Why Are My Shark Lights Flashing

Shark makes some of the best vacuums on the market that are durable, versatile, and efficient. They’re designed to clean not only floors but also small spaces because of the various attachments some models come equipped with. Although shark vacuums are very reliable, they can still have issues, such as a low battery or a stuck brush roll. Luckily, they have diagnostic lights built in that will tell you what’s wrong with the vacuum. By understanding why the 2 lights on your Shark vacuum are flashing, you’ll know what’s wrong with the unit. This makes troubleshooting and fixing the problem much easier.

Your Shark vacuum has 2 lights that blink to indicate its status. Flashing lights signal potential issues that need attention.

Flashing Light: Vacuum not running properly. Something is obstructing its operation.
Red Light: Indicates possible brush roll jam or vacuum overheating.
Flashing Headlights: Vacuum might not be in Carpet Mode.
Green Light On: The vacuum is working fine; everything is normal.
Red Light On: Points to errors like overheating or a jam.
2 Blinking or Flashing Lights: Indicates battery status (low or charging) or an error.
Lights Off: Vacuum not receiving power or not in the correct mode.

If your Shark Vacuum lights start flashing in strange ways, it’s trying to tell you what’s wrong with it. Usually, you’ll notice blinking lights along with some issues with the unit’s operation. Understanding what the 2 blinking lights mean makes isolating the problem and fixing it much easier. In my experience, most problems are easy to fix, such as something stuck in the brush roll, overheating, or a clogged vacuum tube.

Shark Vacuum Lights

Every Shark vacuum (upright or cordless) has an LED indicator light located somewhere on the main vacuum head. The light is designed to tell you what the current state of the vacuum is. If there’s an issue with the vacuum’s operation, the 2 lights will start to flash in different ways and in different colors.

Light Behavior	Meaning
Green Light on	The vacuum is functioning normally.
Red Light	Indicates an issue with the vacuum’s main brush roll
Flashing Red Light	The unit is overheating
Flashing Headlights	Clogged brush roll.

Based on how the lights are flashing and what color, you can easily diagnose the problem with your vacuum and fix it. If you’ve noticed your Shark vac isn’t functioning properly, then the LED lights should be lit or flashing a certain color to indicate what’s wrong.

As soon as you fix the problem with your vac, the lights should turn off and stop flashing.

Solid Red Light

A solid red light means there’s an issue with your vacuum’s main brush roll, and it isn’t spinning correctly. In many cases, the brush roll could be clogged up and spinning slowly or stuck and not spinning at all. The problem could be caused by hair, loose string or fabric, carpeting, a plastic bag, or some other type of material that can wrap itself around the roll and bind it.

To fix the problem do the following:

Unplug your Shark vac.
Flip it over to expose the bottom of the vacuum head.
Spin the head and remove what’s clogged in the brush roll. You may need a knife or scissors to cut away bits you can’t pull out by hand. But be careful not to cut parts of the brush roll when removing unwanted items.

Once you’ve removed the clog, flip the vac back over, reconnect it to power, and start it up. If you’ve removed the entire clog, your brush roll should be spinning normally, and the red light should turn off.

Flashing Red Light

A flashing red light on a Shark Vacuum means that the unit is overheating. The issue is usually caused by a clogged brush roll or some other kind of blockage inside the vacuum. Shark Vacuums have a temperature sensor built in that automatically shuts off power to the vac if the operating temperature gets too hot. This is a safety feature to prevent the motor from burning out. So don’t be surprised if your vac shuts itself off after the red lights starts flashing.

Overheating can cause the vacuum motor to burnout, so you should resolve the issue before running the vac again.
An overheating vacuum will usually make a higher pitched sound as the motor strains to spin properly.

If you see flashing red lights or hear the motor strain, your Shark Vacuum is overheating, here’s how to fix it:

Shut the vac down and unplug it, then wait about 30 minutes to an hour to let the motor cool down.
Flip over the vacuum over and check the brush roll for clogs, such as hair, string, fabric, carpeting, etc.
Remove the clog by hand or cut it away if necessary.

If there are no clogs in the brush roll, look for them in the vacuum tube.

Disconnect all your hoses and attachments to check for clogs.
Clean your tubes and attachments thoroughly, empty the dust tank, and check your vacuum’s filters.
Reattach all the peripherals.

Reconnect your Shark Vac to power once the clog is removed. Start it up and try vacuuming an area of the house. If a clog was the issue, the red light should stop flashing, and the motor should sound normal again.

Flashing Headlights

Some Shark Vacuum models have LED headlights located on the front of the vacuum head. The headlights make it easier to see in low light and under sofas and large furniture. However, they also function as a second health indicator that will tell you what’s going on with the vac.

If your Shark’s LED headlights are flashing, it means your brush roll is clogged up.

To fix the problem, do the following:

Unplug your Shark vac.
Flip it over to expose the bottom of the vacuum head.
Spin the head and remove what’s clogged in the brush roll. You may need a knife or scissors to cut away bits you can’t pull out by hand. But be careful not to cut parts of the brush roll when removing unwanted items.

On some models, you may have to do the following:

Press the Access Brush Roll buttons to open the door above the brush roll.
Take off the door and then firmly push it back into place until you hear a click. 3. Ensure both sides of the door are securely in place.
Check that the floor setting is on Carpet Mode.
Tilt the vacuum and turn it on to see if the brush roll now spins.

Solid Green Light

If your Shark’s LED indicator light is lit up solid green, it means the brush roll, motor, and other vacuum components are operating correctly, and there are currently no issues with the vacuum.

Flashing Shark Vacuum Brush Roll Light

When using your Shark vacuum, you’ll notice a light on the vacuum head. This light serves as an indicator of two important things:

Brush Roll Jam: The light will flash if the brush roll gets jammed, indicating that there’s an obstruction preventing it from spinning properly.
Malfunctioning Brush Roll: If the brush roll isn’t functioning correctly, the light will also start flashing.

Note: Some models may have multiple headlights, but they serve the same purpose as the single light indicator.

If you have been vacuuming for a while or there’s a clog, the flashing light most likely means that the vacuum is overheating. Turn the vacuum off immediately and check the brush roll, tubs, and attachments for clogs. If you find any, remove them immediately. Then turn on the vacuum and test it out. If clogs were the issue, the flashing brush roll light should turn off.

If you just started vacuuming, there isn’t a clog, or the vacuum isn’t spinning, then there’s an issue with the brush roll. Turn the vac off immediately and inspect the brush roll. It could be clogged, stuck with something, or misaligned, which is preventing it from spinning. Remove the clog or get the roll aligned properly, then start the vac and test it out.

Once the issue is resolved, the brush roll light should turn off, and the machine should work normally.

Shark Vacuum Floor and Carpet Lights

When the floor and carpet lights on your Shark vacuum start flashing, it indicates potential issues that require attention.

Here’s what the flashing lights mean:

Alternating Flashing: The vacuum is likely clogged, obstructing proper airflow.
Simultaneous Flashing: There’s a battery-related problem, either with the battery itself or the charger.

How to fix alternating flashing lights:

Allow the vacuum to cool down for about 45 minutes.
Clean out the vacuum following the troubleshooting steps below to remove any clogs.
Test the vacuum after cleaning. If it still doesn’t work, consider getting it repaired.

What to Do for simultaneous flashing lights:

Allow the battery to cool down completely, as overheating might be the issue.
Once the battery is fully cooled, let it recharge fully.
Test the vacuum after a full charge. If problems persist, check the charger, as it might need repair or replacement.

Shark Vacuum Troubleshooting: Save Money with Simple Steps

Troubleshooting your Shark vacuum can prevent unnecessary expenses and get it working again. Follow these easy steps to resolve issues before considering a replacement.

Read the Manual: Check the manual for common problems and troubleshooting tips, especially if you see flashing lights on your Shark vacuum.
Turn Off and Cool Down: Let the vacuum cool down completely before attempting to clean or test it. Overheating can cause temporary malfunctions.
Deep Clean the Vacuum:
- Empty and clean the dust cup, clearing dust trapped in openings.
- Remove and clean attachments.
- Clear debris from hoses carefully.
- Thoroughly clean around the brush roll after removing it.
- Wash or replace the filter, ensuring it’s completely dry before reinserting.
Supply Full Power:
- For cordless vacuums, ensure the battery is fully charged.
- For corded vacuums, verify the cord is plugged into a functioning outlet by testing with a lamp.

Shark Vacuum Maintenance: Tips for Optimal Performance

To keep your Shark vacuum performing at its best and prolong its lifespan, follow these simple maintenance tips:

Clean the Filters Regularly: Clogged filters can reduce suction power. Clean washable filters after every use, or replace them periodically if they are not washable.
Check for Blockages: Regularly inspect the hose and brush roll for blockages and remove any debris or hair stuck in them.
Clean the Brush Roll: Prevent performance issues by cleaning the brush roll regularly and removing tangled hair and debris.
Replace Worn-Out Parts: Periodically check the brush roll, filters, and other parts for wear and tear. Replace them as needed to maintain optimal performance.
Store Properly: When not in use, store the vacuum in a dry, cool place to protect the motor and other components from damage.

If your vacuum’s flashing lights persist despite trying all the suggestions in this article, it may require professional attention. Some issues go beyond basic troubleshooting.

Get help from a local repair shop with experience in vacuum repairs or contact the vacuum’s manufacturer for help with repairs. If your Shark Vacuum is still under warranty, you may be able to get repairs or a new unit for free.

How Do I Clear A Blockage In My Shark Vacuum?

A lot of issues with Shark vacuums result from blockages in a tube, an attachment, the filter or the brush roll. Dust and debris can restrict airflow, leading to motor overheating and brush roll malfunctions.

You can prevent these problems by regularly clearing blockages from your Shark vacuum. Here’s how:

Inspect Attachments: Remove all vacuum attachments for a closer look and clear any obstructions.
Empty Dust Canister: Regularly empty the dust canister to ensure proper airflow.
Keep Brush Roll Free: Pick out long pieces of dirt or hair from the brush roll before they cause severe jamming.
Wash Filters: Regularly wash all filters and let them air dry for at least 24 hours to maintain optimal performance.

Why Is My Shark Vacuum Light Blinking While Charging?

The blinking blue light on your Shark vacuum indicates that it’s currently charging. This is normal and not a cause for concern. Once the battery is fully charged, the light will stop blinking and stay on, but slightly dimmer. So, no need to worry about the flashing light during charging; it’s just showing the ongoing charging process.

Can you leave a Shark battery on charge?

Yes, you can leave a Shark battery on charge. Just remove the battery and charge it using any plug socket in your home. You can also keep a spare battery on charge, ensuring you have a replacement ready when the one in your vacuum runs out. You can easily buy additional batteries directly from Shark. As for whether to buy a refurbished or reconditioned vacuum cleaner, it depends on your preference and budget.

Refurbished models are usually repaired and tested by the manufacturer, offering some assurance of quality. Reconditioned vacuums are usually fixed by third-party sellers and may vary in quality. Consider factors like warranty and seller reputation before making a decision.

How long should my Shark battery last before the vacuum light starts to notify me?

The Shark cordless hoovers with dual batteries can run for approximately 100 minutes. Some models with a single battery have a runtime of up to 50 minutes. On average, Shark cordless vacuum cleaners last around 40 minutes on a single charge.

Summary: Why Are My Shark Lights Flashing

Your Shark vacuum has 2 lights that blink to indicate its status. Flashing lights signal potential issues that need attention.

Flashing Light: Vacuum not running properly. Something is obstructing its operation.
Red Light: Indicates possible brush roll jam or vacuum overheating.
Flashing Headlights: Vacuum might not be in Carpet Mode.
Green Light On: The vacuum is working fine; everything is normal.
Red Light On: Points to errors like overheating or a jam.
2 Blinking or Flashing Lights: Indicates battery status (low or charging) or an error.
Lights Off: Vacuum not receiving power or not in the correct mode.