ionVac specializes in small handheld vacuums. However, all vacuums have a very similar design, and a few issues can happen that will cause a vacuum to keep shutting off. It is caused by the following reasons, and below is how to fix it.
In general, inspect the hoses and filter for any blockages. A clog commonly develops if something that’s too large has been vacuumed and is partially blocking the airflow. If it still keeps turning off an internal component has failed, contact your ionVac support.
When a clog is not causing the issue, it can be a few different components. The method to check the components on a vacuum is to test them for electric conductivity using a voltmeter. If you have done this before and are comfortable with doing that, it’s possible to repair an ionVac yourself.
But, it will likely void the warranty. Therefore, you should contact ionVac support to see if it’s covered under warranty and have it repaired or replaced.
Reasons Why Your ionVac Vacuum Keeps Turning Off
Often it’s difficult to identify why a vacuum keeps shutting off, and there are multiple reasons why it can happen. Here are the top 4 reasons a vacuum cleaner keeps shutting off.
In general, there is a clog in one of the hoses or compartments, one of the components or the internal wiring has failed. For battery powered vacuums, the battery is faulty, or the battery terminals have grime or corrosion.
Vacuums that keep shutting off are quite simple to troubleshoot yourself unless one of the internal components or wiring has failed. Belows, are why each of these reasons cause a vacuum to keep turning off, and how to fix each of them.
1. A blockage causing the thermal fuse to keep triggering
Virtually all vacuums are equipped with a thermal fuse. It shuts down a vacuum when the engine gets too hot. When there is a blockage the engine sucks harder than normal because it’s fighting against the blockage.
As a result, the engine works too hard and overheats. Common blockages are:
- Pet hair or human hair
- A plastic toy
- Dust build up
- Sock or large item
But, the air filter can also be full of dust, and needs to be cleaned. The thermal fuse will typically cool down enough so that you can use your vacuum again after 1 hour, but sometimes can take as long as 24 hours. Therefore, you need to remove the source of the problem by clearing the clog.
Pull apart all of the components on your vacuum and identify any clogs. Use an old metal coat hanger, fork, or anything else similar you have on hand to remove any clogs. It’s generally possible to completely disassemble a vacuum by hand.
The ideal way to clear all the hoses is to refer to the owners manual for your specific make and model of vacuum. There is almost always an online version that can be downloaded from the official website of your vacuum manufacturer. But, if you still have a paper version that can be easier.
Go to your vacuum manufacturers website, and click on the tab that says support. Almost always you can search the owners manuals, or it will be listed as one of the options. Most pages also tell you where the model number/serial number for your vacuum can be found.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on February 19, 2023.
2. The battery terminals have rusted or have a build up of dust or grime (battery powered vacuums)
While not overly common, checking the battery terminals is quick and easy to do, however, only applies to vacuums with batteries. The battery terminals are the part of the battery that connects to the rest of the vacuum. Overtime they can develop corrosion.
Or, if the battery has failed it can leak, and also corrode the battery terminals. They are very easy to clean with a mild acid such as vinegar, or regular soda such as Pepsi. You use an old toothbrush and dip it in vinegar.
But, use the least amount of liquid you can on the terminals. However, white vinegar is very effective, and usually less than a minute of scrubbing is required to completely remove all the corrosion. While you’re at it you should also inspect the terminals that the battery plugs into.
3. Battery has failed and needs to replaced (battery powered vacuums)
This step also only applies if you have a battery powered vacuum cleaner such as the very popular Dyson handheld vacuums. The battery over time can fail. The battery on a vacuum typically has a shorter warranty of only 6 months to a year.
The reason is the battery is much more likely to fail. To replace the battery of a battery powered vacuum you should first contact your manufacturer to see if it’s covered under warranty. Many batteries for vacuum are also fairly inexpensive and cost under $50.
4. An internal component has failed
There are a few components that make up a vacuum cleaner. These are the motor, power supply, power switch, and electrical cord. One or more of these can fail mechanically on their own.
Or, the wiring that connects them can have blown randomly. Unless you have experience repairing appliances, or electronics it’s best to get a repair technician to identify what component is causing the issue, and fix it for you. But, it can also be covered under warranty, and therefore, it’s best to talk to your vacuum manufacturer first.
General Fix For ionVac Vacuum That Keeps Turning Off
When a vacuum is working properly it will stay on almost forever, and many vacuums have settings where they can be set to high or low. There are a few common issues that occur with vacuums that can cause them to keep turning off randomly. Today, I will cover why a vacuum keeps turning off and how to fix it.
In general, ensure there are no clogs in the hoses, and internal compartments. If there is, the engine will overheat after using it for a few minutes, and shut off. Otherwise, an internal component is faulty. For battery powered vacuums, the battery may be faulty and is inexpensive to replace.
A battery can fail but before replacing it, you should contact the manufacturer to see if it’s covered under warranty, and/or the best way to buy a new battery. Below, I will provide the top step by step instructions for each of the troubleshooting steps you should do when your vacuum keeps turning off.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on February 19, 2023.