April 19, 2023

Upright Vacuum: Why is my vacuum cleaner's red light always on?

When the dirt sensor lights stays red constantly, dirty sensor eyes or a failed dirt sensor control board could be causing the problem.

Unplug the vacuum cleaner and clean the sensor eyes using a soft, dry cloth. Don't use cleaners or liquids as they can help speed the recoating of the sensor eyes, making it necessary to clean them much sooner than normal.

If the dirt sensor lights stays red constantly after cleaning the sensor eyes, you may need to replace the dirt sensor control board because the board may not be detecting sensor eye dirt signals correctly.

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR UPRIGHT VACUUM PROBLEM

Replace the vacuum suction motor

The suction motor rotates the fan that creates suction by moving air from the intake at the cleaning head to the dirt collection chamber. If the motor doesn't create suction or doesn't run at all, replace it.

Vacuum suction motor

Find the required part specific to your product.

July 01, 2013

By Lyle Weischwill

How to replace a vacuum suction motor

If your vacuum loses suction and the hose and nozzle aren't clogged, the vacuum cleaner might need a new suction motor. The suction motor could also be the problem if the vacuum won't run at all. This easy-to-follow repair guide explains how to replace a canister vacuum suction motor in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Replace the vacuum hose

The vacuum cleaner hose is constructed of reinforced vinyl. It sometimes has wires integrated into the hose. If the hose is torn or the integrated wires are broken, replace the hose.

Vacuum hose

Find the required part specific to your product.

Replace the vacuum bag

The vacuum cleaner bag collects the dust and dirt that the vacuum sucks up. It also helps filter the exhaust air. Replace the bag when it's full, torn or damaged.

Vacuum bag

Find the required part specific to your product.

Clean the vacuum dirt sensor

The dirt sensor detects the level of dirt and debris passing through the suction hose to the collection bag. Clean the dirt sensor when dirt and debris coat the lenses and the sensor can't accurately detect dirt level.

Clean the vacuum dirt sensor

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-VAC-Replace-the-dirt-sensor-control-board

Replace the vacuum dirt sensor control board

The dirt sensor control board receives signals from the dirt sensor and sends signals to the dirt sensor display. Replace the dirt sensor control board if it doesn't properly detect dirt sensor signals or doesn't send display signals to the dirt sensor display.