Dyson V8: filters, battery and pulsing fixes

Confirm it's a V8, and which filter top you have

Dyson's V8 codes are SV10, SV10E and SV25. On machines with a screw-in battery, Dyson prints the serial number on the back of the battery pack at the base of the handle. If it isn't on the battery, look behind the bin: pull the red lever back, then lift up to release the cyclone. The V8 Cyclone (SV55) is a newer, different machine with its own battery and isn't covered here.

Dyson splits the V8 by the top of the pre-filter:

MAX is a slide switch on top of the machine, between the bin and the filter. The bin empties with a red lever you pull back and up. The battery has three blue charge lights on its side.

Wash or replace both filters

Dyson's SV10 manual says to wash both filters in cold water at least once a month, more often if you vacuum fine dust, use the machine heavily or mostly run it in normal suction mode. Don't put fragrance or scented products on the filters; Dyson flags that as a fire risk.

Top pre-filter

1. Lift the pre-filter straight out of the top of the cyclone.
2. Run cold water over the outside until the water runs clear. Cold water only, no detergent.
3. Squeeze and twist it with both hands to get the water out.
4. Lay it on its side and leave it to dry completely for at least 24 hours. No dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, oven, microwave or open flame.
5. Drop it back into the top of the cyclone once it's fully dry.

Rear post filter

1. Twist the rear filter counterclockwise to the open position and pull it away from the machine.
2. Rinse the inside under cold running water, turning it so every pleat gets wet.
3. Tap it against the side of the sink to knock out debris. Repeat 4 or 5 times until it's clean.
4. Stand it upright, top facing up, and leave it to dry completely for at least 24 hours.
5. Line it up in the open position and twist clockwise until it clicks.

Pulsing and blockages

Dyson's V8 manuals say the motor pulses when there's a blockage and won't run normally until it's cleared. Dyson's V8 support page lists three reasons a V8 pulses or cuts out: a blockage, a stuck bin inlet, or filters that need washing.

1. Take the vacuum off the charger and let it cool. Keep your fingers off the trigger.
2. Remove the clear bin and look into the main body inlet.
3. Remove the wand and check both ends. Clear anything inside by hand or with something blunt, never anything sharp.
4. Check the neck and underside of the cleaner head. If you can't clear it, remove the brush bar (see the brush bar section).
5. Refit everything and switch on. Note that Dyson's warranty doesn't cover clearing blockages.

Clean the brush bar

On the V8's Direct Drive head, a coin unlocks the fastener marked with a padlock and the brush bar slides out. V8s also came with Motorbar and Fluffy heads; all of them are in the floor head guide.

Replace the battery

The V8 pack is held by three screws: two at the base of the battery, hidden by the clear bin, and one at the back of the handle. Dyson recommends running its online troubleshooting before buying.

• Phillips screwdriver (iFixit uses a #2)

1. Take the vacuum off the charger and remove the wand or tool.
2. Remove the clear bin to expose the two screws at the base of the battery.
3. Remove the screw at the back of the handle. Keep its rubber washer.
4. Remove the two screws at the base of the battery and slide the pack down and out.
5. Fit the new pack, refit the handle screw with its washer and the two base screws. Tighten until snug; don't overtighten into the plastic.
6. Refit the bin and charge fully before use (about 4.5 to 5 hours).

What the lights mean

From Dyson's V8 manual (SV25). The SV10 manual shows the same states in pictures.

Related fixes and models

• Pulsing or cutting out
• Safe battery replacement
• How to wash a vacuum filter
• Dyson floor heads
• Dyson V7