Shark Robot Vacuum Suction Motor Not Working? (Instant Fix)

Shark robot vacuum suction motor not working can be worrisome as it might lead you to suspect that your vacuum has hardware damage.

If your cleaning robot doesn’t work, don’t worry; we have some fixes for you to try out.

To fix your Shark robot vacuum suction motor not working, start by checking your cleaner for blockages or obstructions around the brush and check for battery issues.

Now that you have a brief glimpse of some of the fixes we have prepared for you let’s examine the underlying causes of the robot not working.

How To Fix Shark Robot Vacuum Suction Motor Not Working?

The suction motor of your Shark robot vacuum not working can, in rare instances, be caused by a breakdown in the motor unit.

In most cases, however, the fix required is a simple maintenance or configuration check. 

Here are the most common causes for your Shark robot vacuum suction motor not working:

Now you should have a more clear overview and understanding of Shark robot suction motor issues, and we can begin with a few troubleshooting steps.

How to Fix Shark Robot Vacuum Suction Motor Not Working

Tip: Your Shark robot is designed to be serviced weekly, especially with frequent usage to prolong its lifespan.

Solution #1: Check The Robot for Air Blockages

Shark robot vacuum losing suction is most frequently caused by dust and other debris obstructing its suction vents or pathways.

This can cause your motor to work overtime to suction in air, causing it to not work or emit unusual noise.

Here are the general steps to ensure any Shark robot air blockages are cleared:

1. Turn off your Shark robot vacuum and unplug it from any power source before starting any checks.
2. Carefully remove the dustbin from the vacuum for inspection.
3. Dustbins are usually on the backside of your device.
4. Check the filters and suction inlet for any blockages that might be causing issues.
5. Rinse the filters under cold water.
6. Allow the filters to dry completely to ensure they function properly.
7. Clean any debris you find in the dustbin or along the suction path to clear blockages.
8. Reassemble your vacuum by putting the dustbin and the dustbin filters.
9. Turn on the vacuum to test if the suction motor is now working effectively.

Note: Check your robot for rattling, as this can indicate a larger foreign object trapped inside its vents.

Solution #2: Try Resetting Your Robot Cleaner Device

As Shark robots rely on complex electronics to work, a software malfunction can prevent your device’s motor from running.

To fix this potential issue, you can perform what’s called a power cycling procedure to remove any built-up electric charge on your vacuum circuits.

Here are the universal ways to power cycle or reset your Shark robot cleaner:

1. Ensure your Shark robot vacuum is turned off before attempting a reset.
2. Disconnect the vacuum from any power source to initiate the resetting process.
3. Leave the vacuum unplugged for about 5 minutes to allow it to reset.
4. Reconnect the vacuum to the charging dock and switch it back on.
5. Try using the vacuum to see if the suction motor functions after the reset.

Note: Observe if there are any indicator lights for error codes that might help diagnose the issue.

Solution #3: Check Your Robots Battery For Issues

If your Shark robot has battery issues or low charge levels, it will struggle to provide sufficient electricity for the suction motor to run properly.

This can be caused by the battery naturally depleting or suffering some damage.

Here are the ways to troubleshoot your Shark Cleaner robot battery for issues:

1. Power off your Shark robot vacuum before inspecting the battery.
2. Open the battery compartment and carefully remove the battery for inspection.
3. Look for any signs of damage or corrosion on the battery.
4. If you notice that your battery has swollen or has changed shape, don’t reuse it.
5. Clean the battery contacts with a dry cloth to ensure a good connection.
6. Place the battery back in its compartment after cleaning.
7. Charge the vacuum for a few hours to ensure the battery is fully powered.

After these steps, turn on the vacuum to test the suction motor’s functionality after charging.

Note: Be sure to order a replacement battery that is compatible with your exact Shark robot.

Solution #4: Clean the Shark Vacuum Brushes

If your Shark robot cleaner has debris or obstructions to the main brushes, it could struggle to perform efficient dust vacuuming.

To prevent this instance from affecting your robot, you must manually clean all of its brushes, including the main and auxiliary ones.

Here is the best method to clear your Shark robot vacuum from obstructions:

1. Make sure the Shark robot vacuum is off before you start cleaning the brushes.
2. Remove the side brushes from the vacuum for thorough cleaning.
3. Clean any tangled hair or debris from the brushes to ensure they function correctly.
4. Check the main brush for any signs of wear or damage during cleaning.
5. Clean the primary brush in the same way as the smaller brushes.
6. Power on the vacuum to check if the suction has improved after cleaning the brushes.

If your central brush is not spinning freely, you have to take off the top panel to remove it for more thorough cleaning.

Note: Wipe any vents or air ducts on your Shark vacuum's exterior to ensure proper airflow.

Solution #5: Check the Shark Power Supply

A common cause of your Shark vacuum suction motor not working is that its suction motor is not receiving ample power.

This can be caused by the robot’s charging dock not working properly or that the power socket is faulty.

To resolve this issue, you have to check both.

Here is how to ensure your Shark cleaner has enough power from the outlet and dock:

1. Examine the vacuum’s plug and cord for any signs of damage.
2. Try plugging the vacuum into a different electrical outlet to rule out outlet issues.
3. Look for lights that indicate power is reaching the vacuum to assess its power status.
4. Ensure the charging dock is clean and its conductive charging ports are not dirty.
5. Place the vacuum on its charging dock to begin the charging process.
6. Allow your vacuum to charge for a few hours to ensure it has enough power.
7. Turn on the vacuum to test the suction power after charging.

Note: USA-purchased Shark vacuum robots can only charge on 120 Volt power supplies without an adapter.

Solution #6: Replace the Suction Motor

If you have performed all of our steps above, yet your Shark motor still won’t work as intended, it’s likely damaged or non-working.

Before you proceed with the steps below, ensure that tinkering with the device won’t void its warranty.

Here is a general method to replace a faulty suction motor for your Shark robot cleaner:

1. Determine the specific type of suction motor used in your Shark robot vacuum.
2. Purchase a compatible replacement motor for your vacuum model.
3. It’s best to order from a reputable retailer or from Shark directly.
4. Carefully open the vacuum to access and remove the existing suction motor. 
5. You might need to remove the bottom plate based on your exact model.
6. Disconnect the old motor by desoldering its wires. 
7. Replace it with the new one, ensuring proper connections.
8. Put the vacuum back together after installing the new motor.

Before you proceed with ordering a replacement motor, consider the cost of getting a brand new Shark cleaner and weigh in if your device is still under warranty. 

Remember, repair done under warranty is always best, as it guarantees you will have a working cleaner.

Note: If you are apprehensive about repairing the motor unit yourself, it's best to send it back for repair to a licensed Shark shop.

Quick Recap

To fix your Shark robot vacuum suction motor not working, start by cleaning its brushes, bin, and filters.

Next, power cycle the unit and ensure it is charging correctly by inspecting its battery.