The brush roll indicator light on your Shark vacuum plays an essential role in indicating the proper function of the brush roll. Sometimes, you may experience that the brush roll indicator light on your Shark vacuum is not on. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you don’t know the reason behind it.
In this article, we will discuss why the Shark vacuum brush roll indicator light is not on and provide you with some troubleshooting tips to fix the issue. Read on to learn more.

Why Shark Vacuum Brush Roll Indicator Light Is Not On
If you are experiencing an unlit indicator light on your Shark vacuum, this can be a result of several issues with the device. The light may fail to turn on due to overheating, a clogged brush roll, a damaged belt, or user error.
The brush roll in your Shark vacuum is positioned in its suction head to help remove dirt and debris from surfaces. The indicator light keeps you informed about the functionality of your brush roll.
Normally, when your brush roll is operational, the indicator light will be green. Conversely, if something goes wrong, the light turns red. An unlit indicator light can indicate a serious problem with your vacuum or that you have made a user error.
Understanding the function of brush roll indicator light
To properly assess a potential issue with your Shark vacuum cleaner, it’s important to understand the role of the brush roll indicator light. This light is designed to provide valuable insight into the function of your brush roll, which is responsible for a deep clean in your carpets by removing embedded dirt and dust.
The brush roll indicator light can shine green or red when activated. A green light indicates that the brush roll is working properly, while a red light indicates there is an issue. Common issues include an overheating vacuum cleaner or a jammed roller brush.
If you encounter an issue where the brush roll indicator light does not turn on, it’s important to identify potential causes. In the next section, we will explore the possible reasons for this issue before diving into solutions to get your Shark vacuum cleaner back to full functionality.
Steps to solve the indicator light issue
If you are experiencing issues with your Shark vacuum brush roll indicator light not turning on, there are steps you can take to solve the problem. By following these simple troubleshooting tips, you can resolve the issue and get your vacuum cleaner back up and running in no time. Here are the steps to solve the indicator light issue.
Incorrect Switch Selection
Shark vacuums come equipped with two cleaning modes for efficient cleaning. One is the suction mode, used for debris on smooth surfaces like hardwood or tiles. The other mode is the brush roll mode, used for vacuuming carpets. Toggling between these two modes is easily done with the power switch, which has two options, “I” and “II.” The “I” mode is for suction mode, and the “II” mode is for brush roll mode.
However, choosing the wrong mode can be confusing, and the brush roll indicator light may not turn on, indicating an incorrect switch selection. The switch itself does not make it clear which mode is in use, making it challenging to determine the correct position.
Incorrect Switch Selection: How to fix
To fix this problem, make sure that the switch on your Shark vacuum cleaner is in the correct setting. To turn on the brush roll indicator light, switch the vacuum to “II” or the brush roll mode. Double-check that the vacuum is in the correct mode, and the light should come on.
If you have double-checked the switch and the light still doesn’t come on, it could be an indicator of other technical issues. Then, it’s time to explore other potential problems, such as a tangled brush roll motor, drive belt, or loose nozzle head. You can refer to the user manual for troubleshooting methods or contact customer service for proper guidance.
Incorrectly Attached Nozzle
The nozzle of your vacuum is essential in collecting debris for your cleaning. It connects to the suction head, which carries the brush roll and the motor that powers it. However, when the nozzle is not attached properly to the suction head, it can cause problems.
The problem with an incorrectly attached nozzle is that it prevents the suction head from receiving power. Consequently, the brush roll will fail to spin, making it difficult for you to clean your floors.
Incorrectly Attached Nozzle: How To Fix It
To fix this problem, you need to make sure that the suction head and nozzle are connected correctly. First, line up the nozzle with the suction head and push it firmly into place. The nozzle should attach itself and lock in place when it is correctly attached.
If the nozzle is still not attaching, check for any obstacles such as tangled hair or debris that may be stuck between the nozzle and the suction head. Clean out any debris you find and try reattaching the nozzle.
If the nozzle still doesn’t attach, check for a release button that could be disengaged. Press and hold this button before securing the nozzle in place. If these steps don’t work, try ensuring the nozzle is in the proper position before attaching it.
Overheating Shark Vacuum Cleaner
Your Shark vacuum has two motors that work simultaneously to produce the cleaning power that you need. One motor powers the suction mechanism of your vacuum, while the other drives the brush roll via a drive belt. When these motors fail, it can trigger the brush roll indicator light to turn off.
If the suction motor in your Shark vacuum overheats, it may result from an overfilled vacuum bag, a clogged filter, or a blockage within the hose. Airflow is essential for your vacuum to cool its motor, and if it gets blocked, the motor won’t cool down effectively. Additionally, if the blockage in the suction head reduces the suction, the motor will work harder, creating more heat and causing overheating.
The brush roll motor of your Shark vacuum may overheat due to multiple reasons. It may overheat if the brush roll is blocked and cannot turn or if the drive belt is broken. Without the resistance provided by the brush roll and the belt, the motor may spin too fast, causing it to overheat.
Precautions to Fix Overheating Shark Vacuum Cleaner
To deal with overheating in the suction motor of your Shark vacuum, you need to ensure that your vacuum is adequately cleaned out. Begin by checking the dust canister or the vacuum bag and empty it out or change it if it’s more than 3/4 full. Then remove and clean or replace the filters and the hose to remove any obstructions.
Dealing with an overheating brush roll motor requires that you inspect the belt and the brush roll to ensure that they are moving smoothly. If you find a blockage in the brush roll, remove it to end the overheating. If the drive belt needs replacing, follow the repair guide in your Shark’s manual to replace the worn-out belt.
After fixing the issue that’s causing overheating, leave the Shark vacuum for about an hour before using it again. This period gives it enough time to cool down and ensures that you don’t further damage the vacuum cleaner.
Drive Belt/Belt Channel Is Broken
The drive belt is an important component of the vacuum that works with the electric motor to power the brush roll. If the drive belt channel breaks, the vacuum’s ability to clean carpets, floors, and other surfaces will diminish.
To diagnose the issue, inspect the brush roll to determine if the belt is still attached and the belt channel is intact. Without proper alignment and tension on the belt, the brush roll may not spin properly. If the belt channel breaks, the belt can jump off the brush roll, coming to rest in the housing.
Fixing the Broken Belt Channel
A worn or snapped drive belt will need to be replaced but when the channel is broken, buying a new brush roll is necessary. The belt channel is not available separately. If you opt to replace the drive belt or the brush roll on your own, start by partially dismantling the vacuum’s suction head. This is a simple task that requires a screwdriver.
Without experience dealing with electrical components, however, you may want to hand over the task to an authorized technician, rather than cause further damage to the vacuum. Once you remove the broken brush roll, it’s easy to fit the new brush roll in the right position and slide the belt back on.
Brush Roll Is Jammed
The brush roll, inside the Shark vacuum’s suction head, is responsible for lifting dirt and debris from carpets. It uses stiff bristles to catch and pull dirt from surfaces. However, because it acts as a magnet for loose hair and other debris, the brush roll often gets jammed, making cleaning carpets tough.
Why the Brush Roll Jams
Tangled hair is the most common reason for a jammed brush roll. When the brush roll sweeps up loose hairs, these can get entangled in their inner workings. If not cleaned promptly, the brush roll will eventually come to a complete stop.
Solving the Issue
To fix the issue, start by opening the Shark vacuum’s suction head to access the brush roll. Disconnect the brush roll from the drive belt and remove it from the suction head. If any tangled hair is wrapped tightly around the brush roll, use a pair of scissors to cut it away, taking care not to snip off any of the bristles. Once done, reinstall the brush roll into the suction head, reassemble the head, and test the vacuum.
Prevention Tips
Prevent further jams by keeping a clean and debris-free vacuum head. Regular cleaning after use, including all the components of the vacuum head and brush roll, can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing future jams.
FAQs
Can you turn off the brush roll on the Shark vacuum?
Yes, it is possible to turn off the brush roll on a Shark vacuum cleaner. The front roller can be deactivated through the settings on the handle. This can be a helpful feature when cleaning delicate surfaces or when using attachments like the pet hair power brush.
Where is the roller brush switch on the Shark vacuum?
The Shark vacuum’s roller brush switch is located on the top of the canister. To activate the brush roll, the device must be in power mode and a flashing green indicator will appear. Once activated, the brush roll will begin to move automatically.
Why isn’t the green light coming on in my Shark vacuum?
If the green light doesn’t appear on your Shark vacuum, it could mean the device has overheated. You should switch it off and clean the dust bag, filter, and brush roll. Let the device cool down for an hour before attempting to use it again.
Why is my Shark light blinking?
If the light indicator on your Shark vacuum is blinking red, it means that the brush roll is obstructed, or the vacuum is overheating. You should clear the brush roll, switch off the vacuum, and let it cool down for 24 hours before attempting to use it again.
Why is my Shark Navigator brush roll not working?
When the brush roll on your Shark Navigator stops working, it may be caused by the buildup of hair or dirt. To fix this issue, cut away any tangled hair with a pair of scissors and clean the brush roll thoroughly. Use a damp cloth to wipe it down and let it dry before using again.
Conclusion:
This article provides useful information on what to do when the brush roll indicator light on your Shark vacuum is not on. By following the troubleshooting guide and proper maintenance tips, you can easily solve common issues and get your vacuum cleaner back to working properly.
Remember to check the brush roll mode and make sure the indicator light is in the correct position, and utilize the release button to remove any tangled hair from the brush rolls. If these simple solutions do not work, consult the repair guide or contact customer service for technical assistance.
Overall, this article provides a quick answer to the problem of a brush roll indicator light not being on for Shark vacuum models and can serve as a helpful resource for troubleshooting common issues and maintaining your vacuum cleaner.