Dyson V15 Detect (SV22): filter, battery and blockage fixes
The battery clicks off without tools, and the screen tells you when the filter needs washing or the airway is blocked.
Confirm it's a V15 Detect
On machines with a click-in battery, take the battery off and the serial number is inside the handle.
The V15 Detect's screen sits on the filter end of the machine and shows a particle count, along with the mode, run time, and filter and blockage alerts. A piezo sensor at the inlet sizes and counts dust. It has a trigger and three modes (Eco, Auto or Med, Boost) changed with one button. A V11 has a similar screen but no particle count.
Wash or replace the filter
971517-01 is often listed online as a V15 filter, but Dyson lists it for the V12 Detect Slim, not the V15.
- Twist the filter counterclockwise and pull it off. Tap off loose dust over a trash can.
- Rinse it under warm running water, rubbing gently with your fingers. No detergent.
- Fill it with warm water, cover the end and shake. Repeat until the water runs clear.
- Stand it on its end to dry for at least 24 hours in a warm, airy place. It must be completely dry before it goes back on.
- Twist it back on clockwise.
Dyson says to wash it at least once a month; the screen will also prompt you.
Clear a blockage
When the V15 detects a blockage, the motor pulses and the screen shows "Airways blocked". If you keep using it while it pulses, it cuts out. Turning off alerts in the settings doesn't stop blockage pulsing.
- 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.
Pay particular attention to the air inlet on the right-hand side of the machine, just below where the bin joins the main body.
Clean the cleaner heads
Digital Motorbar
- Detach the head and turn it upside down.
- Use a coin to turn the end cap counterclockwise to unlock it, then twist it off.
- Slide the brush bar out, clear hair and debris, and check inside the head.
- Wipe the bar with a damp, lint-free cloth. It isn't washable.
- Slide it back, push the end cap on and turn it to locked.
Fluffy Optic (illuminated) head
- Push the end cap up fully and pull the brush bar out.
- Wash the brush bar under running water. Don't wash the end cap.
- Stand it closed end up to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Refit it; the end cap must go on at an angle under 90 degrees or it won't close.
Wipe the lens only with the head detached, using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Part numbers for both heads are in the floor head guide.
Swap the click-in battery
- Push the battery release button on the handle and slide the battery off.
- Line up the new battery with the handle, slide it in and push firmly until it clicks.
- Charge it. The blue lights on each side flash while charging and stay lit for 5 seconds when it's full.
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.
The V15 won't run or charge below 41°F.
Screen alerts and symptoms
| Screen | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Filter not sealed | The filter isn't fitted correctly |
| Filter needs cleaning | Wash the filter |
| Airways blocked | There's a blockage to clear |
| Three pulses and a low run time icon | The battery needs charging |
| Red battery icon | The battery is empty |
Battery health appears on the battery graphics on the screen.