The vacuum overheats and shuts off after about 5 minutes

The filter is probably clogged and restricting the airflow causing it to overheat. Even if you thoroughly clean filters frequently they should be replaced, about once per year depending on the model.

You may need new filters or have a clog somewhere causing it to overheat and shut off.

Many people are not seeing the washable filter at the top of the vacuum cleaner. You can't see it until you open it. This will cause the vacuum to overheat and shut down when not cleaned.

Vacuum cleaners have electric motors in them that require proper airflow to pass over them to keep them cool. Many vacuum cleaners have a thermal (heat) sensitive shut off mechanism built in. This mechanism should prevent the burn out of the motor. If you run a vacuum too long with a clogged hose or clogged filters (especially bagless vacuums) or clogged bags, that is essentially choking the vacuum for air and not allowing it to breath properly. This will cause it to overheat and shut down. Most of the big box store purchased vacuums have very thin wires in the motor windings and can only do this a few times before the motor completely fails. If your vacuum has been shutting down, then cooling off and restarting after about 30 to 45 minutes, then shutting down after only a few minutes of use, your machine is probably clogged up or the filters are compacted.

This sounds like an overheat condition. You must have plugged air flow, so rather than cause a fire, the unit shuts down until cooled. Find and remove the blockage << Not always an easy task.

Mine takes longer to shut down, but I just started having this same problem. I wish I knew what's causing it so I could fix it. I think maybe we had a power surge at some point when I was using it last week. :(

Hi,
This is overheating and tripping the thermal cut-out on the motor.
You need to strip off all filters, clean or replace them (if caked solid). Very often panel filters can be cleaned by knocking them on an outside wall, then a good blow to clear loose dust.
Dyson's often overheat if the filters are not cleaned.
Make sure belts are in good condition, and beater brushes only contact the floor slightly. You need to adjust this hight for different floor surfaces - or it will overheat on thick carpet.

Lind a, I don't recall if this unit has an overheat sensor. Try it again and if it shuts off see if the vac feels very hot, but do not touch the switch, leave it in the on position, to cool down. When a vac overheats it will generally restart on its own in about 20 minutes if it has a heat sensor on the motor.
If your vac restarts, you either have a defective sensor or a blockage in the hose or filter area causing the motor to overheat.
If it does not restart your problem is electrical, sticking carbon brush on motor, bad cord, etc.
Post back with more info

Our Hoover U5780-900 stopped working while using the attachment. We let it cool down for about 5 minutes and it fired back up. It appears to shut down when it overheats.

This is from the Dyson web page:
Get expert help Thermal cut out Most Dyson vacuums have a built in safety system that stops the machine if it begins to overheat. This usually happens because the filter needs washing or your machine is blocked. If your machine turns off on its own, unplug it and leave it for at least an hour to cool down. Remember to check the filter and look for blockages before re-starting.
Any non- domestic use may adversely affect the filter performance such as vacuuming up plaster dust.


Sounds like your vacuum is overheating. Check the above.


Lou