Dyson Big Ball Animal Not Picking Up: Fixing Tips

When your Dyson Big Ball Animal vacuum cleaner starts to lose suction or fails to pick up debris effectively, it can be frustrating. This powerful machine is designed to handle pet hair and household dirt with ease, but like any vacuum, it requires proper maintenance to function at its best. Most suction problems stem from a few common issues that you can resolve yourself without calling a professional.

The primary culprits behind poor suction include clogged filters, blocked airways, full dust bins, and obstructed brush bars. Before assuming your vacuum needs expensive repairs, it’s worth checking these areas first. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step troubleshooting procedures to restore your Dyson Big Ball Animal’s powerful suction and get your floors clean again.

Common Causes of Poor Suction

The Dyson Big Ball Animal vacuum is engineered with cyclonic technology that maintains powerful suction, but several factors can compromise its performance. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward resolving the issue.

Dirty or Clogged Filters

Filters are your vacuum’s first line of defense against dust and allergens. When they become clogged, airflow is restricted, and suction power diminishes significantly. The Dyson Big Ball Animal has two main filters:

• Pre-motor filter: Located at the top of the dust bin
• Post-motor filter: Found on the ball portion of the vacuum

These filters require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. When neglected, they can become the primary reason your vacuum struggles to pick up debris.

Obstructed Brush Bar

The rotating brush bar is essential for agitating carpet fibers and loosening dirt. Hair, string, and fibers can wrap around the brush bar, preventing it from rotating properly. When this happens, the vacuum’s ability to pick up debris is severely compromised, especially on carpets.

Blocked Hose and Airways

The vacuum’s suction path includes several components where blockages can occur. A clog anywhere in this pathway will restrict airflow and reduce suction power. Common blockage points include:

• The main hose
• The wand
• Internal airways within the ball mechanism
• The changeover valve
• Connection points between components

Full or Improperly Sealed Dust Bin

A full dust bin restricts airflow, while an improperly sealed bin allows air to escape, reducing suction power. Additionally, debris can accumulate around the cyclone assembly, further impacting performance.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Cleaning and Maintaining Filters

Proper filter maintenance is crucial for maintaining suction power. Follow these steps to clean your Dyson Big Ball Animal’s filters:

Pre-motor filter cleaning:

• Turn off and unplug your vacuum
• Remove the pre-motor filter (located at the top of the dust bin)
• Rinse under cold water only until the water runs clear
• Do not use hot water, soap, or cleaning products
• Allow to air-dry completely for 24 hours before reinstalling

• Never use heat sources like hair dryers to speed up drying

Post-motor filter cleaning:

• Remove the post-motor filter from the ball
• Gently tap to remove loose debris
• For heavily soiled filters, rinse with cold water
• Allow to air-dry completely before reinstalling

For optimal performance, clean both filters at least once a month. More frequent cleaning may be necessary for homes with pets or high dust levels.

Clearing the Brush Bar

A clogged brush bar can significantly impact your vacuum’s ability to pick up debris from carpets. Here’s how to clear it:

1. Turn off and unplug the vacuum
2. Locate the brush bar release button and remove the brush bar
3. Use scissors to carefully cut away any entangled hair or string
4. Check for any damage to the brush bristles
5. Reinstall the brush bar, ensuring it clicks securely into place
6. Test the brush bar rotation by turning on the vacuum (it should spin freely)

Inspecting and Clearing the Hose

A blocked hose is a common cause of suction problems. Follow these steps to check and clear your vacuum’s hose:

1. Disconnect the hose from both ends of the vacuum
2. Straighten the hose and check for visible kinks or damage
3. Shine a light through one end to check for blockages
4. Use a long, thin object (like a broom handle) to gently push through any blockages
5. For stubborn clogs, try flushing with water, then allow to dry completely before reattaching
6. Check for tears or holes in the hose that might cause suction loss

Maintaining the Dust Bin

Proper dust bin maintenance is essential for consistent suction power:

1. Press the release button to detach the dust bin
2. Empty contents when they reach the MAX line (never overfill)
3. Press the additional release button to open the bin base for complete emptying
4. Wipe the interior with a dry cloth to remove dust buildup
5. Check the cyclone assembly for debris and clean if necessary
6. Ensure all seals are clean and properly positioned before reattaching
7. Confirm the bin clicks securely back into place

Addressing Clogs in the Ball Mechanism

The unique ball design of your Dyson can sometimes trap debris in hard-to-reach areas:

Checking the changeover valve:

• Remove the ball cover and filter
• Inspect the changeover valve for obstructions
• Use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove any foreign objects
• Ensure the valve moves freely between wand and roller head positions
• Check the small suction hose for damage or disconnection

Inspecting the main unit:

• Lay the vacuum on its back
• Locate the red clip near the base and disengage to remove the internal chamber
• Clean the chamber thoroughly with gloves and a disinfectant wipe
• For stubborn clogs, flip side tabs to access the brush mechanism
• Reassemble carefully, ensuring all components click securely into place

Clearing the base head:

• Check the six-inch tube at the base head for blockages
• Lay the vacuum on its back and turn it on to test suction at the floor head
• If the brush roll doesn’t spin, check for obstructions or motor issues

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

Testing Suction Power

To determine if your vacuum truly has weak suction:

1. Place the vacuum nozzle over a piece of tissue paper
2. Turn on the vacuum
3. If the tissue doesn’t stick firmly to the nozzle, suction is weak
4. Proceed with the following checks to identify and fix the issue

Checking Seals and Gaskets

Worn or damaged seals can cause significant suction loss:

1. Inspect all seals and gaskets around the dust bin, filters, and connections
2. Look for cracks, tears, or deformation
3. Clean seals with a damp cloth to remove dust that might prevent proper sealing
4. Replace any damaged seals or gaskets to restore suction power

If you notice any damaged seals or gaskets, replacing them can help restore your vacuum’s suction.

Addressing Motor Issues

If you’ve checked all other components and still have suction problems, the motor might be the culprit:

1. Listen for unusual noises when the vacuum is running
2. Check for burning smells that might indicate motor problems
3. Ensure the power cord is undamaged and properly connected
4. If you detect an acidic smell accompanied by popping sounds, this suggests motor failure requiring professional attention

If the motor is failing, it may need to be replaced by a professional.

Resolving Vacuum Stability Problems

Sometimes stability issues can affect performance:

Broken plastic component on the duct assembly:

• Remove the duct assembly
• Inspect the bottom half of the frame for a broken plastic cylinder
• Visit a Dyson repair center for replacement parts if needed

Misaligned stabilizer pedal:

• Lay the vacuum on its front
• Firmly press down on the red plastic semi-circle stabilizer piece
• Test if the vacuum now clicks when returned to upright position

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does my Dyson Big Ball Animal have strong suction from the hose but weak suction from the head?

This common issue typically indicates a problem with the changeover valve. A foreign object (like a pen or plastic piece) may be lodged in the valve, preventing it from switching suction back to the head. Remove the ball cover and filter, then inspect the changeover valve for obstructions. Use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove any objects and ensure the valve moves freely.

How often should I clean the filters on my Dyson Big Ball Animal?

For optimal performance, clean both the pre-motor and post-motor filters at least once a month. If you have pets or live in a dusty environment, you may need to clean them more frequently. Remember to allow filters to dry completely (24 hours) before reinstalling them in your vacuum.

Why does my Dyson vacuum shut off suddenly during use?

Dyson vacuums have an automatic safety system that shuts off the motor if it overheats. This typically happens when filters are clogged or airways are blocked, causing poor ventilation. Empty the dust bin, clean the filters, and check for blockages. Then unplug the vacuum and allow it to cool for at least an hour before using it again.

Can I wash the dust bin of my Dyson Big Ball Animal?

You can clean the dust bin with a damp cloth, but avoid submerging it in water or using cleaning products. Never place the dust bin in a dishwasher. Always ensure the bin is completely dry before reattaching it to your vacuum.

Why is my Dyson brush bar not spinning even though the vacuum is running?

If the brush bar isn’t spinning, check for hair or string wrapped around it that might be preventing rotation. Also, ensure the brush bar is properly installed and that the vacuum is set to the correct floor type setting. If the brush bar still doesn’t spin after clearing obstructions, the brush bar motor or belt might need replacement.

If the brush bar motor or belt is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Search term for Amazon: Dyson brush bar motor replacement

Conclusion

Most suction problems with the Dyson Big Ball Animal vacuum can be resolved through proper maintenance and troubleshooting. Regular cleaning of filters, emptying the dust bin before it reaches capacity, and checking for blockages in the hose and airways will help maintain optimal performance. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can restore your vacuum’s powerful suction and extend its lifespan.

Remember that prevention is key—establishing a regular maintenance routine will help you avoid suction problems in the future. If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and still experience issues, contact Dyson customer support or a certified repair center for professional assistance. With proper care, your Dyson Big Ball Animal will continue to effectively tackle pet hair and household dirt for years to come.