Cordless vacuum powers on briefly then shuts off within a few seconds, often with a flashing battery or fault indicator.

Safety first: Switch off the vacuum and remove the battery before clearing any blockages or accessing the brush bar.

• Check for blockages: Detach the floorhead, wand, and bin assembly. Look through the wand and suction path for clogs (hair, dust balls, small toys). Remove any obstructions by hand or with a straightened coat hanger, taking care not to puncture the plastic.
• Clean the brush bar: On Bush motorised floorheads, flip the head over and remove the brush bar (usually via a coin-operated end cap or release latch). Cut away hair and threads with scissors and pull out debris from the side bearings. Refit the brush bar securely.
• Empty and clean the bin and cyclone: Empty the dust container. Remove the cyclone assembly and tap it gently over a bin to dislodge fine dust. Do not wash the cyclone unless the manual explicitly allows it.
• Check filters: Remove the pre-motor and HEPA/post-motor filters. If heavily clogged, wash according to the Bush manual (usually rinse under lukewarm water and air-dry for 24 hours). Never refit damp filters.
• Test again: Reassemble the vacuum, reinstall the battery, and run it on low power first. If it now runs normally, the overload was caused by restriction. If it still cuts out quickly with clear airflow, the motor or main PCB may be drawing excessive current and will likely need replacement.