If the trigger on your Dyson vacuum is no longer working, you might be wondering what’s gone wrong and how you can fix it.
It’s quite likely that the trigger button has broken, which will stop the button from springing back out of the machine the way that it should. If this has happened, you need to replace the button, but fortunately, this is easy to do and the parts are often straightforward to purchase.
Let’s learn more about why your Dyson vacuum trigger might not be working, and what you can do to fix it.
Why isn’t The Dyson Trigger Working?
If the trigger on your Dyson vacuum isn’t pushing in or springing out as expected, there is a high chance that something on the trigger has snapped.
Like anything with moving parts, Dyson triggers are vulnerable to breaking, and the older the trigger gets, the more likely it is to break.
This is very frustrating if the rest of the vacuum cleaner still works because you don’t want to scrap an appliance just because the trigger is faulty.
If you inspect the trigger, you may be able to see the break, or it may be inside the machine, out of sight. If a piece of plastic or metal has snapped off, it won’t push in and pop out as intended, which can make it impossible to turn the machine on or off without disconnecting it from the wall.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, there’s a chance that the trigger has broken:
- Nothing happens when you press the button.
- You have to press the button much harder than expected to get it to work.
- The button doesn’t spring back when it has been compressed.
The trigger is activated by a spring inside the machine, but if part of the trigger has broken, the spring will not be able to push the knob back correctly, and you’ll find the button sticks or is hard to move.
Note that even if it still currently works, your Dyson trigger is likely to stop working soon if you’re noticing issues with it. Once the trigger has started to break, there’s not usually anything you can do about it.
But, you can get a Dyson trigger lock that can help you prevent your Dyson Vacuum trigger from getting damaged.
How Can You Fix A Not Working Dyson Trigger?
Fortunately, a lot of people do replace the trigger buttons on their Dyson vacuum cleaners, and this shouldn’t be too difficult to do in most cases.
However, if you are not experienced with this sort of task, it may be better to get a repair place to do it, as there is some risk of damaging the machine further.
Note also that Dyson vacuum cleaners do vary, and this guide gives general advice. You may need to look up a guide for your specific model if the below doesn’t apply.
Step 1: Source A Part
The first thing you need to do is find the right part for your Dyson vacuum cleaner. There are many replacement parts available online, as this is a known weakness with these machines. Even better, many of the replacement parts have been reinforced and will last better than the original.
They often have a wider cover and may incorporate more metal, which should help to prevent them from breaking.
To find the right part, look up the model number of your Dyson vacuum, and then search for triggers that are advertised as compatible. Different vacuums will require different parts, so don’t just buy the first one you find or one that looks similar. Check the list of compatible models and make sure yours is there.
Step 2: Disassemble The Housing
Once you have your part, you need to take the vacuum cleaner to pieces. Begin by removing the screws that hold the battery in place. Most models have a screw in the back of the handle and two screws on the underside of the battery housing.
Next, remove the purple housing, and remove the (4) four screws that it concealed. There are another 2 screws at the end of the bin runner, near the red clip, and these also need to be removed. You can then remove the cyclone (the large part at the end with the red clip on its underside).
Step 3: Continue Disassembly
You will see a further 2 screws inside the housing, which you should also remove. This will allow you to gently pry off the white cover.
Be careful not to break the wiring; just gently lift the white cover away using a tool like a spudger or a Torx screwdriver.
If you lift the white cover slightly to the side, you’ll see 2 more screws holding the wire in place.
Unscrew these and disconnect the wires.
You can then pull the motor out. This will let you access 2 more screws inside the remaining housing, and gently pry up the section they were holding in place.
Adjust the wires so you can remove this section, and then remove another screw from inside the handle. You can now pull the broken trigger out using a pair of pliers.
Step 4: Install The New Trigger
Remove the old trigger and slot your new part into its place, being careful not to damage the spring.
Make sure the new trigger part is installed in the same way as the old one.
Press it firmly into place, and then engage the spring.
Check that the trigger moves smoothly.
Step 5: Reassemble The Vacuum Cleaner
You can now reverse the above steps to put the vacuum cleaner back together. Use a tool to hook the wire through the handle, and put the screws back to avoid problems.
Make sure you reconnect all wires as you reassemble the machine.
How Do I Know If My Dyson Trigger is Broken?
If your Dyson trigger is not working correctly, you may notice several signs. One sign could be that the vacuum does not turn on when you press the trigger.
Another potential sign is that when you press and hold the trigger, the vacuum does not maintain suction power for longer than a few seconds.
Finally, if the trigger feels unusually sticky or does not trigger the vacuum correctly when you press and release it, this can also be a sign of a broken Dyson trigger.
If your Dyson vacuum is exhibiting any of these signs, then it is likely that the trigger needs to be replaced. Replacing the trigger should resolve any issues with suction power or responsiveness.
Why is My Dyson Vacuum Not Working When I Press the Button?
There are a few potential causes that could be preventing your Dyson vacuum from working when you press the button.
The first thing to check is if the power cord is securely plugged in and the socket is providing power.
If this does not help, you should check for any blockages in either the hose or wand attachments.
Finally, it may be necessary to reset the machine by pressing and holding the power button for about 8 seconds.
If these steps don’t work, then it might indicate a more serious problem within the appliance itself and you may need to contact Dyson customer service for further assistance.
Why Does My Dyson Trigger Keep Cutting Out?
The most common cause that I have noticed for a Dyson trigger cutting out is a clogged filter. When your Dyson’s filters become blocked with dirt and dust, the machine’s performance can be affected.
While some blockages can be cleared by removing the filter and tapping it gently to release trapped particles, other blockages require more extensive cleaning.
Conclusion
As you can see, changing the trigger in a Dyson vacuum cleaner does not need to be particularly difficult, and replacement parts tend to be readily available online. This can bring a broken vacuum cleaner back to life, saving you money. If you’re not confident, you may be able to find a repair shop that can do this for you.