Dyson 18 losing suction

Your question could be asking several things:
A copy of the manual can be found here at Sears (
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/DC18-dyson-inc-parts-UPRIGHT+VAC-manual ) if you are just looking for something that points to different parts of the vacuum and says what is where. A better copy is here (
Dyson DC18 Setup Guide ) (Trying to avoid places where you have to add some downloader bloatware to view the pdf).

If you're saying that the product is broken down, you'll need to be more specific. The manual covers general clearing of clogs and emptying. The most common aggravating situation I've seen in there for Dyson is that the upright units pretty much all shut off the brush head and suction when the vacuum is in the full upright position. This is the 'use the accessory tube' position where the suction is channeled up the handle. If you don't know that, and that there is either a button or hand-switch (For the DC18, a switch next to the main power button) that turns the brush on and off), then you can have lots of mystery working/not working behavior depending on whether the system is upright and whether the brush clutch is engaged.

Good Luck!

Well, there must be a clog somewhere in the system, because as we all know, "Dyson's never lose suction." You haven't mentioned what makes you think there's no suction, or if there's no suction at a particular point, such as the wand/handle or at the floor unit. If you're familiar with your vac, there are a couple of places near the floor end that can be taken off and checked for plugs. Fully 95% of the time when there's a complaint of no suction, it's because there's a plugged up duct or hose somewhere in the system that's causing the problem.

ive had the dyson apart and cant find a blockage, the motor sounds ok.

There is a diverter valve on those that changes suction from the hose to the floor when you pull the handle back. It usually makes the machine bind and not stand up. ( exactly what you are describing ) You need to take it to your local vac shop and they can fix it for you. The part that fell out was the retaining disc and a screw went in it to hold the diverter valve spring in place. Doubful if you can repair this on your own. It will not make since how it should go back if you've never seen it before.

Did you ever figure this out? I'm having the same problem

Same problem here. We noticed a loss of suction for about 5 minutes and the suction stopped. Beater bar still rotates but ZERO suction.

You need to change the belt. Here is the belt you need and the manual:

Dyson DC17 Belt and Manual

Because this unit is bagless there are more gaskets to seal the suction portion of the vac. you are most likely missing a seal, can you remove the basket and place your hand near the suction on the vacuum? it is shielded so you wont lose fingers. if there is suction there, look at the bottom of the basket for a gasket, same for the top

cleaning all filter Assy and all Handle Assy and Hose Assy...

http://www.geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=34218&thid=498154
Light on moterhead
Posted by Arnold2 on Apr 08, 2008
The normal green light on the moterhead goes red and we appear to lose suction within the motor head

Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure.
I checked with some of my contacts in the vacuum business and they told me that it may not be a United States vacuum and it might be a Canadian or European vacuum and may not be customer friendly to service, if you have a contact with a MAC or Snap On dealer or a metric auto store – as far as the green light on the powerhead the green light is supposed to let you know if the carpet is clean and the red light is supposed to be that the carpet is dirty, and laos it could be that your belt is loose and needs changing – a suggested belt change is every 4 to 6 months --- show them the screw and they might have something to fit or release the screw head, as per the removing of the wheel and replacing the electric cable, check with your local vac dealer or you may want to check with the Dyson dealer website and or phone # listed below:
http://www.dyson.com/homepage.asp
Contact Us
1-866-MY-DYSON
(1-866-693-9766)
Dyson Customer Care is available 7 days a week.
· Mon - Fri: 7am - 8pm, CST
· Saturday: 8am - 6pm, CST
· Sunday: 9am - 6pm, CST
[email protected]
Don – The Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.