Cordless vacuum emits a burning smell or hot plastic odor during use.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Immediately turn OFF the vacuum, remove the battery, and allow the unit to cool. Do not continue using it until the cause is identified.
- Inspect the brush roll: Remove the motorized floor nozzle and check for hair or debris jams. Clean thoroughly and ensure the brush spins freely.
- Clean filters and airways: Remove and clean all filters and clear any blockages in the wand and nozzle.
- Smell test: After cooling, smell near the brush head and main body separately. If the odor is stronger at the brush head, suspect the brush motor. If stronger at the main body, suspect the main motor.
- Short test run: Reinstall the battery and run the vacuum for 30–60 seconds while monitoring for smell and unusual heat. Stop immediately if the odor returns.
When to call a technician: A persistent burning smell indicates a failing motor or electrical fault. Do not use the vacuum until it has been inspected and repaired by an authorized ETA technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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