Why Is My Dyson Not Holding Its Charge?

Do you own a Dyson vacuum cleaner and find that it's not holding its charge like it used to? It can be frustrating when your vacuum isn't working as well as it should, but don’t worry - there are steps you can take to troubleshoot a Dyson that is having battery problems.

In this article, we'll explore the common causes of poor battery performance and tips for maintaining battery life so your Dyson will hold its charge better.

Troubleshooting Dyson Battery Problems

If your cordless Dyson keeps shutting down after only a few minutes and won’t hold its charge, first try these troubleshooting steps. It may be possible to rectify the situation without replacing the battery. 

Examine The Battery:

1. Make sure the battery is properly connected to the vacuum and there's no damage to the contacts.
2. Check for any visible damage to the battery, like swelling, leakage, or corrosion. If present, replace the battery.
3. Check the battery diagnostic lights when the vacuum is in use.  All Dyson models have an indicator light that can assist with troubleshooting battery problems. With the introduction of the LCD Screen from the Dyson V10 onwards, battery information is also displayed on the screen.

Check the charger and power source:

1. Make sure the charger is properly connected to the power outlet and the vacuum.
2. Test the power outlet with another device to ensure it's functioning correctly.
3. Look for any damage to the charger, like frayed cables or bent prongs. If damaged, replace the charger.
4. Check the battery indicator lights when the battery is charging according to the Diagnostics chart below. A Flashing blue light on the Dyson V6 indicates that the battery is not charging properly. However on newer models it indicates the battery is charging. In addition, flashing red lights whilst charging generally indicate a fault with the recommendation to call Dyson Customer Service.

Clean the vacuum:

If your vacuum is cutting out quickly after turning it on this can be indication of a blockage. Similarly, if your Dyson is pulsating on and off this can also be indication of a blockage and your vacuum needs a clean. Follow these steps:

1. Empty the dust bin and clean the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Check for blockages in the vacuum's airways, like the wand, hoses, and brush bar. Remove any debris.
3. Clean the brush bar and remove any hair or threads wrapped around it. If you have a newer model such as the Dyson V15 with an anti-hair wrap brush-roll this shouldn’t be a problem but could be an issue on older models. 

Perform a battery reset:

1. Unplug the charger from the power outlet and the vacuum.
2. Remove the battery (if removable) and wait for 30 seconds.
3. Reinsert the battery (if applicable) and reconnect the charger to the vacuum and the power outlet.
4. Charge the vacuum for the recommended time, typically 3-5 hours, and test the vacuum again.

Test the vacuum after charging:

After fully charging the vacuum, turn it on and observe the battery life. If the issue persists, the battery may be nearing the end of its lifespan and need replacement.

Dyson still not holding charge?

If none of these troubleshooting steps have worked then contact Dyson customer service. They should be able to provide further advice on what could be causing longer charging times or depleted batteries. They may suggest replacing the battery with a new one.

On newer Dyson models this is easy to do with the click of a button but on older models such as the V6 and V8 there is a bit more involved. Check out the videos below from Dyson showing how to do this.

If your battery does need replacement and you have an older model that is showing its age it might make sense to upgrade to a new machine.

However, if you are happy with the condition and performance of your existing model then a replacement battery is a much cheaper option. Just be sure to only replace it with a genuine Dyson battery and the correct one for your model.

Look for your model on the Dyson support page https://www.dyson.com/support.html and you will find a link to purchase the correct battery type.

Common Causes of Poor Battery Performance in Dyson Vacuums

Excessive use of Max or Boost Mode

Excessive use of high power mode or use in extreme temperatures can lead to decreased battery performance in Dyson vacuums.

If you use your Dyson in Max or Boost mode all the time this will cause it to degrade faster. As a result it may not hold its charge as long when running in auto or normal mode.

Running a Dyson in high power mode constantly is not necessary as the vacuums are designed to be used in Auto or Normal mode most of the time. This will maximize cleaning times and the life of your battery.

Dirty Filters or Blocked Hoses:

Another common issue that could be causing your Dyson not to hold its charge are dirty filters or blocked hoses. If there's dust build-up inside your vacuum’s filter system, it will restrict airflow which reduces suction power and prevents proper cleaning performance.

By not allowing proper airflow, dust build-up in the filter system increases motor energy consumption and drains battery power faster. Make sure you clean out any dirt buildup regularly so that your vacuum runs efficiently and doesn't drain its power quickly while being used.

Use in Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan, particularly for lithium-ion batteries commonly used in cordless vacuums like Dyson. Here's how extreme temperatures affect battery performance and lifespan:

High temperatures:

1. Accelerated aging: High temperatures can accelerate the aging process of the battery's internal components, leading to a gradual loss of capacity and a reduction in the overall lifespan.
2. Increased self-discharge: Elevated temperatures can increase the self-discharge rate of the battery, meaning it will lose its charge more quickly when not in use.
3. Thermal runaway: In extreme cases, high temperatures can cause a dangerous chain reaction called thermal runaway. This occurs when the heat generated by the battery exceeds its ability to dissipate it, leading to a rapid increase in temperature, which can result in the battery catching fire or exploding.

Low temperatures:

1. Reduced capacity: At low temperatures, the electrolyte in the battery becomes more viscous, reducing the mobility of lithium ions. This hinders the electrochemical reactions within the battery, leading to a temporary decrease in capacity and performance.
2. Increased internal resistance: Low temperatures can also increase the internal resistance of the battery, making it harder for the current to flow. This can result in reduced power output and a decrease in overall efficiency.
3. Potential damage: Charging a lithium-ion battery at extremely low temperatures can cause lithium plating, which is the formation of metallic lithium on the anode. This can lead to a permanent reduction in capacity, increased risk of short-circuiting, and potential thermal runaway.

12 Tips for Maintaining Your Dyson's Battery Life

1. Fully charge before first use: Charge the battery completely before using your vacuum for the first time.
2. Charge after use: To maintain optimum runtime, always recharge your vacuum after use.
3. Charge as required: You don't need to fully discharge the battery before recharging. Charge it as needed to maintain optimal runtime.
4. Let it cool, but not too much: Allow your vacuum to cool down after use before connecting it back to the charger. The vacuum won't operate or charge if the room temperature is below 37°F (3°C), as a protection measure for the motor and battery.
5. Give it a break: Prolong battery life by letting it run down to empty at least once a month. If you have a spare battery, swap them out periodically, so they both have time to naturally discharge.
6. Charge after extended non-use: If you haven't used the vacuum for an extended period, give the battery a full charge before using it again.
7. Avoid extreme temperatures: Store and charge your vacuum in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, radiators, and other heat sources. Extreme temperatures can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan.
8. Keep battery contacts clean: Ensure the battery contacts on both the vacuum and the charger are clean and free of debris or corrosion. Dirty contacts can lead to poor charging performance.
9. Store at room temperature: Keep the vacuum and battery at room temperature (between 60°F and 104°F or 15°C and 40°C) for optimal performance.
10. Protect from moisture: Keep the vacuum and charger away from moisture to prevent electrical damage and corrosion.
11. Use genuine Dyson parts: Use only genuine Dyson batteries and chargers to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to the vacuum.
12. Regularly Clean and Replace Filters: Regularly cleaning or replacing filters on your Dyson vacuum can help extend its battery life as well. Clogged filters can restrict airflow which reduces suction power, making the motor work harder than necessary and draining more energy from the battery than needed. Dyson recommends washing your filter at least once a month to maintain optimum performance.

Battery Management & Care

We think that Dyson’s recommendation to let the battery run down to empty at least once a month might be a conservative approach to ensure the Battery Management System (BMS) stays calibrated.

The BMS monitors the battery's charge level and other parameters, and occasionally, it may benefit from a full discharge and recharge cycle to maintain accurate readings.

However, the benefits of this practice are less crucial for lithium-ion batteries than for older battery chemistries. With lithium-ion batteries, it's more important to avoid overcharging and extreme temperatures, which can significantly impact the battery's performance and lifespan.

In summary, while fully discharging the battery once a month may have some minor benefits for Dyson's lithium-ion batteries, it's not as critical as it is for older battery technologies, and the primary focus should be on proper charging and temperature management.

Finally, remember to also consult your vacuum's user manual for specific instructions and recommendations on battery care and maintenance.

Dyson Vacuum Battery Performance

We've written a previous article on the manufacturing of Dyson vacuums and where they are made. Dyson vacuum batteries are specially designed and manufactured to minimize degradation of performance over time.

Several factors help with reducing the chances you will have problems with your Dyson battery including:

1. Extensive testing: Dyson batteries undergo over 2,000 hours of rigorous testing to achieve the optimal balance between energy density, power density, and lifespan. The battery cells are custom-made to meet Dyson's specific requirements.
2. Safe management system: The unique battery-saving trigger maximizes runtime by using power only when needed. It also prevents the battery from overheating, overcharging, and catching fire.
3. Lightweight and powerful: Dyson batteries are made from lithium-ion, a material known for its high power, lightweight properties, and safety. They are specially tuned to deliver exceptional performance.
4. No memory effect: Unlike some batteries that suffer from memory effect, Dyson batteries are designed without it. This means they can adapt to their environment and maintain their full charge capacity, regardless of their charge cycle.

Conclusion

By troubleshooting your Dyson when it’s not holding its charge, you can determine the root cause of the issue and take steps to fix it. In addition, following the tips above will help keep your vacuum’s battery in top condition and help prolong its lifespan.

Understanding common causes for poor battery performance can be beneficial when trying to diagnose battery problems. With appropriate upkeep and preventive maintenance, you can expect your Dyson to remain in peak condition for a long time.