Electrolux Vacuum Overheating [Try These First!]

Is your Electrolux vacuum overheating?

In 2021, Electrolux recalled AEG FX9 / Electrolux Pure F9 cordless vacuum cleaners with certain serial numbers due to a fault in one of their components.

The fault would cause overheating, putting the vacuum cleaner at risk of catching fire.

If you own one of the vacuums above, contact Electrolux immediately!

Otherwise, follow the steps below to solve the issue 🙂  

In this post you will learn:

• Why your Electrolux vacuum is overheating
• How to fix a Electrolux vacuum that overheats
• And more! 

Why Is My Electrolux Vacuum Overheating?

Overheating may be caused by a blockage in your Electrolux vacuum, such as a full dust bag, clogged hose, or debris stuck in the brush roll. It can also be caused by dirty filters, a broken belt or electrical issues. The temperature limiter switch of an overheated Electrolux vacuum will normally shut the machine off to prevent further damage.

How Do You Fix an Electrolux Vacuum That Overheats?

Before you attempt to fix your Electrolux vacuum, make sure you follow the steps below:

• Turn off your vacuum 
• Unplug it
• Let it cool down for at least 30 minutes.

Electrolux vacuum cleaners come with a temperature limiter switch that shuts off the vacuum if it goes over the safe temperature threshold. 

In addition, some Electrolux models feature an overheat symbol that lights up to indicate that the vacuum is too hot:

Thermal limit switches can easily break if not taken care of, so make sure you promptly fix whatever is causing your Electrolux vacuum to overheat.  

When the temperature limiter switch kicks in, your vacuum will need to cool down for at least 30 minutes.

Once your Electrolux vacuum has cooled down, follow the steps below: 

1. Replace The Dust Bag/Empty The Canister

On average, Electrolux dust bags should be replaced every 3 months.

This varies depending on the bag size and how often you use your vacuum.

A couple of things you should know about Electrolux dust bags:

• The average cost for a pack of 4 original Electrolux bags is $15, but you can buy compatible ones at a cheaper price instead
• If you use your Electrolux vacuum for regular, every day type of cleaning, the bag should last for about 3 months

Obvious initial signs of a full dust bag include:

• Loss of suction power
• Debris being left behind as you vacuum

If you own an Electrolux bagless vacuum, I recommend you empty the canister after each use or when it gets ¾ full.

2. Remove Clogs

Clogs can form both within the vacuum head/brush roll and in the hose/wand of your Electrolux vacuum: 

To remove clogged debris in the vacuum head:

Floor heads mainly get clogged due to long hair wrapping around the brush roll.

When your Electrolux vacuum brush is not spinning freely, it will put a strain on the vacuum motor, causing the machine to overheat.

1. Detach the head from the rest of the vacuum
2. Flip it upside down
3. Remove the screws that keep the bottom plate in place
4. Lift the plate and remove it
5. Take the brush roll out
6. Use your hands or grab a pair of scissors to remove the hair wrapped around the roller brush
7. Wash the brush with warm water
8. Let the brush air dry
9. Re-install the roller brush and the plate, ensuring that everything clicks correctly into place

Here is a video from Vacuumtests on how to clean an Electrolux Paragon brush roller:

Some Electrolux vacuum models feature a little switch which you simply move to remove the plate, rather than removing the screws.

Here is an example (by Vacuumspot) of such a type of vacuum head:

To remove a blockage from your Electrolux hose or extension wand:

1. Detach the hose/extension wand from your Electrolux vacuum
2. Grab a long object, such as a broom handle, to dislodge any clogs present.

You may also want to wash the hose every couple of months or so:

1. Fill the sink with enough water to completely submerge the hose 
2. Add dish soap or mild detergent
3. Let the water run through the hose
4. Use a cloth to clean the outer part of the hose
5. Let the hose dry completely before re-attaching it to your Electrolux vacuum cleaner

Here is a video from HooverLux Restorations that shows how to wash a vacuum hose:

3. Wash/Replace Filters

Electrolux vacuum cleaners come with 2 or more filters, depending on the model you own.

For example, the Electrolux UltraActive vacuum features 4 different filters and 2 sponges.

This is why it is important to check your user manual to locate all the filters and ensure you wash all of them or replace them when it is time.

Electrolux vacuums tend to easily overheat when a filter is clogged, so wash them when necessary by rinsing them with warm water.

Let them dry thoroughly before installing them back into your vacuum. 

On average, you may also want to change your Electrolux vacuum filters every 2 years. 

Check this video from HowToDoYourself to learn how to wash the filters you would typically find in an Electrolux canister vacuum:

4. Inspect The Belt

Electrolux vacuum belts enable the brush roller to spin and collect debris on carpets.

A broken belt can result in strain on the motor, causing your Electrolux vacuum to overheat.

Generally, a belt would break due to large debris clogging the brush which would put too much resistance on the belt.

Check your Electrolux manual to see where your vacuum belt is located.

Inspect the belt and replace if needed, ensuring you purchase the correct belt for your machine.

5. Inspect The Power Cord

Another possible reason why your Electrolux vacuum is overheating is a damaged power cord.

Inspect the power cord for loose wires or cracks and stop using your Electrolux vacuum cleaner if you see any damage. 

If you’re confident with your DIY skills, replace the power cord before you start using your Electrolux vacuum again.

Otherwise, I recommend you let an expert do it for you 🙂 

6. Clean/Replace The Cooling Fan

A dirty or broken cooling fan will make it difficult for the excessive heat to be expelled out of your Electrolux vacuum.

Check the owners manual to locate your Electrolux vacuum fan.

If the fan is too dirty, clean it thoroughly to remove as much dust as you can.

If the fan appears to be broken, replace it by following your Electrolux user manual, or contact Electrolux or a professional to help.

7. Contact a Professional To Inspect The Motor

Unfortunately, replacing a broken motor can be challenging for some and even dangerous if you do not know what you are doing.

For this reason, I recommend you contact a professional, so that they can inspect your Electrolux vacuum and determine whether the motor needs to be replaced.

Before taking your Electrolux vacuum to an independent professional, you may want to check the date you purchased your machine, as it may still be under warranty.

Electrolux vacuum cleaners come with a 2 year limited warranty for registered owners.

Here is what Electrolux say about their warranty:

“Your appliance is covered by a two year limited warranty. For two years from your original date of purchase,

Electrolux will pay all costs for repairing or replacing any parts of this appliance that prove to be defective in

materials or workmanship when such appliance is installed, used and maintained in accordance with the provided

instructions.”

Contact Electrolux to see if they can fix/replace your vacuum cleaner.

Conclusion

Knowing what to do when your Electrolux vacuum cleaner overheats can potentially save you hundreds of dollars!

Make sure you act quickly and go through the steps mentioned above.

To recap:

• Empty the dust bug or canister
• Remove clogs from the hose and brush roll
• Clean or replace your filters
• Inspect the belt and replace it if needed
• Replace the power cord 
• Clean or replace the cooling fan
• Call Electrolux or an independent professional