Flashing Lights on a Shark Vacuum: Troubleshooting Guide

Vacuum cleaners and other appliances typically use flashing lights to tell users when there’s a problem. Unfortunately, Shark vacuums have very few indicator lights. That’s why it’s challenging to know what they mean when those lights start flashing.

The meaning of flashing lights on your Shark vacuum largely depends on their color. Blue flashing lights indicate that the battery is charging on cordless models. However, flashing red indicators point to overheating, a burnt motor, or a jammed brush roll. If the headlights flash on and off as you use the unit, it could be a wiring problem in the unit’s swivel.

This troubleshooting guide will help you understand what the flashing lights on your Shark vacuum are trying to tell you. Keep reading!

Unfortunately, Shark vacuums come with very few indicator lights. As a result, those lights flashing could mean several different things.

You can troubleshoot and find the root cause by considering other symptoms accompanying those flashing lights.

Here are 6 of the most likely reasons your Shark vacuum’s lights are flashing.

#1 Vacuum is Charging

Symptoms: Blue-colored lights that flash slowly on cordless Shark vacuums.

Why it’s happening: When you connect a cordless Shark vacuum to its charger, you’ll notice blue-colored lights flashing on and off slowly. That means the unit is currently charging.

These lights do not indicate any problems. Instead, they show that your vacuum’s battery is charging normally.

Once the charging is complete, the light will stop flashing and stay on, albeit slightly dimmer than before.

Read: Why Shark Vacuum Brush Roll Indicator Light Is Not On

#2 Burnt Motor

Symptoms: Red-colored indicator light flashing as the vacuum stops working.

Why it’s happening: When you see a red-colored light flashing on any Shark vacuum, that’s a clear sign that there’s a problem. But, unfortunately, the indicator doesn’t provide any specifics about what that problem might be.

Check the floor attachment that holds the brush roll to begin the troubleshooting process. The motor inside has likely overheated and burned. If you sense any burn smells coming from the attachment, you’ll know that’s true.

You can confirm the root cause by opening the floor attachment and inspecting the motor up-close. When you see burnt parts on the motor, that means you’ll have to replace it with a new one.

Read: Shark Vacuum Won’t Turn On

#3 Overheating

Symptoms: Red-colored indicator light flashing, as the vacuum stops working and the body feels hot around the motor.

Why it’s happening: An overheating Shark vacuum cleaner can also trigger the red indicator light to flash. The appliance will also stop working as a protective measure, thanks to a protective device inside;

Here’s why:

There’s a thermostat inside your Shark vacuum that protects it from overheating. When it senses that the vacuum is running too hot, it’ll cut the electrical circuit and force the appliance to turn off.

By doing that, the thermostat prevents the vacuum from damaging itself and protects you from more expensive repairs.

So, when you see the red indicator light flashing, and your vacuum won’t run, it’s likely that there’s a blockage inside that causes it to run too hot. A blockage prevents airflow from passing through the vacuum and reducing the heat inside, particularly around the motor.

To solve this problem, you must first unplug your vacuum cleaner. Then, inspect all of its components for blockages that you must remove. 

Don’t forget to empty the canister, as too much dust in there will also restrict airflow.

Read: Garage Vacuum Troubleshooting Guide

#4 Jammed Brushroll

Symptoms: Red-coloured indicator light flashing while the brush roll fails to turn.

Why it’s happening: Another likely trigger behind the red flashing indicator on your Shark vacuum is that its brush roll is jammed. 

When that happens, the red light will flash to get your attention so you can free the brush roll and allow it to resume normal operations.

The brush roll is cylindrical in shape with bristles along its sides. Its purpose is to help lift dirt off the ground, making it much easier for the vacuum to suck it in.

Unfortunately, hair strands and long pieces of dirt can wrap around the brush roll over an extended period. At some point, the same will wrap around the brush roll’s bearings and cause it to jam.

A brush roll that can’t move freely will place added stress on its motor, which is why you must clear it as soon as you notice a problem.

You can start by disconnecting the floor attachment and turning it over. Then, use a pair of scissors to cut through the buildup of hair and dirt around the brush roll. Do this very carefully, so you don’t accidentally cut the bristles from the brush bar.

You can remove the rest with your fingers after you’ve cut most of the buildup. That will free the brush roll, allowing it to turn normal again.

Vacuum cleaners and other appliances typically use flashing lights to tell users when there’s a problem. Unfortunately, Shark vacuums have very few indicator lights. That’s why it’s challenging to know what they mean when those lights start flashing.

The meaning of flashing lights on your Shark vacuum largely depends on their color. Blue flashing lights indicate that the battery is charging on cordless models. However, flashing red indicators point to overheating, a burnt motor, or a jammed brush roll. If the headlights flash on and off as you use the unit, it could be a wiring problem in the unit’s swivel.

This troubleshooting guide will help you understand what the flashing lights on your Shark vacuum are trying to tell you. Keep reading!

Unfortunately, Shark vacuums come with very few indicator lights. As a result, those lights flashing could mean several different things.

You can troubleshoot and find the root cause by considering other symptoms accompanying those flashing lights.

Here are 6 of the most likely reasons your Shark vacuum’s lights are flashing.

#1 Vacuum is Charging

Symptoms: Blue-colored lights that flash slowly on cordless Shark vacuums.

Why it’s happening: When you connect a cordless Shark vacuum to its charger, you’ll notice blue-colored lights flashing on and off slowly. That means the unit is currently charging.

These lights do not indicate any problems. Instead, they show that your vacuum’s battery is charging normally.

Once the charging is complete, the light will stop flashing and stay on, albeit slightly dimmer than before.

Read: Why Shark Vacuum Brush Roll Indicator Light Is Not On

#2 Burnt Motor

Symptoms: Red-colored indicator light flashing as the vacuum stops working.

Why it’s happening: When you see a red-colored light flashing on any Shark vacuum, that’s a clear sign that there’s a problem. But, unfortunately, the indicator doesn’t provide any specifics about what that problem might be.

Check the floor attachment that holds the brush roll to begin the troubleshooting process. The motor inside has likely overheated and burned. If you sense any burn smells coming from the attachment, you’ll know that’s true.

You can confirm the root cause by opening the floor attachment and inspecting the motor up-close. When you see burnt parts on the motor, that means you’ll have to replace it with a new one.

Read: Shark Vacuum Won’t Turn On

#3 Overheating

Symptoms: Red-colored indicator light flashing, as the vacuum stops working and the body feels hot around the motor.

Why it’s happening: An overheating Shark vacuum cleaner can also trigger the red indicator light to flash. The appliance will also stop working as a protective measure, thanks to a protective device inside;

Here’s why:

There’s a thermostat inside your Shark vacuum that protects it from overheating. When it senses that the vacuum is running too hot, it’ll cut the electrical circuit and force the appliance to turn off.

By doing that, the thermostat prevents the vacuum from damaging itself and protects you from more expensive repairs.

So, when you see the red indicator light flashing, and your vacuum won’t run, it’s likely that there’s a blockage inside that causes it to run too hot. A blockage prevents airflow from passing through the vacuum and reducing the heat inside, particularly around the motor.

To solve this problem, you must first unplug your vacuum cleaner. Then, inspect all of its components for blockages that you must remove. 

Don’t forget to empty the canister, as too much dust in there will also restrict airflow.

Read: Garage Vacuum Troubleshooting Guide

#4 Jammed Brushroll

Symptoms: Red-coloured indicator light flashing while the brush roll fails to turn.

Why it’s happening: Another likely trigger behind the red flashing indicator on your Shark vacuum is that its brush roll is jammed. 

When that happens, the red light will flash to get your attention so you can free the brush roll and allow it to resume normal operations.

The brush roll is cylindrical in shape with bristles along its sides. Its purpose is to help lift dirt off the ground, making it much easier for the vacuum to suck it in.

Unfortunately, hair strands and long pieces of dirt can wrap around the brush roll over an extended period. At some point, the same will wrap around the brush roll’s bearings and cause it to jam.

A brush roll that can’t move freely will place added stress on its motor, which is why you must clear it as soon as you notice a problem.

You can start by disconnecting the floor attachment and turning it over. Then, use a pair of scissors to cut through the buildup of hair and dirt around the brush roll. Do this very carefully, so you don’t accidentally cut the bristles from the brush bar.

You can remove the rest with your fingers after you’ve cut most of the buildup. That will free the brush roll, allowing it to turn normal again.