Shark Rocket Powerhead AH401 Troubleshooting

You can see through the top of the clear brushroll enclosure that the brushroll is not rotating while the vacuum is on. The brushroll indicator light is solid red.

Turn off the vacuum and try switching the brushroll with the second brushroll provided. If the brushroll indicator light turns solid green and you can see the brushroll rotating in the clear brushroll enclosure, then the brushroll is functioning properly. In this case, the original brushroll is the problem.

Check the brushroll that was not rotating for debris, dirt, or hair build up. The build up may be preventing the brushroll from rotating. Try removing and cleaning the brushroll.

There is a Brushroll Cap on one end of the brushroll. This cap covers a bearing which is built into the brushroll. If the bearing is damaged, the brushroll will not rotate properly. Since the bearing is built into the brushroll, trying to take the bearing out can be difficult and may damage the brushroll. This problem can be fixed by purchasing a new Brushroll.

The vacuum is not picking up dirt or dust when powered on. The brushroll indicator light is solid green and you can see the brushroll rotating through the top of the clear brushroll enclosure.

There are two types of brushrolls that come with the vacuum; Deep Clean Carpet Brushroll and Gentle Touch Hard Floor Brushroll. If you are vacuuming on a hard surface such as linoleum or hardwood make sure to use the Gentle Touch Hard Floor Brushroll. If you are vacuuming on a soft surface such as carpet or floor rugs make sure to use the Deep Clean Carpet Brushroll. To check if you have the wrong brushroll installed try changing the Brushroll.

The Brushroll Cap provides stability to the brushroll by allowing the brushroll to stay in place and rotate properly. A damaged or faulty Brushroll Cap can prevent the brushroll from applying enough force on the surface. The lack of force does not allow the vacuum to pick up dirt or dust properly. Check and replace the Brushroll Cap if it is damaged. Here is a link on [our Brushroll Cap replacement guide].

Often hair and other garbage can get wound up in the brushroll causing the bristles of the brushroll to be blocked and unable to brush the floor. When this happens, the brushroll needs to be removed, cleaned, and put back.

The vacuum powers on, the brushroll rotates, the brushroll indicator light is solid green, but there is little to no suction.

A dirty filter can reduce the air flow and result in low suction. There are two filters: the Post-Motor Filter and the Pre-Motor Filter. The Post-Motor Filter is located on the top of the vacuum underneath the chrome Filter Grill and is labeled, “Filter Access.”

The Pre-Motor Filter is located on the top of the dust cup and is labeled, “Filter Access.” If the filters are dirty, clean or replace the filters.

There are two main air paths that are vital to proper airflow. The first airpath is located between the Brushroll and Dust Cup. Lift the brushroll out of the vacuum and check to make sure nothing is stuck on the brushroll and that the air path leading to the Dust Cup is clear.

Remove the Dust Cup and make sure that the Dust Cup is not filled beyond the max-full line. If the Dust Cup is filled beyond the max-full line, then dirt and debris can build up on the mesh screen and cause low suction. Remove any items blocking the mesh screen.

The suction control slider button may be switched to the open position. The open position reduces the suction and is intended to be used while vacuuming high-pile carpets. If you are not vacuuming high-pile carpets, make sure that the suction control slider button is closed by sliding it in and toward the handle. The slider switch is located above the front of the wheel of the vacuum.

The Dust Cup does not hold dirt and dust.

The Dust Cup may be damaged from hitting hard objects such as walls or bed risers. Check to see if there are any cracks on the Dust Cup’s surface. If there are cracks present you’re welcome to try some duct tape, but we recommend replacing the Dust Cup entirely. Here is a link on how to replace the Dust Cup [link to replacement guide] and where to buy a Dust Cup.

The Dust Cup has two lids on each side. Open each lid by pressing the release button. Check to see if there is any dust or dirt in the hinges or grooves that could be preventing the lid from closing tightly. If so, clean off the dirt/dust and try closing the lid again. Make sure you can hear a click sound when you close each lid. If the lids hinges and grooves are clean but the lid is not closing properly you may need to purchase new a Dust Cup.

The Dust Cup does not lock into the floor dock.

The Dust Cup is held in place on the floor dock by a latch on the bottom of the dock. If the latch is broken, then replace the Dust Cup.

The Dust Cup is held in place on the floor dock by a latch on the bottom of the dock. The latch release mechanism contains a spring inside the panel underneath the dock. Open the panel to check if the spring is broken. Replace the Dust Cup if the spring is broken.