Having the light on your Shark vacuum battery flashing can be confusing and concerning. However, there is often a simple explanation for a blinking battery light. In this article, we’ll walk through the main reasons why is the light flashing on my Shark battery?, what the different colors and patterns mean, and some troubleshooting tips to get your vacuum running properly again.
Common Reasons a Shark Battery Light Flashes
There are a few main reasons why your Shark vacuum’s battery indicator light may be blinking or flashing:
Low Battery
One of the most common reasons for a flashing battery light is that the battery is running low on charge. Shark batteries give warnings when the charge level drops below a certain threshold so you know it’s time to recharge.
On most models, including the Shark WandVac, a flashing red light indicates the battery has less than 10% charge remaining. The slower the blinking, the lower the charge. Slow blinking means it’s time to recharge right away before the battery dies completely. If you notice the shark wandvac middle light blinking, it’s a clear indicator that the battery is running low, and recharging is recommended to ensure continuous and efficient operation.
Battery Not Inserted Correctly
Another simple and surprisingly common reason for a blinking battery indicator is that the battery isn’t fully clicked into place.
Shark vacuum batteries are designed to lock into the vacuum body and make proper contact. If the battery doesn’t engage and lock in correctly, this can cause issues with the power connection which results in a flashing light.
Taking the battery out and reinserting it can often resolve a flashing light caused by an improper connection. Make sure the battery clicks and locks firmly into the vacuum body.
Battery Overheated
If the battery overheats, either from extended use on a long cleaning session or another issue, the Shark will give a warning by blinking the light.
Most models use a flashing red light when the battery temperature gets too high. This is done for safety purposes to avoid damage to the battery or vacuum.
Letting the battery cool down for 30 minutes to an hour should reset the overheating sensor and stop the flashing. Avoid lengthy deep cleans that overtax the battery during a single session.
Faulty Battery
In some cases, a constantly flashing battery light could indicate an issue with the battery itself. Batteries can become faulty over time after hundreds of charge cycles, especially if they are not well maintained.
A battery that no longer holds much of a charge, frequently overheats, or has an internal electrical issue can blink constantly when inserted into the vacuum, even with a full charge. This usually means the battery needs to be replaced.
Loose Battery Connection
If the battery’s electrical connections inside the housing become loose over time, this can also create a poor connection that leads to blinking lights.
Dropping or hitting the battery may also cause loose wiring. Inspect the battery contacts to make sure they are not damaged or dirty. Clean the contacts gently with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol if needed.
What The Different Light Colors And Patterns Mean
In addition to understanding the common causes above, the specific color and flashing pattern can provide more clues about what your Shark vacuum is trying to indicate when the battery light blinks:
Slow Blinking Red
- As mentioned, slow pulsing of the red LED light means the battery charge is very low, under 10%.
- Time to recharge the battery before continuing to vacuum.
Flashing Red And Blue
- Alternating red and blue flashes indicate the battery is overheated.
- Let the battery cool down for 30-60 mins before resuming use.
Rapid Blinking Red
- Quick flashing red light can signify a faulty battery that needs replacement.
- Rapid blinking may also occur with loose battery connections.
Solid Blue
- On some models, solid blue indicates charging mode.
- The light will turn off when fully charged.
Solid Green
- A continuous green light shows the battery has a full charge on some Shark models.
Flashing Green
- Green flashes indicate the battery has a partial charge remaining, over 10%.
- This may also be shown by a power bar indicator.
No Light At All
- If the battery indicator does not light up when inserted, this could mean a complete battery failure.
- First try reinserting the battery and restarting the vacuum.
- If the light still does not come on, the battery likely needs replacement.
As you can see, the color and flashing speed of the Shark battery light gives a general idea of the battery status and where an issue may lie. Use the clues along with the troubleshooting tips in this article to resolve the problem.
Troubleshooting Tips For A Blinking Battery Light
If your Shark vacuum battery indicator keeps blinking, try these troubleshooting steps to identify and fix the cause:
- Recharge The Battery – If the light is blinking red, or you notice a loss of suction, start by fully recharging the battery. This may resolve a low charge issue.
- Reinsert The Battery – Remove the battery completely from the vacuum and then firmly push it back into place until it clicks. Make sure it is fully seated in the battery compartment. Test to see if the blinking stops.
- Inspect For Damage – Examine the battery housing and contacts for any damage like cracks, leaks, dents or corrosion. Dirty contacts can prevent a good connection. Clean them gently with rubbing alcohol and cotton if needed.
- Let Battery Cool – If you suspect overheating, let the battery rest for an hour to reduce the temperature before testing it again. Also avoid lengthy continuous use during cleaning sessions.
- Try A Different Battery – To confirm if the original battery is faulty, test with a second working battery if you have one available. If the new battery stops the flashing light, the old battery needs replacement.
- Contact Shark Support – If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting without success, reach out to Shark’s customer support online or by phone. They can provide warranty options if your battery is defective.
- Consider Replacement – If your battery is near or past its expected lifespan (2-5 years on average), replacing it with a new battery may ultimately be needed to resolve a blinking indicator light issue.
With some targeted troubleshooting steps, you should be able to stop a constantly blinking light and get your Shark vacuum running optimally again. But when in doubt, contact Shark support – they can confirm if battery replacement is required.
Shark Battery Replacement Options
If you’ve determined a faulty battery is causing the flashing lights through troubleshooting, you’ll want to replace it with a new battery to get your Shark vacuum working properly again. Here are some tips on battery replacement options:
- Purchase direct from Shark – You can buy an official replacement battery pack directly from the Shark website or Shark accessory store. This ensures you get a genuine Shark battery.
- Check retailers – Major retailers that sell Shark vacuums like Amazon, Walmart and Target usually carry replacement Shark batteries. Compare prices to get the best deal.
- Find a compatible aftermarket battery – There are third party replacement batteries available on sites like eBay and Etsy that are made to work with Shark models. Research carefully to find a compatible quality battery.
- Use your warranty – If your original Shark battery is still within the 2 year warranty period, contact Shark to file a claim. They will likely send you a replacement battery free of charge.
- Consider an upgrade – When buying a new battery, you may want to upgrade to a higher capacity model for extended runtime. Make sure it’s compatible with your Shark vacuum.
- Properly dispose the old battery – Once replaced, discharge the old faulty battery completely and recycle it responsibly according to local hazardous waste guidelines, never in the regular trash.
Investing in a fresh new replacement battery is worthwhile to restore optimal performance and runtime for your Shark vacuum cleaner. Avoid unreliable generic batteries, and always confirm the battery you buy is approved for use in your specific Shark model.
Maximizing Shark Battery Life
To get the longest usable lifespan out of your Shark vacuum’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery:
- Fully charge before first use – Be sure to give a new battery a full initial charge before the first cleaning session. This conditions it properly.
- Recharge regularly – Don’t let the battery remain discharged for long periods. Recharge fully after each use. Partial recharges are okay.
- Avoid extreme temps – Keep your battery stored and operating in moderate room temperatures, avoiding hot cars and freezing garages which can damage batteries.
- Unplug when not in use – Don’t leave the battery plugged into the charger indefinitely after the charge cycle is complete, as this can lower lifespan over time.
- Limit deep discharges – Try not to run the battery down completely flat with heavy use before recharging. Shallow discharge cycles are better for battery health.
- Replace when needed – When operating time drops substantially or other issues arise, replace an aging battery to maintain performance. Most last 2-5 years.
- Check for battery recall – In 2016, Shark recalled certain model batteries due to overheating hazards. Check online to see if you have an affected battery that qualifies for a free replacement.
Following these tips will help your Shark vacuum’s rechargeable battery provide reliable power and runtime for as long as possible before needing replacement. Check the manual for any additional battery care recommendations for your particular model.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my Shark vacuum battery light keep blinking when charging?
If the battery light blinks while charging, it usually means there is a loose connection to the charger or an internal battery fault preventing it from charging properly. Try unplugging and reconnecting the charger cord at both ends, or testing with a different charger. If it continues, the battery may need replacement.
2. Can I use my Shark vacuum while the battery light is flashing?
It’s not recommended. The blinking battery light is a warning of an issue like low charge, overheating or a faulty battery. Continued use could completely drain the battery. Recharge or replace the battery before resuming vacuuming.
3. My battery light flashed while vacuuming but it still has a charge. Why?
Intermittent flashing while in use usually means the battery briefly overheated but then cooled back down. This could happen if you’re using an intensive motorized floor head on thick carpeting. Let the battery rest before resuming use. Also clean the filter and check for blockages.
4. How can I get the flashing battery light to turn off?
Start by fully recharging the battery, checking the connections and contacts are clean, letting an overheated battery cool, or installing a new battery if needed. If the light persists, contact Shark for warranty support if applicable. Resetting the vacuum may also help clear the error.
5. Does a flashing battery light mean it needs replacement?
Not necessarily. A flashing light is often just a warning of an issue like low charge. But if troubleshooting doesn’t stop the blinking, or the battery has other problems like no longer holding much of a charge, then replacement may be needed. Start saving up for a fresh battery.
Summary and Conclusion
Having your Shark vacuum’s battery indicator light blinking can certainly be disturbing. But in most cases, it simply means you need to recharge, properly reconnect, or replace the worn out battery.
Use the clues of light color and flashing speed along with the troubleshooting tips provided to isolate the cause. Rule out a low charge, overheating, loose connection or contacts, and battery age or damage. With some basic maintenance and battery care, you can restore normal operation.
If problems persist after troubleshooting, replacing the faulty battery is the ultimate solution to get your Shark vacuum running smoothly again. Invest in a fresh battery from Shark or a reputable retailer to revitalize performance.
To efficiently drain a pool, ensure a smooth process by adopting a similar proactive approach as maintaining your Shark vacuum’s battery – follow proper steps, avoid unnecessary delays, and prioritize routine care to keep both your pool and cleaning appliance in optimal condition for years to come.
Now you have a better understanding of what a blinking battery light means on your Shark, and tips to get it fixed so you can keep your floors, carpets and upholstery spotless.
