The Shark Ultracyclone vacuum is equipped with a feature that blinks or flashes to indicate that an issue needs to be resolved. If you come across this flashing signal, it implies that your attention is required to identify and troubleshoot the problem. The blinking light serves as an indicator to let you know when certain issues arise that require maintenance or troubleshooting. Don’t worry – with some basic checks, you can usually resolve why is my Shark ultracyclone blinking.
Understanding the Blinking Light on a Shark Ultracyclone
The Shark Ultracyclone vacuum features a multi-colored LED light near the power button on the canister. This light illuminates in different colors and blinking patterns to signify specific issues:
- Solid green – The vacuum is powered on and operating normally.
- Blinking green – The brushes are jammed and need to be cleared.
- Solid red – There is a clog in the vacuum line that needs to be removed.
- Blinking red – The filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.
- Alternating red and green – The dust cup is full and needs to be emptied.
If you happen to observe the middle light on your shark wandvac middle light blinking instead of remaining solid, it’s a clear indicator that your Ultracyclone requires some attention before you can proceed with your cleaning tasks. The blinking light serves as a cue, signaling that there might be an issue or a necessary maintenance step that needs to be addressed. Before continuing with your cleaning routine, it’s advisable to check the specific guidelines provided by Shark to troubleshoot and resolve any potential issues associated with the blinking middle light on your WandVac.
Why is My Shark Blinking Green? Brush Roll Jam
If the light on your Shark is blinking green, it means the brush roll has become jammed by debris. This is a common issue that can happen if strings, hair, or other materials get wrapped around the brush roll while vacuuming.
The brushes are designed to alert you when a jam occurs to prevent damage to the vacuum. A jammed brush roll can burn out the motor if it’s not addressed quickly.
Here’s how to fix a brush roll jam:
- Turn the vacuum off and unplug it.
- Lay the vacuum flat to access the bottom.
- Check for obstructions wrapped around the brush roll. Use scissors to carefully cut away any debris like strings or hair.
- Clear any debris or blockages from the brush roll and the opening around it.
- Make sure the brush roll spins freely after clearing the jam.
- Plug the vacuum back in and turn it on to check that the light is now solid green indicating normal operation.
Regularly cleaning hair and debris from your brush roll can help prevent jams and keep it working smoothly. If the light continues blinking green after you’ve removed blockages, the brush roll may need servicing.
Why is My Shark Blinking Red? Filter or Clog Issues
A blinking red light on your Shark points to one of two common problems – a clogged vacuum or dirty filter.
Here’s how to address a clog:
- Turn off and unplug the vacuum.
- Empty the dust cup and rinse the filters.
- Check all the lines and remove any blockages you find. Common clog spots:
- Where the hose connects to the back of the canister
- In the swivel where the body rotates
- Where the hose interfaces with vacuum head
- Clear any debris restricting the suction path. Insert a broom handle or similar object into the hoses to push through obstructions.
- Put everything back together, plug in the vacuum and turn it on. The light should return to solid green if the clog was cleared successfully.
To fix a dirty filter:
- Remove and inspect the filters – pre-motor foam and felt, post-motor felt.
- Rinse any dirty filters under warm running water until debris is cleared.
- Let filters air dry completely before reinserting them.
- Replace any damaged or extremely dirty filters.
Changing your filters regularly helps maintain strong suction power and prevents issues like blinking red lights.
Why Does My Shark Alternate Red and Green?
When your Shark Ultracyclone blinks between red and green, this indicates a full dust cup that needs to be emptied.
The alternating colors are a reminder to regularly maintain your Shark by dumping out the collected debris after use. When the dust cup becomes too full, suction power decreases significantly.
Follow these simple steps to empty it:
- Remove the dust cup from the vacuum body by pressing the release button.
- Hold the cup over a trash bin and press the bottom empty release button.
- The dust cup lid will open, allowing all debris to fall out.
- Close the lid and reattach the cup to the vacuum.
- Turn on the vacuum and check for a solid green ready light.
For optimal performance, empty the dust cup after each use so debris doesn’t accumulate. This also helps prevent clogs, keep filters clean, and maintain suction power.
Troubleshooting When Shark Light Still Blinks After Maintenance
If your Shark Ultracyclone light continues blinking even after you’ve cleared jams, eliminated clogs, emptied the dust cup, or cleaned the filters, a few more checks may help resolve the issue:
- Inspect the entire vacuum head, hose, accessories, and canister for any debris you may have missed.
- Remove brush roll and check for obstructions and tangles around the bearings under the brushes.
- Check the seal around the dust cup for damage. Replace if needed.
- Confirm that filters are fully seated in place after rinsing and drying.
- Check hose connections to ensure they are securely attached at both ends.
- Try a different electrical outlet in case power supply is an issue.
- Test with a different vacuum head/accessory if blinking persists. Narrow down the problematic part.
- Consider replacing the brush roll if jamming repeatedly or not spinning smoothly.
If the light continues blinking after exhaustive troubleshooting, a malfunction may require vacuum repair. Contact Shark customer support online or by phone for assistance from experts. Make sure to have your model number handy.
Preventing Future Problems
With regular maintenance and care, you can minimize issues like blinking lights and keep your Shark Ultracyclone running optimally:
- Empty dust cup after each use so it doesn’t overfill
- Wash filters monthly or as needed if vacuuming lots of debris
- Clean brush rolls frequently to avoid tangles and jams
- Check hose and accessories for blockages
- Use proper voltage outlet to prevent electrical issues
- Replace worn parts like filters, brush rolls, and seals when needed
- Keep bristles away from curtains, fringes and other tangle-prone spots
- Detach wand to clean stairs and upholstery instead of using the full vacuum head
By staying on top of simple maintenance steps, you can avoid many of the common problems that cause blinking lights and error signals. Following manufacturer recommendations will help maximize your Shark’s cleaning performance and lifespan.
FAQs
Q: Why does my Shark vacuum have a blinking light when I turn it on?
A: A blinking light on your Shark signals that the vacuum needs attention before use. The color and pattern of the blinking indicates specific issues like a jam, clog, full dust cup, or dirty filter. Checking the corresponding maintenance areas will help resolve the problem.
Q: My green Shark light is blinking – what should I check?
A: A blinking green light typically means there is debris wrapped around the brush roll. Unplug the vacuum and remove any hair, strings, or debris that is jamming the brushes. Make sure the roll spins freely before using again.
Q: The light on my Shark vacuum is blinking red. What does this mean?
A: When the light blinks red, this signals either a clog in the vacuum or a dirty filter that needs cleaning. Check all hoses and openings for obstructions, and rinse filters until debris-free. This should solve a blinking red light.
Q: Why does my Shark alternate blinking red and green lights?
A: Alternating red and green blinking means the dust cup is full and needs to be emptied. Remove the cup, open the bottom lid over a trash can, then reattach. The light should revert to solid green when the full dust cup is addressed.
Q: I fixed my clog/filter and now the Shark light is solid green but it still won’t pick up well – what should I do?
A: If your Shark has weak suction after fixing a blinking light issue, there may be additional blockages or problems. Check the hose, accessories, filters, brush roll, connections and try a different electrical outlet. Persistent issues may require professional repair.
In Summary
Blinking lights on your Shark Ultracyclone vacuum serve an important diagnostic function. Paying attention to the light color and pattern makes it easy to pinpoint typical issues that need maintenance. With basic troubleshooting, you can usually resolve problems like jams, clogs, full dust bins, and dirty filters quickly. Regular upkeep also helps minimize annoying blinking vacuum lights. Discover professional cleaning tips that will make your house always impeccable, ensuring a pristine environment; however, if problems persist after cleaning and the light on your Shark Ultracyclone continues blinking, be sure to contact Shark support for assistance with repair options. With the right care, your Shark Ultracyclone can provide many years of powerful and convenient cleaning.