E2
Makita Overheating / Thermal Cutout Activated

Vacuum stops shortly after starting; LED flashes in an E2 pattern and unit will not restart until battery is removed and reinserted.

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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.

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Possible Causes

Blocked air flow at filter, HEPA filter heavily clogged, Cooling vents on motor housing obstructed, Continuous high-power use without cooling interval

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Remove the battery pack before any cleaning or disassembly.

  • Clean the pre-filter and main filter: Remove the dust cup and take out the cloth or sponge pre-filter and the main filter (cyclone or HEPA, depending on model). Tap them gently outdoors to remove dust. If washable, rinse with lukewarm water only and allow to dry completely (at least 24 hours) before reinstalling.
  • Inspect cooling vents: Check the side and rear vents on the motor housing for lint or dust buildup. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clear them. Do not insert metal tools into the vents.
  • Reduce duty cycle: If you have been using the vacuum continuously on high power, allow it to cool for 15–20 minutes between long sessions.
  • Test operation: Reinstall the fully dry filters and battery, then run the vacuum on low power first. If it runs longer without shutting off, the issue was likely overheating from restricted airflow.
  • If E2 recurs quickly: The thermal sensor or motor winding may be failing. Further use can cause permanent damage. Have a Makita-authorized technician test the motor assembly and thermal protector.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Motor Housing Assembly
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