Shark Robot Vacuum Not Charging [Easy Fix]

Uh oh – your Shark robotic vacuum cleaning companion usually scurries back to its charging base when power runs low. But now it aimlessly wanders your home with dwindling Battery, refusing to energize despite sitting for hours on the dock.

Don’t descend into furniture dust despair just yet. In this handy guide, we’ll cover the various reasons these convenient ‘bots sometimes fail to charge, along with the troubleshooting steps and fixes to get your unit cleaning cord-free again.

How Shark Robot Vacuums Charge

To diagnose any charging problems, first, let’s understand the normal charging process Shark bots utilize:

• Automatic recharging uses an electrical contact charging dock, which the vacuum precisely aligns with using infrared detectors and algorithms—metal plates on the dock transfer power.
• Lithium-ion batteries provide the vacuum’s power, with average run times between 60-90 minutes (some models now reach 120+ minutes).
• Normal recharge time is 6 hours from fully drained to a full battery. Fast recharging models can energize 80% in 1 hour.
• Charging status displays via an LED light on the robot and battery icon in the mobile app.

So, in essence, robust charging relies on the vacuum accurately navigating back to the base station for direct metal contact with pairing plates. This transfers a charge to keep the lithium-ion Battery topped up.

Why Your Shark Vacuum Stops Charging

If your robotic cleaner fails to charge, 5 common issues typically cause the problem:

Misaligned Docking

As Shark bots rely on precise alignment with charging stations, anything that throws off navigation and positioning can prevent connection. Things like moved furniture, excess dirt under sensors, software glitches, or obstruction debris can mean wayward docking.

Dead Battery

Although Shark batteries often outlast quoted lifespan at 500+ cycles, they do degrade over time leading to poor charging capacity and runtime eventually. Trying to recharge an old, depleted battery that no longer holds much energy can seem like a charging failure.

Faulty Charging Dock

While the vacuum is the obvious suspect, sometimes issues arise with the charging station instead, like:

• Loose wiring connections to the wall adapter
• Damaged metal charger contact points not making good contact
• Electronic chip/data cable failures between station and vac

Vacuum Charging Port Damage

The corresponding metal charging strips located on the backside of Shark robots can also get damaged over time, preventing effective power transfer even when correctly docked:

• Punctures to charging strip protective tape from pet claws
• Dents and corrosion on strips if exposed to moisture
• Cover damage if hit by furniture when docking

Main Logic Board Failure

The robot vacuums contain microprocessors and control boards that route power during charging. Failures here can prevent charging even when batteries and connections test functional:

• Failed voltage rectification components
• Thermal protection sensor defects
• Short-circuited regulators

However, internal electronics issues are less prevalent than misaligned docking or battery exhaustion.

Fixing a Shark Vacuum That Won’t Charge

Armed with the common charging culprits, we can break down logical troubleshooting steps:

1. Wipe Down Charging Contacts

Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to gently clean the charging pins on both the vacuum and dock base. Ensure no debris or corrosion impedes conductivity.

2. Reboot and Reseat on Dock

Power the robot off and then on, then carefully reposition it centred and aligned with the dock using alignment guides. Initiate manual charging if available on your Shark model.

3. Try Different Power Sources

Ensure the docking base has power by trying different outlets, power strips, and wall adapters. Check for loose plug connections, too.

4. Give Battery Over 12 Hours to Charge

Failing lithium batteries can behave oddly. Leave on the dock for 12-15 hours, allowing extended time to balance cells and potentially revive.

5. Discharge/Recharge Battery Calibration

Drain the robot down to minimal reserve power, then give a complete, uninterrupted 15+ hour charge to calibrate the Battery for maximum capacity.

6. Check for Obstacles Impeding Dock

Inspect surroundings for any furniture legs, cords, or other objects that could be obstructing the dock area and preventing flush contact.

7. Contact Shark Support

If charging problems persist, contact Shark customer support online or by phone for additional troubleshooting. For hardware defects confirmed under warranty (1-year average coverage), they can authorize repair or replacements.

Consider Proactive Battery Upgrade

More modern Shark IQ models offer improved 120+ minute high-capacity batteries for under $60. Swapping aged batteries restores optimal cleaning runtime.

Preventing Shark Robot Charging Problems

To avoid repeated charging issues, incorporate good maintenance habits:

• Keep the dock area clear of cords, furniture, and other obstacles
• Wipe robot and charger metal contact points monthly
• Periodically check for signs of external housing or internal component damage
• Review charging performance metrics in the Shark Clean mobile app
• Consider replacing lithium battery proactively every 2-3 years

Stay ahead of problems using the handy troubleshooting steps outlined here as soon as any charging abnormalities appear – restoring smooth robotic floor cleaning.

Revive Dead Shark Robot Vacuums

While a suddenly defunct robot vac initially sparks panic, methodically troubleshooting charging often reveals simple explanations like alignment issues, exhausted batteries, loose connectors or botched dock positioning. Revisit the charging basics before assuming catastrophic electronic failure!

In 80% of cases, gentle cleaning of charger pins followed by a reboot, battery calibration and precise dock reseating restores function without significant repair interventions. But for hardware defects confirmed under warranty, tap into Shark’s convenient customer service network for smooth resolutions.

Here’s hoping some systematic charging care frees your floors from dust bunny dread soon! Reclaim upholstery from pet hair hassles by getting your robot vacuum running optimally again.

Contacting Shark Support For Shark Robot Vacuum Not Charging Issues

Website	www.sharkclean.com/support.
Phone	You can call Shark Customer Service at 1-800-798-7398. Their operating hours are Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Email	customerservice@sharkninja.com

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