Dyson Vacuum Cleaner F13 Error Code Fix

Here is the straight factory playbook before any surgery:

• Switch the vacuum off and remove it from the charger or wall power. Let it sit at least 30–60 minutes to cool if it just cut out.
• Empty the bin completely. Tap the bin and cyclone section over a trash can to knock out packed fine dust.
• Strip the airflow path:
  • Remove the wand or hose.
  • Take off the floor head / cleaner head.
  • If your model has it, remove the short hose between the body and the cleaner head.
• Hunt blockages the boring way:
  • Look through the wand or hose against a light. If you cannot see clear through, there is a clog. Push it out with a broom handle or similar, do not stab it with anything sharp.
  • Check the cleaner head intake and side channels for socks, toys, or packed hair.
  • Look into the bin inlet and the small ports around the cyclone for wads of dust.
• Deal with the brush bar:
  • Remove the brush bar using the coin screw or latch, depending on model.
  • Cut away hair and thread from the ends and the bristles. Do not slice into the bristles themselves.
  • Spin the bar in your fingers. It should turn freely, no grinding or sticking.
• Clean the filter exactly how Dyson says:
  • Remove the main filter (usually the purple cone or cylinder) and any rear HEPA filter your model has.
  • Rinse under cold running water only. No soap, no hot water, no washing machine.
  • Squeeze out excess water and repeat until the water runs clear.
  • Air-dry for a full 24 hours minimum. Needs to be bone dry, not just “mostly”.
• While filters dry, blow or brush dust off:
  • Motor air inlets around the cyclone shroud.
  • Exhaust grills at the rear or sides of the machine.
• Once everything is dry, refit the filters firmly. If the filter is loose, the F13 fault can pop right back.
• Rebuild the machine: wand back on, cleaner head back on, brush bar locked in, all clicks seated properly.
• Charge the vacuum fully. Many Dysons will still show the fault if the battery is low after an overheat event.
• Test it:
  • Run it without attachments for 30–60 seconds.
  • Then run with the cleaner head on a clear floor.
  • If it runs normally with no F13 and no cut-out, you are done.

If F13 returns immediately after all this, the official line is that you have a hardware fault: usually a bad motor, a faulty temperature sensor, or a damaged main PCB. At that point Dyson will quote you for an out-of-warranty repair or a replacement machine.