Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 and NV360: filters, clogs and the brushroll light
Both uprights take the same filter set and clog in the same places. If suction drops, rinse the filters and check both ends of the hose first.
Find your model number
Shark puts a rating label with the model number on the back or bottom of the main unit. On the NV360, the model and serial numbers are on the QR code label at the bottom of the back of the Lift-Away pod. The model number is also printed on the front cover of the owner's guide and near the bar code on the bottom of the box.
The NV360 is sold as the Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe. Variants such as NV352C, NV352Q and NV360K use the same filters as the base models.
The power switch
- O: off
- I: suction only, for bare floors and rugs
- II: brushroll on, for carpet. On the NV360 the brushroll starts when you recline the handle.
Rinse the foam, felt and HEPA filters
The Navigator has two pre-motor filters (a foam disc and a felt disc) under the dust cup, and a HEPA filter behind a cover on the front of the vacuum. Shark's schedule in both owner's guides:
| Part | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dust cup | Empty after every use | Wipe the screen inside with a dry cloth |
| Foam and felt pre-motor filters | Rinse every 3 months | Water only, air-dry at least 24 hours |
| HEPA post-motor filter | Clean every 2 years | Shark recommends replacing it every 3 years |
Safety: Turn the vacuum off and unplug it before you take out any filter.
Pre-motor filters
- Lift the side latches and remove the dust cup.
- Pull the foam and felt filters out of the top of the pod.
- Rinse both under the tap until the water runs clear. Don't use soap, and don't put them in a washing machine or dishwasher.
- Squeeze out the water and let them air-dry for at least 24 hours. Don't use a hair dryer or any heat.
- Refit the felt filter first, then the foam filter on top. Some discoloration is normal.
HEPA filter
- Pull up on the tab of the filter cover on the front of the vacuum and remove it.
- Pull the HEPA filter straight out.
- Turn it dirty side down and tap it firmly against the inside of a trash can.
- Rinse it dirty side down until the water runs clear.
- Let it air-dry for 24 hours before you put it back and refit the cover.
Find and clear a blockage
A blockage cuts suction and can make the motor overheat and shut off. Shark suggests checking after heavy use or whenever suction drops. A flashlight helps.
Safety: Unplug the vacuum first, and never push a sharp object into an opening to clear it. Shark's warranty doesn't cover damage done while clearing a blockage.
- Empty the dust cup: hold it over the trash and press the bottom-door release. Press the top-door release if debris is stuck.
- Squeeze the tabs where the stretch hose meets the back of the pod and pull it up. Look into the hose and the pod opening.
- Remove the dust cup and the extension wand, then separate the pod from the floor nozzle. Check every opening.
- Detach the hose on the floor nozzle at the top (squeeze the tabs and pull) and at the bottom (pull out the connector). Check both ends.
- Check any accessories you use, such as the crevice tool or turbo brush, then reassemble and test.
Clean the brushroll and read its light
Shark's guides don't tell owners to remove the motorized brushroll on these models. Clean it in place.
Safety: Turn the vacuum off and unplug it before you put your hands near the brushroll.
- Detach the pod from the floor nozzle and clear any blockage in the nozzle opening.
- Turn the nozzle over and cut away hair, string or fiber wrapped around the brushroll with scissors. Cut only the wrapped material, not the bristles.
- Pull the cut pieces free, reconnect the pod and test on position II.
What the brushroll light means (NV360 owner's guide)
| Light | Meaning and what to do |
|---|---|
| Solid green | The brushroll is on and working. |
| Solid red | Turn off and unplug, then clear the blockage in the nozzle. |
| Flashing red | Turn off and unplug, clear the blockage, then let the vacuum cool for at least 60 minutes. |
| No light | The brushroll is off. |
On the NV352 the light is green when the brush is on and red for a blockage or jam. It resets after you clear the jam and cycle the power or lock the handle upright. The brush stops automatically when jammed, which protects the belt.
If it shuts off by itself
A thermostat cuts the motor when it overheats, usually because of a clog or dirty filters.
- Switch to O and unplug the vacuum.
- Empty the dust cup and clean the filters.
- Check the hose, wand, accessories, nozzle and inlet openings for blockages.
- Let it cool: the NV360 guide says at least 60 minutes; the NV352 guide says at least 45. Waiting 60 is safe for both.
- Plug it in and switch it on. If it still won't start, call Shark customer service at 1-800-798-7398.
Troubleshooting by symptom
Low or no suction
- Rinse or replace the filters (XFF350, XHF350).
- Empty the dust cup.
- Clear blockages in the hose, hose connections, nozzle, wand, pod and accessories.
- Cut hair off the brushroll.
- Turn the suction control collar on the handle clockwise to increase suction.
Brushroll won't spin
If the light is red, turn off and unplug, take the pod off the nozzle and clear the blockage. Make sure the switch is on II and recline the handle, since the brush only runs in that position.
Turns off by itself, or the light flashes red
That's the thermostat. Follow the overheat reset steps and wait at least 60 minutes.
It sucks up area rugs
Switch to position I, or turn the suction control collar counterclockwise to reduce suction.