Dyson Vacuum Pulsing (Even After Cleaning Filter)

You are cleaning with your beloved Dyson vacuum when suddenly, it began pulsating. Don’t worry, it’s not necessarily broken but a warning that there is something wrong with your Dyson.

The pulsing is an audible feature that indicates a restriction of airflow, usually caused by a blockage within the machine or a clogged filter. Every Dyson is designed to pulsate to prevent damage to the motor.

Think of the pulsing as a safety mechanism. If your Dyson continues working when there is a restriction of airflow, the motor can overheat and cause permanent damage, not to mention the danger to you. Read below for the step-by-step guide on how to deal with a Dyson vacuum pulsing.

How to Deal with Dyson Vacuum Pulsing

According to Dyson, the machine is designed to pulsate. This is an audible feature that indicates a restriction of airflow and prevents damage to the motor. It is caused by a blockage in the machine or a clogged filter.

When the machine is pulsating, it will switch on and off in quick succession. Make sure the machine is cool before running through the following checks. Remove the tool and wand from the machine.

1. Check the tool and wand for blockages

The first place to check for blockages would be the vacuum’s wand. If there are any large items stuck in the wand, the vacuum will not be able to work well. This will cause pulsing and a loud noise. It’s all too easy to accidentally vacuum large chunks of dust or tangled pet hair. These items will clog the wand. 

With the wand removed from the Dyson, separate the wand from the floor attachment or accessory. Look through the wand to check for blockages. Shine a light and look to see if you can spot any obvious clogs.

If you see a blockage, remove it. One simple yet effective method is to use the stick of a broom. All you have to do is to simply push the stick to push the dirt from the inside of the wand.

Once the tool and wand are not blocked, return the wand to the vacuum. Press the trigger button and see if it continues pulsing. If your Dyson is still pulsing, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

2. Empty and remove the bin

It's time to empty the dust container. Not emptying the Dyson dust container every time after you have finished cleaning is a surefire way to cause your machine to smell bad. You don’t want that now, do you?

Press the bin base release button to empty the bin. If the Dyson vacuum has a full dust container, it won’t work and will begin to pulse. Once you have emptied the bin, leave the bin base open.

Press and hold the trigger for 10 seconds. Does the machine pulsate with the bin open? If your Dyson is still pulsating even with the bin open, you will need to remove the bin before continuing.

3. Clear the bin cyclone

With the bin base open, press the button again to remove the bin from the cyclone. Gently tap the side of the cyclone over a bin. This will remove any fine dust clogged up in the cyclone.

Using the Combination tool, brush away any dust around the shroud of the cyclone. Once cleared of any dust, press and hold the trigger for 10 seconds. Does the machine pulsate with the bin removed?

4. Clean the filter 

If the Dyson is still pulsing even after clearing the bin cyclone, then you need to clean the filters. It is recommended to clean the Dyson filters at least once a month to keep your machine running smoothly.

Some Dyson vacuums have just one filter — HEPA or otherwise — while others have two filters: a pre-motor filter and a post-motor filter. You’ll need to make sure they are both clear of debris.

Lift the pre-filter out of the cyclone assembly. Rotate the post-filter anti-clockwise until two solid black dots line up, and pull the post-filter off the back of the machine. Wash both filters with water only.

To clean the pre-filter, turn the pre-filter upside down and tap to remove any excess debris. Run water over the outside of the pre-filter. Repeat the process until the water runs clear. Squeeze and twist with both hands to make sure the excess water is removed.

To clean the post-filter, run water into the open side of the post-filter, then tap and shake the filter to expel all debris. Tap the filter unit to remove any excess water, and leave for at least 24 hours to dry, in a warm place with plenty of airflow. Make sure the both filters are completely dry before refitting.

Refit the pre-filter into the cyclone assembly, then refit the post-filter into the back of the machine. First, align the two solid black dots, then rotate clockwise until the solid black dot lines up with the empty circle. You can buy additional filters so you can continue to use the machine while your filter is drying.

Dyson V10 will tell you the filter needs cleaning via the indicator light on the bottom of the handle. On the other hand, Dyson V11 and newer models will tell you via the LCD screen.

5. Remove the pre-filter

If your Dyson is still pulsing even after cleaning the filter, you’ll need to test the airflow with the pre-filter removed. Pull the pre-filter out of the top of the cyclone (if your Dyson has a pre-filter).

Place the palm of your hand over the hole where the filter is usually positioned. Press and hold the trigger for 10 seconds. If it works without pulsing, then you need to replace the pre-filter with a new one.

Does the machine pulsate with the filter removed? Then there’s nothing you can do but contact the Dyson Helpline. You’ve done everything you can to troubleshoot the pulsing issue of your Dyson.

6. Take it to the repair shop

If you've tried everything and your vacuum is still not working, then it's time to seek professional help. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem and get your Dyson running like new again. Ask about their warranty policy. Some shops offer a warranty on their repairs, while others do not.

In some cases, repair shops have to replace the entire motor, which can be pretty expensive. But don't panic. If you contact Dyson, they will provide a free repair assessment from a Dyson Service Engineer no matter if your warranty has expired.

They will tell you the cost upfront so that you won't be blindsided after the fact. If you feel the price is too steep, you may consider buying a new vacuum. Dyson vacuums are high-quality machines that are built to last. But, like all machines, they can break down over time.

Key Takeaways

Dyson equipped all their vacuums to pulse and stop working if there is an obstruction in the airflow. This feature protects the machine and more importantly, protects you. Newer Dyson vacuums (Dyson V11 onwards) will show you a message stating “Airways blocked” on the LCD screen.

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