Dyson V11: filter, battery and blockage fixes
For owners of the V11 Torque Drive, Animal, Absolute and Outsize. Check whether your battery clicks in or screws in first, because that decides the battery part and the swap.
Click-in or screw-in battery?
Dyson made the V11 with two battery types. Look where the handle meets the battery: a click-in pack has a release button and slides off; a screw-in pack is held by screws.
| Battery type | Model codes | Where the serial number is |
|---|---|---|
| Screw-in | SV14 | On the back of the battery pack at the base of the handle |
| Click-in | SV15, SV17, SV28 | Inside the handle, once the battery is off |
Every V11 has a screen behind the filter, either a color LCD or a simpler LED display. Modes are Eco, Auto (or Med) and Boost, changed with one button. Auto only works with the High Torque cleaner head; with other tools the screen shows Med. If your display shows a live particle count, you have a V15 Detect.
Wash or replace the filter
Wash it at least once a month, or when the screen tells you to. Dyson notes you may need to wash more often if you vacuum fine dust or use Boost a lot.
- Twist the filter counterclockwise and pull it off.
- Rinse the pleated paper part first under cold water, foam end down, so dirty water doesn't run back into the paper.
- Rinse the foam end, foam end down, and squeeze it gently.
- Fill the filter with cold water, cover both ends and shake. Repeat until the water runs clear. No detergent, no dishwasher, no washing machine.
- Leave it to dry completely for at least 24 hours somewhere with good airflow.
- Twist it back on clockwise until it clicks.
Clear a blockage
When the V11 finds a blockage, the motor pulses and the screen shows the blockage alert. It cuts out until you clear it.
- Take the vacuum off the charger and let it cool. Keep your fingers off the trigger.
- Remove the clear bin and look into the main body inlet.
- Remove the wand and check both ends. Clear anything inside by hand or with something blunt, never anything sharp.
- Check the neck and underside of the cleaner head. If you can't clear it, remove the brush bar (see the brush bar section).
- Refit everything and switch on. Note that Dyson's warranty doesn't cover clearing blockages.
Clean the High Torque brush bar
- Detach the cleaner head and turn it upside down.
- Use a coin to turn the end cap a quarter turn counterclockwise until it clicks unlocked.
- Slide the brush bar out and pull off hair and fibers.
- Slide it back in and turn the end cap a quarter turn clockwise to lock.
This brush bar isn't washable. The slider on the head sets suction: + for hard floors and heavily soiled carpet, the middle setting for light carpet and large debris such as rice, and - for deep pile and delicate floors.
Other V11 heads (Motorbar, Digital Motorbar, soft roller) are in the floor head guide.
Replace the battery
Click-in battery (SV15, SV17, SV28)
- Support the battery with one hand.
- Press the battery release button and slide the battery off the handle.
- Slide the new battery on until it clicks.
- Charge it. The blue lights on each side flash while charging; both stay lit for 5 seconds when it's full.
Screw-in battery (SV14)
Dyson's parts list shows 970145-06 for screw-in V11s, but Dyson's US site currently marks that battery as no longer sold. Check Dyson support with your serial number for what it offers now, or a battery from a reputable seller that is certified to a recognized safety standard. Dyson's manual says to contact Dyson if the battery needs replacing.
- Phillips #1 screwdriver
Safety: Only fit a genuine Dyson pack. Don't charge or use a pack that is swollen, cracked, leaking or hot, and take old packs to a battery recycling drop-off, never the trash.
- Take the vacuum off the charger, remove the wand and let it cool if you've just used it.
- Remove the one screw on the back of the handle, just above the battery.
- Turn the machine over and remove the two screws on the underside of the battery.
- Pull the battery down and out of the handle.
- Slide the new pack in, refit the three screws snugly (don't overtighten into the plastic), and charge it fully before use.
The V11 switches off if the battery is colder than 50°F. Warm it to room temperature before deciding it's dead.
Screen alerts and symptoms
| Alert | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Filter alert | The filter needs washing, or isn't fitted correctly |
| Blockage alert, motor pulsing | Clear the blockage before using the vacuum |
Pulsing, then cutting out
The blockage cut-out. Work through the blockage steps.
More than 12 flashing lights, or much shorter run time
Dyson lists both as typical signs the battery needs replacing. Run time in Boost is always short, so compare in Eco.
Switches off in a cold garage or car
Below 50°F the V11 switches off. Bring it indoors and let it warm up.
Shows Med instead of Auto
Auto only works with the High Torque cleaner head fitted.