OK- After reading every ones suggestions on how to fix that loud sucking noise that air is coming out of on the vent/relief valve and trying everything from cleaning the filters, washing/dusting off the cone cylinder, making sure all the hoses were clear of debris and STILL NOTHING WORKING, I called Shark and here is what they told me. A LOT of the clogs happen IN THE HANDLE!!! How is it no one had mentioned this in any comments before? So the first thing you want to do is un-clip the hose that is connects the handle to the vacuum and of course release the handle from the vacuum so now you are just holding the hose/handle. Grab a penny and drop it down the hose to see if it comes out the other side, BIG SURPRISE, mine didn't! It took me an hour and half using a broom handle and a wire coat hanger to get about half a shoe box worth of crap out of the hose and handle. UNBELIEVABLE! And be prepared for a smell! Throughout the cleaning process I continued to drop the penny down and knew every time it didn't come out, the unclogging hadn't been completed yet. I hope this helps all of you who have tried everything else!
+Stephanie Steele This comment was a life saver! I spent an hour disassembling my vacuum trying to find out whatever could be wrong and when I couldn't I turned to the internet. It ended up being just what you said. Nothing was getting through the handle so it had no suction. Thanks for sharing!
The brush stopped turning in my Shark Navigator Lift Away and my husband took the bottom off of it and there is a switch/ reset there that trips when it gets to hot. He flipped the switch and it works again just as good as it did to start with.
Thank you! Was about to give up on my year old Shark that I love. No suction and loud noise. Never thought to check ALL these places. Yay, it's working again
DO NOT TAPE OVER THE HOLE! It is there to allow air flow into the vacuum when there is a restriction within the vacuum, this will keep the motor from over heating. If you notice that "popping" sound along with the whistling of air, you most definitely have a clog or extremely dirty filters. My problem was in the 180° bend in the handle. Once filters are removed and cleaned, checked your hose for clogs. Once fixed, she'll purr like new. Watch your pant legs, this vacuum is great.
I had basically taken the vacuum apart, checked every hose and filter, and it was not until I saw this that the problem was found: "Try unhinging the top part of the dust bin (opposite the button used to release dirt from the bottom) and clearing out any blockage on the cylindrical filter in the upper section. Mine started working great right away. "
Thanks. I fixed by vaccum with your help. Clogged. Called the company and was told to buy a new one. Glad I did not have the money, too replace it at this time. THANKS.
Yay, thank you! My Shark was making a loud hissing sound and air was coming from this square hole on the side. I removed that bottom hose and it was clogged big time! I removed the clog, cleaned the filter, and removed hair that was around the brush and it works as good a new :D
+Jessica Gutierrez read all the comments in this forum. Some people have had suction back to normal after cleaning off that metal mesh cone thing inside the collection bin but I found my problem was A TON of stuff stuck inside the handle of the vacuum! Read my review to take the steps to help with this issue!
Thanks! This video was everything for me! I was really sad that my favorite vacuum was no longer suctioning, but I followed all of your directions from cleaning filters, cutting away wrapped items from the roll and finally finding the clog!!
FYI for anyone still not getting suction. There is a mesh screen inside the collector that will clog and the side vent/relief valve will start lifting. Sometimes it stays open other times it lifts and seats over and over. You cannot remove this mesh screen and you need to remove the collector and rinse it off. You can try using a brush or your hands to clear the screen but washing worked best for me. I suggest letting the unit dry for an hour or so before using again. Might be a good final step before you put the vacuum away.
+guuuuglestinks Thanks for the tip, I think this will do the trick. I was having air blast loudly out of this side vent and couldn't figure for the life of me what the issue was. I checked all the hoses (actually, completely disassembled the unit), but nothing helped. However, I checked this filter after reading your comment, and it was covered with very fine dust. Thanks again!
i had this issue, and had to return the vacuum. Shark replaced it within a few weeks. I only had to pay shipping. It would be worth the trouble getting in touch with them through their website to see if you have a warranty or anything.
Nice info. Any idea how to get the mesh screen cone filter out of the inside of the collection canister? Mines filthy. I used my air compressor to blow it out, but its not possible with my air nozzle to blow out this filter. Ive tried to unscrew it, but don't wanna break it. Does it come off? Thanks
Watched a video on how to clean the filter but still didn`t pull - watched this video for clogs and found a tiny, loose build up in the hose that caused the clog. Once removed with a straw it was running perfect. Thanks!
I love my Shark Lift-Away and have had it for about 3 years. However, yesterday, I noticed that it will not turn on fully (with sound and suction in the upright position and when I press my foot to put it in the vacuum mode, it is not picking up and the suction sound is weak. Help.
If the filter door keeps popping open, it may mean it's time to replace it. I'm wondering, will a new hepa filter help with suction? Mine has been gradually losing suction so I dont think there are any obstructions.
Since I bought my vacuum, it has emitted a smell. Not a burning smell, but kind of a dust smell, even though I have emptied the cup a few times and have used the vac about 20 times now. Filters are clean. My older bigger vacuum does not do this. The Navigator has plenty of suction, but the problem seems to be dust release during use. What might be the problem? Very frustrating and unpleasant.
The "bare floor" suction is not sucking on my 8-month old Navigator Professional. The hand tool is fine. The brush roller rotates for carpet cleaning. I've taken this thing apart to check for blockages, cleaned the 2 filter things, and checked the HEPA filter too. The motor is running but no suction from "bare floor" setting. Any suggestions please?
You are the best. I have tried everything in all your videos, but I can't get my brush roll indicator to turn off. But after getting rid of the clogs as you described, it does seem to be working. Is it?
Hi, my shark is around 3 weeks old and I love it, usually when I use it, you can see on my carpet where the brush has rolled over. but tonight when I used it, it seemed off? It was still sucking and picking everything up and the brusher was still rotating but where I can usually see where ive vacuumed for some reason I couldn't? It's like the brush wasn't rotating quick enough to make a mark on the carpet? I've cleaned out everything to make sure there was no blockages and there wasn't and I cleaned the filter but it still isn't working like it did yesterday? what do you think could be wrong?
I found the NO suction problem on my shark: (customer service was NOT helpful) Take the ENTIRE Filter unit apart...mine was 200% obstructed...I rinsed the foam that surrounded the filthy filter and OMG - scarey good suction restored !!!
+csk1 I've had my vacuum for roughly 2 years and it just started doing that! It's driving me crazy! The "On" setting is set to the first one, the one for hardwood floors. So you cleaned the big sponge filter and the noise stopped?
I hope that you have found the solution by now, but for anyone who has the same problem (as I just did) I figured out that this square on the side releases the built up air when it's not reaching the dust bin, due to a blockage. Try unhinging the top part of the dust bin (opposite the button used to release dirt from the bottom) and clearing out any blockage on the cylindrical filter in the upper section. Mine started working great right away.
MY lift away power brush roller stopped spinning, it is free of hair, etc. The plastic gear strip is not worn out, the large roller inside does not spin. Do you know why?
Our Shark has developed a rattle somewhere around the brush roller. I took the bottom part apart and looked around. Took out the roller and belt, cleaned it out, and put it all back together. I didn't see anything out of place and nothing was loose. Have you heard of this issue?
I purchased this Navigator Lift away 3 months ago - did not get a dusting brush and the crevice tool will not fit snugly on the onto the handle or the extended wand.
Thank you. This was great. I was getting all my suction pulling in through the little rectangular hole in the right side of the motor casing and couldn't figure out why. So...suction release valve. Okay then. Appreciate this very much.
Surprised how basic this was. Mine was not sucking anything from floor or handle. You need to add clean the screen inside the canister as that was my problem. Something wet/moist must have been sucked up and it clogged the metal screen inside the dump canister. Once that was scrubbed free with a toothbrush it worked like new.
Suction stops abt 3secs after turning the sweeper on. The prob sounds like it stems from the rectangular opening, that's on the right side, found just below the dirt chamber, and from the inside, under the filters. Whatever that opening is meant to function as, it's not working properly, almost like something in it flies open and sticks. If I put my finger over the opening, suction resumes...any suggestions??? Thanks, Melissa
Melissa Cain the square opening on the front houses the hepa filter. If your vacuum is really old, u can buy a new one on amazon, but I'm not sure how that affects your suction.
You have a clog that causes the relief valve to open. Remove the handle at the top and check down that vertical pipe. Mine had a massive hair ball. You can try to pull out with a hooked coat hanger. I pushed it down with a broom handle, turned it on and GULP, it came out into the canister.
I've checked all the hoses for clogs nothing there. There's a small hole on the side of the vacuum that is making alot of noise and its not sucking up anything. Thanks
Can the inner mesh debris filter be clean or replaced on the Shark Navigator Lift Away? There is debris stuck in-between the plastic and the mesh that I can't remove. Suggestions?
I have the Navigator Deluxe model and it's doing the same thing. Brushes spin only when it's tilted, otherwise no suction and no power when upright. I know these have a sensor if it overheats and you're supposed to just turn it off and leave it unplugged for 45min then it should work. I cleaned it and let it sit for a week and it's still doing the same thing.
I love mine, no problems until just now. I had a clog and took the hoses and cleared then manually. I have now noticed an inflow on the right side of the vac body right underneath the bin release. It seems to be emitting a high pitched squeal kinda. I never noticed it was there before... any feedback? Did I break my vac?
I have a different Shark Navigator. I'm unsure which kind but it started overheating and I've never done the proper maintenance on it because its never had a problem. Below the tank there's what looks like a vent and I thought it could be a 2nd air filter? The air filter under the tank is definitely gray so ill wash that.
I need to replace the whole cord on my vacuum cleaner.How do I get to the inside to do this, someone cut the cord off and I would like to repair it. Great vac.
You missed the area in the front under "Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology". Does anything need to be done regularly with that filter-looking part?
i have the same vac and it's making this hissing loud noise and is not sucking, i feel a lot of hot air coming form the side where the front hvac filter is, how do i troubleshoot this? it's only less than a year old
Do you know if you can get a extension hose for the NV360 deluxe shark for added length - not to replace the hose - but add onto it and make it longer - love your reviews
Complete loss of suction through the normal bottom part and the hoses. Makes a loud "air blowing" noise, and that is because there is some kind of rectangular hole on the side of the vacuum that is blowing air out of it. Someone told me it's a pressure relief valve/hole. Not sure why it's tripped, but I have to put tape over the hole to get SOME suction back but when I do that the vacuum overheats. Filter is new/clean, container is emptied, and I don't see any obstructions in the hose. Anyone know what the warranty is on these Sharks? Love their vacuums, but if their warranty is LONG (hopefully 3-5 years) and they actually take care of this, I will be spreading the word of Shark vacuums around to everyone I know for the rest of my life!
Kathy Forrest Hey, I actually ended up fixing the problem myself shortly after making that post! The problem is very simple but at the same time it's not very obvious at first. What fixed it for me was a good cleaning of the inside of the dust/dirt container. Normally you can empty it by releasing the bottom or top latch and dumping it into a garbage, but there is 1 thing inside the container that doesn't get cleaned when you do that. This is hard to describe so I'll link to a picture to help... i.imgur.com/af48qub.jpg (Note, even if you don't have the same exact model, they all have that same thing inside the container) If you look inside a Shark's dirt container from the top you'll see a cylinder sticking up in the center. It is made of a screen filter. It rarely, if ever, gets cleaned when you empty the dirt, and it never gets the same attention as the actual filters you replace UNDER the dirt container. All I did was wipe the screen filter with a cloth damp with warm, slightly soapy, water until it was clean. My Shark vacuum immediately came back to like, sucking harder than it has in years!.
I had the same problem, however the way you fix it is to clean the cone filter in the dust cup. It doesn't come off so just use your had and pull off the crap.
The Fish Expert Yep! Exactly what fixed it for me as well, thank you for calling it a "cone filter", I was struggling trying to figure out what to call it in my previous post, lol.
I got a shark navigator pro, had it 13 months, I think I just burned my motor up by not dumping out the dirt soon enough. It was full! Now it won't turn on at all. Is it junk? I'm so sad! I spent $160 on it.
My shark navigator is not putting debris in the dust cup. It’s all gathering on the filter. I have no idea where to start trouble shooting on why it’s doing that!
Shark Rotator NV500. the spot at the bottom where the hose connects into the machine has a little red tab with a spring inside. That broke off and now the hose will only stay connected if I keep it hooked into the back hook. Is there a place to order a new piece?
Mine has recently begun making a whistling roar that comes from that rectangular hole on the side (as seen at 2:35) that has also begun reducing suction. Any experience or knowledge of this happening? It's not old, I have only had it for about a month.
I have a shark navigator lift Away my motor part of over heating and I have a loud suction noise coming from the small hose by the bushes. I empited all hoses, cleaned vacumm and still makes suction noise. Also green light is on so brushes are working. What do I do??
I recieved my Shark Navigator NV586 from Target a few days ago and assembled it to find that it worked just fine on bare floors and a "Persian" type rug, but shut itself off on a low pile very dense carpet. The red light want on and the unit would not move. The brush roller had stopped spinning. Shutting it off fixed it for a few moments and the problem recurred. Luke, at the hotline for troubleshooting told me that there are certain carpets that are not compatible with this unit. His boss told me this was not a problem with the vacuum cleaner but with the carpet, and that I may have trouble returning the Navigator to Target as it was not defective! He refused to send me an acknowledgement that this was a known issue with this unit. Has anyone else had this problem with the NV 586?
My vacuum is making loud noises , and makes a burning smell. I checked all hoses and they are not clogged. Filter is also clean. Can you give any advice or should I just toss it in the trash.
My shark professional vacuum list away lock is not relocking/reattaching. Any ideas on how to fix this so that I hear that "click" knowing it attached back in?
Hi there! I love my lift around... I'm so upset and wondering if you have any suggestions... I am getting no power at all now! I check my cord and it's exterioer has a little crack the wires inside seem to be in tacked and I wrapped some electrical tape around the spot...still nothing. Ir's been off longer than the suggestes 45 mins... O see ao many positive comments below and am hoping perhaps you could help me as well... Thanks fpr your time! Debby
My vac is 2 years old max. I remember when I first got it the suction was great (almost hard to push!) but with a clean vac and clean filters and no clogs etc it still will not improve back to its new self. Still runs just fine. Not a motor issue but I'm disappointed it will not perform like new and its not that old.
Check the handle people. Mine was making a weird suction noise and the release valve was going crazy. I check the hose (for the first time since i bought it) and there was crap all stuck in there. Turns out i sucked in a receipt and the build up to the clog started from there. I removed tge clog and all was back to normal.
Can you please do a slow motion and explain how to pull side tabs,I sat there forever and cannot figure out how to open the side tabs to lift canister off.
The green light is not coming on for me with the first ON switch. The brushes aren't moving. I've done all the cleaning suggested. What else can I do? Thanks for any help.
the first on switch is for hardwood/tile floors. it is suction only-the brush underneath (beater bar) is not supposed to turn. and the green light is an indicator light for the beater bar. neither will work in the first on position, only the second
I'm having the same issue as Cecilia, the vacuum has no suction at all, as in no power, until I tilt the handle, when the brush does engage, but there is no suction, I watched several maintenance videos and did all the recommended cleaning, no obstructions....
Yes but my rotater is like wobbles back and forth like there is still something inside it caught somewhere I can't find the belt and I'm not sure about taking it all the way apart help me thanks lost in the dust
My shark navigator lift away isn't even a week old, I empty out the filter after each use and clean and wash it (because of animal hair) there are no clogs in the hoses and I've checked everything. But I'm getting a loss of suction and a strange funny noise. Any one have any ideas?
Hi, I have the same problem as another person from a year back. Their comment was: I have a problem with a loud noise coming out of the hole on the right side. That causes dirt to come out of the vacuum at the bottom. I took out the filters and found three screws that was holding down a piece of plastic and a big spring. There is a black plastic gasket of some type at the bottom but nothing else. I took it out, put it back together, still doesn't work. Can you please help?
Clean all of your filters, the hole in the side is a pressure release. Make sure to clean the cone filter in the dust cup (it is a screen) it doesn't come off so just pull off all the crap. Then wipe it off with a wet rag. Still doesn't work? Make sure none of your hoses or tubes are clogged.
I have this same problem., air coming out the side vent. I have cleaned all hises, and filters. it eotks, but still, it not suppose to me makein get his loud noise. ugh.
+918lh H read all the comments in this forum. Some people have had suction back to normal after cleaning off that metal mesh cone thing inside the collection bin but I found my problem was A TON of stuff stuck inside the handle of the vacuum! Read my review to take the steps to help with this issue!
I have a Shark Navigator Lift Away vacuum cleaner & I am having a problem with loud grinding sounds from the beaters. The suction is still good and the beaters and vacuum works but the noise sounds like something is caught in the beaters. I cleaned the beaters, removed hair etc. and made sure there are no blockages. Can anyone help figure out what is making the noise?
I have a Shark Navigator Lift Away vacuum cleaner & I am having a problem with the hepa filter & the door to the hepa filter popping off when I turn the vacuum on. They don't just pop off, they literally fly off. What could be the problem ??
MeSueToo I called customer service and they said I needed a new hepa filter and they would send me one in 3-5 days. They said this would take care of the problem ;-)
I have a problem with a loud noise coming out of the hole on the right side. That causes dirt to come out of the vacuum at the bottom. I took out the filters and found three screws that was holding down a piece of plastic and a big spring. There is a black plastic gasket of some type at the bottom but nothing else. I took it out, put it back together, still doesn't work. Any suggestions? Thanks.
This is definitely a problem with blockage. Make sure that the filters are clean.if you're still having the problem make sure you check all the hoses for blockage. Empty the removable canister and don'tforget to clean out around the centre cylinder and inside the hole on the side of the removable canister, This solved my problem with the low suction and the hissing sound.
Shark had hissing sound on right hand side. Checked and cleared all hoses and checked suction adjuster on top - still experiencing the hissing sound. Any other suggestions?
Paula and ***** I had this problem too. I checked all the hoses and everything was clear but that valve was still popping open. I opened the canister and noticed the screen on the innermost cylinder was clogged with all the carpet powder and hair so I cleaned it out first by blowing all loose dirt off with compressed air and then washing it out. I used an old toothbrush to clean off the dirt. I let it dry completely before putting it back in. Now the valve no longer pops open and the unit sounds the way it did when it was brand new. Hope this helps
***** haha yeah that'll do it. glad you found it. oh, btw, I think Shark should warn against using carpet powder. I used Glade Carpet powder and I think that was a bad idea.
Easy way to check the machine. Pull off the bin, if the hissing still continues there's a problem with the suction relif valve and the vacuum needs to be replaced. If not it could be the valve, or it could be a clog between the bin and the hose.
Hi all that loud sucking sound I've just found that near the realease button for the hadle up the top has a turn for suction realease turn it to close and no more sounds and everything works
My vacuum tries to suck from bottom, beater bar does turn, but when you turn it off the trash comes back out. You can hear the suction, but when houses are detached-you can feel no suction. I have checked all hoses and there is no obstruction. It also does not work in bare floor mode....please help! Thank you!
HELP! My vacuum just stopped working today! The power will only work if the brush roller button is engaged, but there is no suction. The roller is spinning, but not picking anything up. I checked for clogs and none were found. Any suggestions??!!
FOR FIRST SIGN OF POWER LOSS OR LOUD MOTOR NOISE: Remove & empty tank, remove all hoses Possible, pipes , handle, and white filter under tank. use : outside water hose, deep sink, tub , adjustable shower head. sprayer hose or adjustable extension faucet head in kitchen with bucket if need be... either spray all purpose cleaner in both ends of every disassembled piece first, or just rinse out each piece through EACH END OF EACH PIECE & filter. You will also rinse out any clogs in parts, without having to HUNT. Vacuums also accumulate skin & hair oils on sides of all parts & filters, washing them out eliminates this build-up, helps stop many clogs, thus less chance of burning up motor. ....motors burn up also from things like: jammed broken belts, something jamming rotating brush when button switched from floor to carpet setting. clogged pipes, handle entrance hole to tank area. or dirty filter..... a dryer brush works quite well for scrubbing parts, if available (long thin black brush found in most hardware , discount, or grocery stores. but not necessary for most clogs , water usually works, if stubborn, use broom handle or wire coat hanger. ABSOLUTELY MAKE SURE ALL PARTS ARE COMPLETELY DRY or you WILL KILL YOUR VACUUM. JUST SHAKE WELL & HANG UPSIDE DOWN TO DRY. SHAKE EACH PIECE BEFORE REASSEMBLING TO CHECK FOR ANY WATER ... DRY COMPLETELY TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO MOTOR. My vacuumed continues to run & run, I save time, money, stress and landfill pollution. Plus EVERYTHING IS CLEANER. I hope this helps.
My Shark vacuum is less than a month old. It has been used exactly 3 times by the people who help me as I am disabled. The clip that holds the hepa filter has broken off. My friend wants to return it but I need a vacuum cleaner. Has anyone else had this problem? I realize it's plastic but ...
+charity hernandez read all the comments in this forum. Some people have had suction back to normal after cleaning off that metal mesh cone thing inside the collection bin but I found my problem was A TON of stuff stuck inside the handle of the vacuum! Read my review to take the steps to help with this issue!
hello, do you know where to get reliable replacement parts? My floor brush motor went out. SN : ZYT-2834-A. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!!! Shane
