Having issues with your Shark vacuum battery not holding a charge can be incredibly frustrating. I know the feeling – you fully charge it up, start vacuuming, and before you know it the battery is dead again after just a few minutes. What gives?
As someone who has owned a Shark vacuum for years, I’ve been through my fair share of battery troubles. But the good news is that with a bit of troubleshooting, you can likely get to the bottom of the issue. In this article, I’ll walk you through why is my Shark battery not holding charge.
Bad Battery Cells
One of the most common culprits of short battery life is that the battery cells are wearing out. Lithium-ion batteries like those used in Shark vacuums have a limited lifespan. After hundreds of charges, the battery cells start to degrade and can no longer hold as much of a charge as they originally could.
If your battery is no longer holding much of a charge even right after a full charge, chances are the battery cells are fading. Trying to squeeze more life out of a worn-out Shark battery rarely works. The best solution is to replace the battery.
Shark makes this relatively easy by selling replacement batteries on their website or Amazon. Just make sure you order the right battery for your specific Shark model. Expect to pay $50-100 for a new OEM battery. I’d avoid cheap knock-off batteries from third parties. Stick with the real deal from Shark.
While replacing the battery may seem slightly pricey, remember – a new battery will make your Shark, especially if you’re experiencing the frustrating issue of shark battery 3 lights flashing, as good as new again. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to breathe many more years of life into an aging Shark vacuum.
Faulty Charger
If you notice your Shark’s battery discharging unusually quickly, the issue may actually lie with the charger rather than the battery itself. Much like batteries, chargers can fail over time. Dropping your charger, damage to the cord, or even just wear and tear from regular use can cause charging problems.
You can test if the charger is the culprit by borrowing someone else’s Shark charger that you know works properly. Try charging your battery with their charger instead. If your battery now holds a charge normally, then your original charger is likely defective and needs to be replaced.
Replacement Shark chargers can be found online or direct from Shark. Make sure it’s an official Shark charger and not a generic charger for Li-ion batteries. The Shark chargers are optimized specifically for their vacuums. Amazon usually has them in stock for around $35-45.
Poor Electrical Connections
This issue usually comes on slowly over time. At first, you may notice your Shark’s battery life starting to shorten. After a few weeks, it may not even last more than a few minutes before dying. What’s happening?
Chances are some of the internal electrical connections have become loose or corroded. These important connections allow power to flow properly to charge the battery. If the connections are compromised, the battery will not charge fully.
Checking the connections inside the vacuum requires taking the unit apart, so it’s not something you want to tackle yourself unless you’re experienced working on electrical appliances. Instead, it’s best to take advantage of Shark’s warranty and contact them about repairing any loose connections.
If your vacuum is no longer under warranty, then taking it to an authorized service center is the next best step. They can open it up, check the internal connections, and restore any faulty contacts. Just be prepared for a repair bill if that’s the case.
Damaged Charging Port
Take a close look at your Shark’s charging port – the part you plug the charger into. If it has any damage, cracks, bent pins, or other issues, then this could be the reason your battery isn’t charging correctly.
The charging port takes a lot of use over the years, both from inserting and removing the charger and just general wear and tear. Even a bit of damage you can barely notice with the naked eye could still affect the charging ability.
If you see any obvious damage to the charging port, don’t try charging until you can get it repaired. Shark can replace damaged charging ports, or an appliance repair shop may be able to resolder connections if any pins are broken. Avoid trying home remedies like glue or tape.
To avoid port damage in the future, be very gentle when inserting and removing the charger. Never force it if it doesn’t slide in easily. Any bent pins or damage here can quickly make your battery stop holding charge.
Using the Wrong Battery
Shark vacuums are designed specifically for the batteries that come with that model. Trying generic replacement batteries usually leads to poor performance and issues charging. That’s because the voltage, connector type, circuitry, and charging specifications all vary across batteries.
If you purchased a “compatible” battery that isn’t directly from Shark, that could easily be the reason your vacuum now has charging problems. Third party batteries rarely work as expected. For reliable performance, always stick with official Shark batteries.
Even switching batteries between Shark models can cause issues, since the batteries have different specs even if they look physically similar. So if you have an old battery from a different Shark, don’t expect it to work flawlessly in your current model. Stick with the right OEM battery.
Letting Battery Drain Completely
You may think it’s best to run your Shark’s battery down before charging. But that advice does more harm than good for modern lithium-ion batteries. It’s better to charge your Shark more often without fully draining it.
Letting a Li-ion battery discharge too much before charging can allow the individual cells to dip below optimal voltage. This strains the batteries and reduces their overall lifespan. Plus it takes longer to recharge a fully depleted battery.
For optimal battery health, try to plug in your Shark before it drops below 20% charge. Keeping it regularly charged helps maximize the battery’s lifespan and charging capacity. Just be sure not to overcharge – unplug once it reaches 100%.
Using an Extension Cord to Charge
It might be tempting to use a long extension cord to give you more reach when charging your Shark vacuum. But charging through an extension cord can lead to issues.
The extra length of wire adds resistance to the electrical flow. This means it takes longer to fully charge the battery when using an extension cord. It can also cause gradual damage to the charger from having to work harder.
For reliable charging, always plug your Shark charger directly into the wall outlet without any extension cords. Pay extra for a longer direct charging cord if needed. But avoid the extensions which compromise charging performance and put added strain on the charger.
Failing to Fully Charge
Do you ever find yourself short on time and plugging in your Shark for just a quick “top up” charge rather than a full charge? This habit could be damaging your battery over time.
Lithium-ion batteries work best when you allow them to complete a full charge cycle before use. Partial charges don’t allow the battery management system to properly calibrate and balance the cells.
Over time, frequently charging to only 80% or 90% of capacity can shorten the battery’s lifepsan and reduce the actual working charge. Get in the habit of allowing a full 2-3 hour charge before using your Shark. The extra time is worth it for maximizing runtime.
Exposing Battery to High Temperatures
Heat is the natural enemy of lithium-ion batteries. High temperatures during charging, storage, or use will accelerate battery degradation.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take that much heat to damage a Li-ion battery. As little as 90°F ambient temperatures can start the deterioration process. And storing your battery or charging your vacuum in a hot garage, for example, is even worse news.
For the longest battery life, avoid charging or storing your Shark in hot environments. Move it to a climate controlled room first. Also avoid lengthy use in hot spaces or direct sunlight. Keeping the temperature moderate will extend the lifespan of your Shark’s battery.
Not Cleaning Battery Contacts
This simple maintenance step is easy to overlook, but can make a big difference in charging performance. The metal contacts on your Shark’s battery need to stay clean in order to maintain a good connection with the charging ports.
Over time, the charging contacts can build up with dust, dirt, grime and other contaminants. These deposits resist electrical flow, acting like insulation to block the contacts. The end result is slower charging and batteries that don’t fully charge.
Every few months, wipe down the metal contacts on your Shark batteries using a dry cloth or electronics cleaning wipe. Avoid moisture or liquids which could corrode the connections. This quick cleaning clears off buildup so your battery can charge optimally again.
Keeping Battery Installed
Here’s a mistake many Shark owners make – leaving the battery installed when not in use. This constant parasitic drain slowly discharges the battery over time, wearing it down more quickly.
Anytime your Shark will be idle for more than a day or two, remove the battery. This eliminates the gradual energy draw that comes from keeping it installed.
Then store the battery properly in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. An open shelf or closet works well. Keeping it out of the vacuum itself will maximize the battery’s shelf life between charges. Just be sure to reinstall it fully charged when needed.
FAQs
How long should a new Shark battery last on a full charge?
It depends on the specific model, but most new Shark batteries will run for 45-60 minutes on a full charge with normal vacuuming. Larger capacity batteries on high-end models may operate up to 75 minutes max before needing a recharge.
Can I use a generic replacement battery?
Generic or “compatible” batteries not made by Shark often don’t produce the same performance and may lead to issues charging or runtime problems. Stick with OEM Shark batteries matched for your vacuum to ensure reliability.
Should I fully drain the battery before charging?
No – lithium-ion batteries actually prefer partial charges before dropping too low. Letting them drain fully puts strain on the battery and shortens lifespan compared to more frequent partial charges.
How can I make my battery last longer between charges?
- Store battery properly between uses
- Avoid exposing to high heat
- Clean charging contacts periodically
- Charge fully each time before use
- Avoid fully draining battery
Can I use my Shark while it’s charging?
It’s not recommended. Charging puts extra strain on the battery cells, so simultaneously vacuuming while charging may lead to faster degradation of the battery over time. It’s better to fully charge first, then unplug and use cordlessly.
Can I revive an old weak battery that won’t hold charge?
Unfortunately, once a lithium-ion battery begins rapidly losing its ability to hold charge, it’s usually time to replace it. Attempting to recondition weak batteries rarely improves performance for long. Install a new OEM battery for the best results.
Conclusion
A Shark vacuum battery that stops holding charge can definitely be frustrating. But in most cases, the issue can be resolved with a little troubleshooting and maintenance. Common culprits like a faulty charger, damaged charging port, or worn out battery cells usually point to straightforward fixes.
Maintaining your Shark battery properly will go a long way towards maximizing its lifespan and preventing premature failure. Be sure to store it properly when not in use, avoid heat exposure, clean the contacts periodically, and charge fully between uses.
Following the battery care recommendations in this article should help keep your Shark running at peak cordless performance. How much does an electric car cost? While the initial purchase price may seem daunting, it’s crucial to consider long-term expenses, especially the inevitable battery replacement. Batteries do eventually wear out over time, at which point replacement is the best solution. Investing in an official Shark battery matched for your specific model is always recommended for reliability and to ensure optimal performance throughout the electric vehicle’s lifespan.
With a little sleuthing and proper maintenance, a seemingly dead Shark battery that won’t hold charge can be revived for many more years of cordless vacuuming. Give these troubleshooting tips a try to help pinpoint the issue and get your Shark back to full power again!
