How do i put back together the top of my Dyson DC17 animal upright? its the trigger to empty the drum? It seems I have to line up the rod with the bottom but I cant see what I am doing!

The knob on the bottom left side. It only has two settings, 'carpet' or 'hard floor'.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Dyson+dc17+animal

Dyson Support and the Manual

https://www.dyson.com/support/vacuum-cleaners/uprights/dc17

..

Put the belt on the motor shaft first, slide the brushroll through it. Put it all back together.

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you're having difficulties with your DC14 Animal. If the bin release mechanism seems to have broken, it's probably best if you get in touch with us directly. One of our experts will be happy to recommend the best course of action. You can call us free on 08002980298 (UK), or 1866MYDYSON (US). We'll look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulties with your DC17. When you stand the cleaner upright, the brushbar motor is designed to shut off automatically. However, the suction motor should continue to run unless you turn it off manually with the on/off switch. If both motors seem to be shutting off when you stand the cleaner upright, it's probably best if you get in touch with us directly so we can resolve this issue for you as quickly as possible.

You can call us free on 1866MYDYSON - or if you email your details to [email protected], someone will be in contact as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support

Check , replace filters, empty jug, If still poor , you may have a partial blockage somewhere,
pete

You need to get a long handled t-15 driver or a t-15 bit and a bit holder and extension for a 1/4" drive socket set (12" or longer extension) to get this apart. There are only something like 6 pcs in there and once you get it apart, cleaning it is very easy. Here's a good website on how to take it apart and put it back together. I have done this and it makes a difference. Be sure to sanitize everything once you have it apart. Takes out any funky smells.

dyson has switch problems, needs new switch.

Hi its Darran at Dyson.

Try following our online help at www.dyson.com/support, if this does not help, please contact our Helpline on 1866MYDYSON.

Kind regards
Darran
Dyson Customer Service

This is over a year too late, but perhaps this will help other people in your situation. Here is how the switch assembly should go together:

you just need to blow those holes out with a air compressor or similiar device and the filter can be washed in water and dried for 24 hours every once in a while, this is just how the vacuum works, nothing is perfect