Dyson Airways Blocked? What Should You Do

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Seeing the “Airways blocked” message on your Dyson vacuum? Then it probably means the airways are blocked. It’s as simple as that. But how do you actually remove the blockages from a Dyson?

In this article, you will learn how to remove blockages from a Dyson. Whether you have the Dyson V6, V7, V8, V10, V11, V12 or V15, you will no longer see the “Airways blocked” message after reading this.

What happens when the Dyson airways are blocked?

Every Dyson vacuum is equipped with an automatic cut-out. If the airways become blocked, the machine will automatically cut out. This will happen after the motor pulses a number of times (switches on and off in quick succession) and the blockage indicator will light. Leave to cool down before looking for blockages.

You will only see the “Airways blocked” message on Dyson vacuums with an LCD screen (V11 upwards). Older models will tell you there is a blockage via the indicator light on the bottom of the handle.

How to fix Dyson “Airways blocked” for V11, V12, and V15

When checking for blockages, beware of sharp objects and do not pull the “ON” trigger.

Start by removing the wand and emptying the bin. Hold the machine with the bin in a downwards position and firmly push the lever. Make sure you do not pull the “ON” trigger when emptying the bin.

Press the red button to release the bin and slide to disconnect. Check the bin inlet for blockages and remove any debris. Then, check the inlet on the side of the cyclone and remove any debris.

To refit the bin, insert the spine into the bin runner. Then, close the lid and make sure the bin and base clicks into place.

Remove the floor tool from the wand, and check for blockages. Remove any debris from the neck of the cleaner head.

Refit all the parts securely.

How to check Dyson V10 for blockages

If any part of the Dyson vacuum becomes blocked, the appliance may automatically cut out. This will happen after the motor pulses a number of times and the blockage indicator LED flashes. Once the machine cuts out, the blockage indicator LED will continue to flash for up to one minute.

Always ensure the machine is unplugged from the charger prior to carrying out any maintenance. Beware of sharp objects when checking for blockages.

Check the Cleaner Head for any debris. Remove any debris from the Cleaner Head and check the airway for any blockages. Then, remove any debris from the neck of the Cleaner Head.

Separate the wand from the machine and check inside for blockages. Remove any debris.

Check the bin inlet for any blockages and remove any debris found.

To open the clear bin, hold the machine with the bin in a downwards position, and firmly push the bin release lever. Do not pull the “ON” trigger when emptying the bin.

Press the red button located on the bin runner to release the bin. Check the air inlet on the side of the Cyclone for any debris.

Insert the spine into the bin runner. Close the clear bin by pushing the bin base upwards until the clear bin and base click into place.

How to check Dyson V7 and V8 for blockages

If any part becomes blocked, the appliance may automatically cut out. This will happen after the motor pulses a number of times. Always switch “OFF” and unplug before carrying out any maintenance.

Check the rear head of the motorhead for any debris. Undo the end cap by using a coin and remove the brush bar from the motorhead assembly. Remove all debris from the motorhead and check the airway for blockages.

Remove any debris from the neck of the motorhead. Refit the brush bar and tighten the end cap using a coin. Rotate clockwise and ensure it is fastened securely.

Separate the wand from the machine, and check the inside of the wand for any blockages. Remove any debris. If the wand is free from blockages, you will be able to see light through it.

Check the bin inlet for blockages, and remove any debris. Also, check the bin inlet flap moves freely, and is not obstructed by any debris.

Lift the red bin base release catch to open the bin base. Press the red cyclone release catch again to release the cyclone assembly from the main body. Firmly tap the top of the cyclone assembly to remove any debris.

Locate the spine of the cyclone assembly into the runners on the main body. Push the cyclone assembly down fully and close the bin base.

How to check Dyson V6 for blockages

If any part becomes blocked, the appliance may automatically cut out. This will happen after the motor pulses a number of times. Always ensure the machine is unplugged from the charger before any maintenance.

Check the rear edge of the cleaner head for any debris. Remove all debris from the cleaner head and check the airway for any blockages. Then, remove any debris from the neck of the cleaner head.

Separate the wand from the machine, and check the inside of the wand for any blockages. Remove any debris. If the wand is free from blockages, you will be able to see light through it.

Check the bin inlet for blockages, and remove any debris. 

Press the red release catch to open the bin base. Press the catch a second time to release the bin from the cyclone. Ensure you also check the other end of the bin inlet for any debris. Tap the side of the cyclone over a bin to remove any loose debris.

Locate the tab on the front of the cyclone with the recess on the bin inlet. Close the bin base ensuring it clicks shut.

Final words

Now you know what to do when you see “Airways blocked”. It’s important to stop using your Dyson and remove the blockage whenever you see the “Airways blocked” message. Dyson fitted all their products with an automatic cut-out so you won’t be able to use your machine when the airways are blocked.

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