Thanks so much for your videos! :D

[@jacobshellhorn5805]

So like you were saying about the brush part so mine just stop moving and I cleaned the whole thing and I have no clogs at all. So should I just call shark?

[@deanjulius9366]

I have the model NV400 . The hose in the head is cracked and split in 2 areas. Can I replace it or do I need the whole new motorized floor nozzle?

[@janetscott1294]

Quick Question. Just used this vacuum for the first time. Can't get the premium power brush off the wand. Any suggestions?

[@ERSSSTRICKLAND1]

continued from the previous comment. I didn't intend to send/complete my comment. My question is why can't I get the large back red wheels to stay on, It comes off several times each time I use it. Any suggestions? Please be specific. I have the undamaged wheels and chrome pins. What do I do? Thanks for your GREAT VIDEO!!

[@BossOfAllBossez]

Great video. Helped me get my machine back in working order. Thank you!

[@josephcataline8782]

Excellent trouble shooting video. Got my wife's shark up and running again. Thanks.

[@debbybrooks7617]

Is there a way to adjust the Shark lift-away for different carpet levels?

[@vacman11]

+Debby Brooks if you have some of the new thick or soft carpeting no way, not dyson either, in our specialty vac shops there are only 1 or 2 that work on that stuff, if its straining then turn off brush or you will melt it down, then trash as parts not available

[@foodstick]

I want to add one of those cheap little sink snakes they sell at menards,Home depot works good cleaning the machine. It is a flexible strip of plastic about 20 inches long with teeth along the edges..Like a saw blade. Also sometimes the machine will overheat if it clogs.. You might have to wait awhile after clearing the tubing areas for it to power up the vacuum ..

[@BYDonBermudaGrassCentral]

Dude I love ❤️ you, best trouble shooting video on KZbin, I’m subscribing right NOW‼️

[@shirleybedford1427]

I just found that my belt is broke. Wand works perfect still...but won't pick up during regular vacuuming. I have the same vacuum as yours in the video. is there a certain belt that I need?? thanks!!!

[@meganconlon8324]

Hi thanks for making this video! I use this vacuum at my job! I have been so hesitant to take it apart to clean it but now I know what to do! so thank you I really appreciate it! I have a question.. Do you know any tips on how to get the hair/string off of the rollers? It seems every time I try it never rolls/works the same!

[@jgmess9897]

Watched this video after NEVER having being able to use the vacuum as it didn't suck anything up. I only used the hose and found it too heavy and awkward so seldom used that either. I was expecting a caseworker for a in home visit and needed to vacuum. My daughters wasn't working either so, I keep trying and trying to vacuum with my Shark and it kept dumping dirt out when I paused or turned it off. I got serious about what was going on with my Shark and found this video. THANK YOU After checking all your suggestions, I discovered that the tube in the brush head was not punched out when it was made. It had a 3/4 inch crack on one side but was blocking the whole tube. I took photos. I punched it out but the motor started making a loud irritating sound. It hardly picks up. I have looked for hours for my paperwork or receipt for it and can't find it. I paid for nothing. Anything I can do?

[@Mmwindc]

The video is helpful. My teenagers vacuumed up food and liquid :( I discovered the vacuum smelly, full of debris and mold. I believe there is mold or dirt in the tube. I have rinsed it out but not sure how I can clean, scrub deep inside the tube. Any ideas?

[@suekaminski6341]

My vacuum works in the beginning then there's a noise behind canister area, the roller will stop but the lights all stay on. Filters are clean and there are no clogs. Any help you can give would be great.

[@beandipshell]

Mine is overheating and turning off. I just watched your video and I found the clog in the hose. Thank you so much.

[@ilovecatslol5293]

Our Shark Navigator NV351 is having an issue with suction. We disconnected the hoses and there were no clogs in them. There is a hole on the side that seems to lead to the heap filter. When we cover it with a finger it creates suction and sounds fine. When it's uncovered it does have suction but is very loud. Do you have any ideas as to why it's not working correctly?

[@brandybarnhart475]

I have the shark rotator nv400. Was the best vacuum yet. Now I am having trouble with what I believe to be the hepa exhaust filter. It will turn on and vacuum, but only with the hose. Once I turn on the brush roll and try to vacuum it makes a terrible loud airy suction type of noise. Seems to be no suction. Near the hepa filter door seems to be where the noise is coming from along with pushing hot air. Please any suggestions or help....( All filters, hoses, and what not have been cleaned, and all is dust free) Thank you!!

[@U2BER2012]

+Brandy Barnhart I have the same vacuum, same problem. Only thing was: there was no suction at the hose when the old hepa filter was in place.Shark sent me a new hepa filter. Now the hose suction works but the floor vacuum part still has no suction. Whenever I turn it on there's a certain sound that immediately changes: like a valve of some kind closing within the motor or filter area. Whatever is happening, it is choking the suction power .I've ran it without the filter in place and there is plenty of suction power.

[@brandybarnhart475]

Just a few days ago my other half took my vacuum apart (I am aware of the voiding of my warrenty and what not) he opened up down towards the bottom by the brush and it ended up being a major clog in there. It just wasn't cleanable as explained in the videos and such. He really had to get as much of the vacuum apart as possible. I sure hope you can vacuum care free.

[@U2BER2012]

Thanks for the info.Since my warranty has expired, I'm thinking of opening the machine up myself and taking a peek inside; maybe I can find the problem. I have to say up until this problem arose, that, this has been probably the best vacuum we have ever owned. Before this we owned kenmores,eurekas, and they don't even come close, performance-wise.

[@U2BER2012]

+Brandy Barnhart Monty At the advice of the people at shark, I took the hose off and tried to drop a quarter through it. Lo and behold the quarter wouldn't come out the other end which indicated that there was a clog in the hose. I took a broom handle as mentioned in this video and voila! Out came a bunch of lint mixed with Christmas tree needles. The vacuum works like new again.

[@Hockeydoc2112]

So I didn't know about the wand disconnect - sure enough - there was my clog. THANK YOU for this video!

[@christopherbaker7209]

Thank you thank you thank you! My daughter had vacuumed up a container of lip balm and didn't tell anyone. It was hiding in the S-bend along with some candy wrappers. No wonder it wasn't working well. Cheers!