Dyson handheld works for 30 seconds the cuts out

How old? Likely needs a new batterry.

$25-30 Ebay or

https://www.dyson.com/support/journey/replacement-parts.html

Sounds like blocked filter

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 Bente, it's Jack at Dyson.

DC16 was the first Dyson handheld vacuum, launched back in 2006. It would have come with a 2-year guarantee, but due to its age it's likely that this has expired now.

However, our experts would be happy to take you through some quick diagnostic checks when you have your machine to hand. This will help determine which part may be at fault - and therefore, what may need replacing to resolve the issue.

If you would like some advice, you can reach our team of experts directly by calling 0800 298 0298 (UK), 1-866-693-9766 (US), 1-877-397-6622 (CA) or 1800 239 766 (AU).

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 replace the battery.
Shorting the battery like an Aircraft battery then re-charging won't fix it.

Most likely it is your battery. the lith ion batteries die out over time. That is on of the symptoms of an old battery. Did you call Dyson? They have a 5 year warranty

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.