Shark Vacuum Error Codes

Complete diagnostic guide for Shark vacuum cleaners including robot vacuums, upright vacuums, cordless vacuums, and steam mops in the United States.

Important Note

Shark vacuum cleaners (part of SharkNinja) use various error indicators that vary by model. Robot vacuums use LED light combinations (CLEAN, DOCK, and exclamation mark indicators in different colors), while upright and cordless vacuums may use numeric error codes or LED indicators.

Always refer to your specific model's user manual for model-specific error codes and troubleshooting procedures. Regular maintenance including emptying dust bins, cleaning filters, and removing blockages can prevent many common errors.

Robot Vacuum LED Error Indicators

Error codes for Shark robot vacuums indicated by LED light combinations (CLEAN, DOCK, and exclamation mark indicators).

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
CLEAN (RED) + ! (RED) flashing	Suction motor error / Insufficient suction	Dust bin full Airflow blocked Filter dirty or clogged Suction motor overload Blockages in air path	Empty dust bin Clean or replace filter Remove all blockages from air path Check suction motor Allow motor to cool if overheated
CLEAN (RED) flashing	Robot stuck or blocked	Robot stuck on obstacle Robot blocked by furniture or objects Robot on uneven surface Wheels blocked	Move robot to flat, clear area Remove obstacles Check wheels for blockages Ensure robot is on level surface Restart cleaning cycle
DOCK (RED) flashing	Front bumper stuck	Front bumper jammed or blocked Bumper not moving freely Obstacle preventing bumper movement	Clean front bumper Check bumper moves freely Remove any blockages Inspect bumper mechanism
CLEAN (RED) + DOCK (RED) flashing	Dust bin removed or not properly inserted	Dust bin removed during operation Dust bin not properly seated Dust bin sensor not detecting bin	Reinsert dust bin correctly Ensure bin clicks into place Check bin is properly seated Clean bin sensor area
DOCK (RED) + ! (RED) flashing	Side brush stuck	Side brush blocked by hair or fibers Side brush jammed Side brush not rotating	Remove hair and fibers from side brush Clean side brush thoroughly Check brush rotates freely Replace brush if damaged
CLEAN (RED) + DOCK (RED) + ! (RED) flashing	Drive wheel blocked	Drive wheel blocked by debris Wheel axle blocked Wheel not rotating	Clean drive wheels Remove debris from wheel axles Check wheels rotate freely Inspect wheels for damage
CLEAN (WHITE) + DOCK (RED) + ! (RED) flashing	Wheel motor encoder failure	Wheel motor encoder defective Motor encoder communication error Wheel motor problem	Turn off and restart robot If error persists, contact Shark support May require motor replacement Check warranty coverage
CLEAN (WHITE) + ! (RED) flashing	Brush roll blocked	Brush roll blocked by hair or debris Brush roll not rotating Brush roll jammed	Remove blockages from brush roll Clean brush roll thoroughly Check brush roll rotates freely Replace brush roll if damaged
CLEAN (RED) + DOCK (WHITE) flashing	Cliff sensor error	Cliff sensor dirty or blocked Cliff sensor misaligned Cliff sensor defective	Clean cliff sensors Reposition robot on level surface Check sensors for proper alignment Contact support if sensors need replacement
CLEAN (BLUE) + DOCK (RED) flashing	Dock not found	Robot cannot find charging dock Dock not in range Dock sensor problem	Manually return robot to dock Ensure dock is properly set up Check dock connections Reposition dock if necessary
Battery Icon (RED) flashing	Battery critically low or defective	Battery almost empty Battery defective Battery connection problem	Charge battery If error persists, check battery connection Contact Shark support for battery replacement Check warranty coverage

Motor and Power Errors

Error codes for Shark vacuums related to motor problems, overheating, and power issues.

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
Error 10	Motor not starting	Battery problem Power supply issue Motor blocked by obstacle Motor defective	Check battery charge Ensure power supply is connected Check for obstacles blocking motor Contact support if motor is defective
Error 20	Motor overheating	Motor overheated from extended use Blockages causing motor strain Insufficient cooling	Allow appliance to cool down Remove blockages Check ventilation Wait 30-60 minutes before restarting
Error 30	Motor overcurrent / Motor drawing too much current	Blockages in brushes or nozzles Motor overload Mechanical binding	Check for blockages in brushes and nozzles Remove all obstructions Contact technical support if problem persists May require service
Error 40	Motor short circuit	Short circuit in motor Motor wiring problem Motor defective	Turn off appliance immediately Disconnect from power source Contact service Do not attempt to use
Error 50	Motor speed too high	Blockages or mechanical problems Motor control error Speed sensor problem	Check for blockages Inspect mechanical components Contact support for diagnosis
EH1 / HE1	Dust bin full / Airflow blocked	Dust bin full Airflow blocked Filter clogged	Empty dust bin Clean filter Clear air passages

Sensor and Component Errors

Error codes for Shark vacuums related to sensor problems, brush issues, and component detection.

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
Error 7	Cliff sensor problem	Cliff sensor dirty or blocked Sensor misaligned or covered Sensor defective	Clean cliff sensors Check if sensors are properly aligned Ensure sensors are not covered Contact support if sensors need replacement
4 VIB / 8 VIB	Side brush stuck or blocked	Side brush blocked Side brush not rotating Hair or fibers wrapped around brush	Clean side brush Remove hair and fibers Check for blockages Ensure brush rotates freely
CLEAN (RED) + DOCK (BLUE) solid	Boundary error / Magnetic strip issue	Robot too close to boundary strip Magnetic boundary strip problem Boundary detection error	Move robot away from boundary strip Check boundary strip placement Reposition boundary strip if needed

General Troubleshooting Tips

General maintenance and troubleshooting tips to prevent common Shark vacuum errors.

Error Code / Indicator	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
Low or No Suction	Reduced suction power	Clogged filters Full dust bin Blockages in hose or wand Filter not properly installed	Empty dust bin Clean filters (allow 24 hours to dry) Clear all air passages Check filter installation Replace filters if worn
Appliance Shuts Off Automatically	Motor overheating / Overload protection	Motor overheating Blockages causing motor strain Extended use without breaks	Allow appliance to cool for 60 minutes Check air passages for blockages Remove all obstructions Reduce usage time
Brush Roll Not Spinning	Brush roll blocked or worn	Hair and fibers wrapped around brush Brush roll worn or damaged Brush roll mechanism problem	Clean brush roll thoroughly Remove all hair and fibers Replace brush roll if worn or damaged Check brush roll mechanism
LED Lights Solid or Flashing Red	Brush or motor overload indicator	Brush or motor overload Operating fault detected Component problem	Turn off appliance Clear blocked parts Allow to cool Contact customer service if problem persists

Need More Help?

If you are experiencing problems with your Shark vacuum that are not covered by these error codes, or if the provided solutions do not resolve your issue, we recommend:

Consult your Shark vacuum user manual for model-specific information
Visit the official Shark support page: support.sharkclean.com
Contact Shark customer service (SharkNinja) in the United States with your model number
Regular maintenance: empty dust bins regularly, clean filters (allow 24 hours to dry), remove blockages
Clean brush rolls and side brushes regularly to prevent blockages
Ensure proper ventilation around motor to prevent overheating
Seek help from a qualified appliance repair technician
Check warranty coverage if your vacuum is still under warranty

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