Bissell 16n53 Manual

							Replacing the hEpa filter cartridge
the  hEpa filter cartridge should be 
replaced if machine performance is 
noticeably declining.  More or less   
frequent replacing may be required based 
on individual vacuuming habits and types 
of debris picked up.
Note:  to have the benefits of the 
airetight
®  hEpa System, you must 
use the  bISSEll  hEpa filter cartridge.
1.   Remove the dirt container.
2.   To remove the HEPA filter cartridge, 
push in on the front of the filter door to 
unlatch.  Lift up to access.
3.   To check or remove, unscrew the center 
screw.
4.   If necessary, replace the used HEPA 
filter cartridge with a new one.
Note:  to avoid damaging the  hEpa 
filter cartridge and reducing its   
filtration capabilities, be careful not 
to touch the filter material.  the hEpa 
filter cartridge is not washable.
5.   To ensure a tight seal be sure to tighten 
the filter cartridge screw until snug.  
Do Not  oVER tIGhtEN.
  Make sure the filter door latches   
completely.  
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1
Maintenance and care
3

 
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							clearing clogs
low suction or poor pickup may be due to 
a clog in the vacuum cleaner. If you notice 
a change in the sound of the motor or a 
reduction in the spinning action in the dirt 
container, check for a clog.
If there is no suction or if suction is reduced 
at the hose, follow these steps to check for 
and clear the clog:
1. Turn power switch off.
2.  Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
3.  Check the pre-motor filter and clean as 
necessary (see cleaning your pre-motor 
filter on page 10).  
4.  Check the HEPA filter cartridge and 
replace if necessary (see replacing the 
HEPA filter cartridge on page 11).  
5.  Check to see if dirt container is full. 
Empty if needed.  
6.  Remove lower portion of dirt container. 
Clean the screen and check center 
tubes for dirt accumulation.
7.   While dirt container is removed, check 
dirt inlet for clogs.
8.  Remove the hose from the cleaner by 
pushing on the tab. Straighten the hose 
and check for a clog. 
9. Check diverter area at back of machine 
for diverter position and clogs. When the 
hose wand is removed from the base, 
the diverter should be up to the right. If a 
clog is visible near the diverter, the plas -
tic cover may be removed to clear the 
clog by removing the 3 screws as shown 
(9b).
Maintenance and care
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  WaRNING: to reduce the risk of   
electric shock, turn power 
switch off and discon -
nect polarized plug from  
electrical outlet before 
performing maintenance or 
troubleshooting checks.
8
9a
9b
67
Dirt Inlet

 
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							clearing clogs continued
If suction is normal at the hose, follow these steps 
to check for and clear the clog for floor cleaning:
1.  Check diverter area at back of machine for 
diverter position and clogs. When the hose 
wand is inserted in the base, the diverter 
should be to the left. If a clog is visible near the 
diverter, the plastic cover may be removed to 
clear the clog by removing the 3 screws.
2.   Check the foot hose for clogs (1). If you are 
not able to tell from the outside if a clog is 
present, remove the bottom 3 screws from 
the diverter cover to loosen and straighten 
the foot hose (2).
  Remove any clogs found and fully   
reassemble the cleaner before attempting to 
check suction again or using the cleaner.
Thermal motor protection
a n internal thermal protector has been designed 
into your cleaner to protect it from overheating.  
When the thermal protector activates, the main 
vacuum motor will stop operating. If this happens, 
proceed as follows.
1.   Turn the cleaner OFF and unplug from   
electrical outlet.
2.   Check the cleaner for the source of   
overheating problem (i.e. full dirt cup, dirty 
filters or clog).
3.   Fix the problem by following the steps in the 
maintenance section of the user guide.
4.   When the motor cools for approximately   
30 minutes, the thermal protector   
automatically resets and cleaning may   
continue. If the cleaner will not turn on or the 
thermal protector continues to activate, your 
cleaner may need servicing. Call BISSELL 
Consumer Services or visit the website to 
locate an authorized Service Center.
Note:  the thermal protector controls the 
main vacuum motor only, not the brush 
motor.  If the thermal protector activates, 
the brush will continue to operate normally; 
however, there will be no suction.
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1
2
Maintenance and care
Diverter
Foot Hose

 
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Maintenance and care
Brush reset
If something becomes lodged in the foot and the 
brush shuts off, turn the cleaner off and unplug 
from the outlet. Remove the obstruction. the 
brush will automatically reset when the cleaner 
is plugged in and turned back on.
Brush maintenance
t he rotating brush should be checked regularly 
for accumulating debris that might reduce the 
cleaning performance of your vacuum.
1.  Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
2.  Recline the handle and turn your cleaner 
over so the bottom side is up.
3.  Carefully cut away any visible hair, fibers 
or debris from the brush roll.
Do not attempt to disassemble the vacuum foot 
or to remove the brush roll. If you feel it needs to 
be checked or replaced, call  bISSE ll c onsumer 
Services or visit the website to locate an   
authorized service center.
Belt maintenance
t he brush belt is designed to last the useful life   
of the cleaner when used according to all   
instructions in the user guide under normal 
household conditions. If you feel that it needs to 
be checked or replaced, call  bISSE ll c onsumer 
Services or visit the website to locate an authorized 
service center. Do not attempt to disassemble the 
vacuum foot to change the belt.
  ca UtIo N: to reduce the risk of injury 
from moving parts, turn off 
the vacuum cleaner and 
disconnect power plug from 
electrical outlet.
3

 
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Changing the light bulb
1. Turn power switch off.
2.  Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
3.  Recline handle for easier access to light bulb 
and remove 2 screws to lift off lens.
4.  Remove the bulb by grasping bulb and pull-
ing straight out of the socket. Install the new 
bulb by pushing gently into the socket until 
the bulb snaps into place.
TurboBrush maintenance
the  turbo brush should be checked regularly for 
clogs or debris wrapping around the brush.
1.  Remove tool from hose or front of vacuum.
2.  Twist collar so opening is at the top and lift 
top cover to remove.
3.  Remove the brush from the belt and clean 
debris.
4.  Replace the brush inside the belt and place 
ends into slots on sides as shown.  
5.  Reposition top cover making sure to line up 
inside tab at the front with the opening on 
the cover. Twist collar until opening is at the 
bottom to lock into place.
Maintenance and care
2
4
3
5
2Inside Tab

 
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Troubleshooting
Vacuum cleaner won’t turn on
possible causes   Remedies
1.  Power cord not plugged in   1.  Check electrical plug
2.   Blown fuse/tripped breaker   2.  Check/replace fuse or reset breaker
3.   Thermal protector activated   3.  Allow cleaner to cool for 30 minutes, see 
    pg. 13
4.   Handle not fully attached   4.  Remove handle and reinstall
brush not rotating
possible causes    Remedies
1.  Brush switch turned to “Off”   1.  Make sure brush switch is in “On” position
2.   Vacuum is in upright position  2.  Recline vacuum to operate brush
3.   Brush is jammed   3.  Remove obstruction or debris (pg. 14), 
    unplug cleaner to reset brush (pg. 14)
4.   Brush needs to be reset   4.  Unplug cleaner to reset brush (pg. 14)
5.   Handle not fully attached   5.  Remove handle and reinstall
Vacuum cleaner won’t pick up or low suction
possible causes   Remedies
1.  Incorrect height setting   1.  Turn dial to lower setting
2.   Hose wand not properly positioned  2.  Make sure hose wand is fully seated in 
    base and diverter is seated to the left
3.   Dirt container not installed properly  3.  Check assembly of upper and lower portions,
    correctly position and snap into place
4.   Dirt container full   4.  Empty dirt container
5.   Clog in cleaner   5.  Follow instructions on pg. 12-13 for 
    clearing clogs
6.   Filters are dirty   6.  Check and clean foam filter, check and 
    replace HEPA filter cartridge if needed
7.   Hose not properly attached   7.  Make sure hose collar is twisted to 
    lock position
8.   Fiber door and or gasket missing  8.  Check filter door and gasket to verify. 
or not installed properly  
WaRNING:   to reduce the risk of electric shock, 
turn power  off and disconnect   
polarized plug from electrical outlet 
before performing maintenance or 
troubleshooting.

 
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							Troubleshooting
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Vacuum cleaner is difficult to push
possible causes   Remedies
1.  Incorrect height setting   1.  Turn dial to higher setting
Visible dust escaping from cleaner
possible causes   Remedies
1.  Filter door and or gasket missing  1.  Check filter door and gasket 
or not installed properly       
2.   Foam filter missing or not installed properly   2.  Check foam filter for correct installation
3.   HEPA filter cartridge missing or not installed properly  3.  Check HEPA filter cartridge for 
    correct installation
4.   Dirt container not installed properly  4.  Make sure dirt container is correctly 
    positioned and snapped into place
5.   Dirt container not assembled properly  5.  Check screen, upper and lower portions of 
    the dirt container for proper assembly
6.   Hose not installed properly   6.  Make sure hose wand is fully seated in 
    base, and that the hose is assembled   
    correctly to the unit. See page 5.   
    Also make sure foot hose is properly   
    attached to diverter area 
7.   Hole or crack in hose   7.  Check hose for holes or cracks and replace 
    if needed
other maintenance or service not included in the manual should be performed by an   
authorized service representative.
t hank you for selecting a  bISSE ll product.
please do not return this product to the store.             
for any questions or concerns,  bISSE ll is happy to be of service. 
c ontact us directly at 1-800-237-7691.

 
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For information about repairs or replacement parts, or questions about your warranty, call:
bISSEll consumer Services 
1-800-237-7691
 
Monday - Friday    8 a.m. — 10 p.m. EST
Saturday    9 a.m. — 8 p.m. EST
Or write:
BISSELL HOMECARE, INC
PO Box 3606
Grand Rapids  MI 49501
ATTN: Consumer Services
 
Or visit the BISSELL website -  www.bissell.com
When contacting BISSELL, have model number of cleaner available.
Please record your Model Number: ___________________
Please record your Purchase Date:  ___________________
NotE: please keep your original sales receipt. It provides proof of date of purchase in the event 
of a warranty claim. See Warranty on page 20 for details.  
BISSELL Consumer Services
please register your new  bISSEll product at  
www.bissell.com/productregistration 

 
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you may purchase parts from your retailer, by calling  bISSE ll c onsumer Services or by   
visiting our website.  below is a list of common replacement parts*. While not all of these 
parts may have come with your specific model, they are available for purchase if desired.  
p lease note, all attachments may not store on board your vacuum.
Item  p art No.  p art Name
 1  48G7   HEPA Filter Cartridge
 2  63M7  Foam Filter
 3  203-1362  TurboBrush
 4  203-1364  Telescoping Wand
 5  203-1365  Combination Brush
 6  203-1363  Crevice Tool
 7  203-1382  Contour Tool
 8  203-1485  Hose
 9  203-1469  Light Bulb
*Not all parts are included with every model.  other tools may be available. 
contact  bISSEll  consumer Services or visit our website for more detail.
Replacement parts and accessories
12 345 6
7 8 9
    
Earn Rewards Points! To qualify you for discounts, rebates, and other BISSELL perks.    
Visit www.bissell.com/rewards to learn more. 

 
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Warranty - BISSELL Healthy Home Vacuum™
 This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to 
state. If you need additional instruction regarding this warranty or have questions regarding what it may cover, 
please contact BISSELL Consumer Services by E-mail, telephone, or regular mail as described below.
limited five year Warranty
Subject to the  *EXcEptIoNS  aND EXclUSIoNS identified below, upon receipt of the product BISSELL 
Homecare, Inc. will repair or replace (with new or remanufactured components or products), at BISSELL’s option, 
free of charge from the date of purchase by the original purchaser, for five years on any defective or   
malfunctioning part.
 See information below on "If your BISSELL product should require service".
 This warranty applies to product used for personal, and not commercial or rental service. This warranty does not apply 
to fans or routine maintenance components such as filters, or brushes. Damage or malfunction caused by negligence, 
abuse, neglect, unauthorized repair, or any other use not in accordance with the User's Guide is not covered.
 
If your  bISSE ll product should require service:
Contact BISSELL Consumer Services to locate a BISSELL Authorized Service Center in your area. 
If you need information about repairs or replacement parts, or if you have questions about your warranty, 
contact BISSELL Consumer Services.
Website or E-mail:
www.bissell.com 
Use the “Customer Service” tab.
or  call: 
BISSELL Consumer Services 
1-800-237-7691 
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET 
Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET 
o r write:
BISSELL Homecare, Inc.  
PO Box 3606 
Grand Rapids MI 49501 
ATTN: Consumer Services
bISSEll  hoMEcaRE, INc. IS Not  lIablE foR INcIDENtal  oR coNSEQUENtIal D aMaGES of aNy NatURE 
aSSocIatED WIth  thE USE of thIS  pRoDUct . bISSEll ’S lIabIlIty WIll Not EXcEED  thE pURchaSE  pRIcE 
of  thE  pRoDUct .
 
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above 
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. 
*EXcEptIoNS  aND EXclUSIoNS  fRoM thE tERMS  of thE  lIMItED W aRRaNty
thIS W aRRaNty IS EXclUSIVE  aND IN lIEU of aNy  othER W aRRaNtIES   
EIthER  oRal oR WRIttEN.  aNy IMplIED W aRRaNtIES WhIch May  aRISE by  
opERatIoN  of laW, INclUDING  thE IMplIED W aRRaNtIES of MERchaNtabIlIty   
aND  fItNESS  foR a paR tIcUlaR  pURpoSE,  aRE lIMItED  to thE  fIVE  yEaR   
DURatIoN  fRoM thE DatE of pURchaSE  aS DEScRIbED  aboVE.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so   
the above limitation may not apply to you.
©2009 BISSELL Homecare, Inc
Grand Rapids, Michigan
All rights reserved. Printed in China
Part Number 110-4100
Rev 5/09
Visit our website at:
www.bissell.com

 
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