My dyson handheld charges fully, but keeps cutting out when using. About 7 seconds is the longest continual usage time

First check it is fully charged. Secondly, Try checking all the pipes, tubes and attachments for blockages. Basically take it to bits and clean it. Dyson have a 'cut out' feature fitted to stop you burning out the motor when it's blocked up.

Make sure the filters are not causing a restriction in airflow.

1st make sure battery is fully charged.
Next, wash the filter, just follow the instructions in the manual.
If the filter is clogged the motor will try to run but then cut out to protect the motor from damage.

Hi Edward, it's Jack at Dyson.

I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulty with your Dyson handheld. In order to help further, we would need some additional information about your particular machine, including which Dyson handheld model you own. It would also be beneficial for us to talk you through some quick diagnostic checks when you have your machine fully charged and easily to hand. We should then be able to help you determine which part is at fault.

At your earliest convenience, please give our experts a call - you can reach us on 0800 298 0298 (UK), 1-866-693-9766 (US), 1-877-397-6622 (CA) or 1800 239 766 (AU).

We'll look forward to speaking with you.

The battery falls slightly loose, so you have to fasten it securely to the body of the vacuum. I learned this from another user here on Fixya. He uses electric tape. I used one of those rubber bracelets that kids wear. Worked perfectly!

Hi Jean, it's Jack at Dyson.

I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulty with your DC31. If it cuts out in use when it's fully charged, we'd need to take you through some quick diagnostic checks when you have the machine at hand. This will help our experts determine what may be causing the issue.

Please give our customer Helpline a call on 0800 298 0298 (UK), or 1-866-693-9766 (US). We'll look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support
www.dyson.com

Hi there, it's Jack at Dyson.

I'm sorry to hear your DC31 Animal is only working intermittently. When fully charged, this machine should have a maximum runtime of 10 minutes, or 6 minutes on the maximum power setting.

There are several factors which could cause this, and to determine what's at fault we'd need to take you through some quick diagnostic checks when you have your machine to hand. The machine would also need to be fully charged, so please make sure it's had 3.5 hours to recharge before calling us.

You can reach our freephone customer Helpline on 0800 298 0298 (UK), or 1-866-693-9766 (US). Our experts will be happy to help further.

Best wishes,

Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support
http://www.dyson.com

Your battery is losing voltage too quick. It has probably developed a 'memory'. Dyson claims that their handheld has the best suction out of all the handhelds out there. In order to maintain that claim the circuit board will shut off power to the motor when the voltage drops below adequate charge for full suction.
We need someone who can teach us to bypass that part of the circuit so it won't cut power to the motor or you need to get a new battery.
Shorting the battery like an Aircraft battery then re-charging won't fix it.

After two years the batteries are probably no longer holding a charge and need to be replaced.

Your battery is losing voltage too quick. It has probably developed a 'memory'. Dyson claims that their handheld has the best suction out of all the handhelds out there. In order to maintain that claim the circuit board will shut off power to the motor when the voltage drops below adequate charge for full suction.
We need someone who can teach us to bypass that part of the circuit so it won't cut power to the motor or you need to get a new battery.
Shorting the battery like an Aircraft battery then re-charging won't fix it.