Bissell 3522-6 Manual

							USER’S GUIDE
3522 SERIES
Safety Instructions3
Product Diagram4
Assembly Instructions5 
Operation / Special Tools6-7
Routine Maintenance7-10
Troubleshooting10-11
Warranty12
Replacement Parts11
Consumer Services12
PowerForce
® 
						

							2
Thanks For Buying A BISSELL PowerForce®
We’re glad you purchased a BISSELL PowerForce Vacuum. Everything 
we know about floor care went into the design and construction of this 
powerful, high-tech home vacuuming system.
Your BISSELL PowerForce is well made, and we back it with a limited 
comprehensive one-year warranty. We also stand behind it with a 
knowledgeable, dedicated Consumer Services Department, so, should you 
ever have a problem, you’ll receive fast, considerate assistance.  
My great-grandfather invented the floor sweeper in 1876. Today, BISSELL 
is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of high quality 
homecare products like your BISSELL PowerForce.
Thanks again, from all of us at BISSELL.
Mark J. Bissell
President and Chief Executive Officer 
						

							3
  IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic 
precautions should be observed, including 
the following: 
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS 
BEFORE USING YOUR 
UPRIGHT VACUUM. 
Always connect to a polarized outlet (left slot is 
wider than right). Unplug from outlet when not in 
use and before conducting maintenance. 
   WARNING: To reduce 
the risk of fire, electric shock, 
or injury:
 ■
  Do not modify the polarized plug to fit a 
non-polarized outlet or extension cord.
■
  Do not leave vacuum cleaner unattended when 
it is plugged in.
■
   Unplug from outlet when not in use and 
before servicing.
■
  Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
■
  Do not allow children to operate vacuum 
cleaner or use as a toy.
■
  Close attention is necessary when used by or 
near children.
■
  Do not use for any purpose other than described 
in this User’s Guide.
■
  Use only manufacturer’s recommended 
attachments.
■
  Do not use with damaged cord or plug.        
■
  If appliance is not working as it should, 
has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, 
or dropped into water, have it repaired at an 
authorized service center.
■
  Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a 
handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord 
around sharp edges or corners. Do not run 
appliance over cord. Keep cord away from 
heated surfaces.
■
    Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, 
grasp the plug, not the cord.
■
    Do not handle vacuum cleaner or plug with wet hands.
■
    Do not put any object into openings. Do 
not use with any opening blocked; keep 
openings free of dust, lint, hair, and 
anything that may reduce air flow.
■
    Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts 
of body away from openings and moving parts.
■
    Turn off all controls before plugging or 
unplugging vacuum cleaner.
■
    Use extra care when cleaning stairs.
■
    Do not pick up flammable materials (lighter 
fluid, gasoline, kerosene, etc.) or use in the 
presence of explosive liquids or vapors.
■
    Do not pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach, 
ammonia, drain cleaner, etc.).
■
    Do not use vacuum cleaner in an enclosed 
space filled with vapors given off by oil base 
paint, paint thinner, some moth proofing 
substances, flammable dust, or other explosive 
or toxic vapors.
■
    Do not pick up hard or sharp objects such as 
glass, nails, screws, coins, etc.
■
    Do not pick up anything that is burning or 
smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or 
hot ashes.
■
    Do not use without filters in place.
■
    Use only on dry, indoor surfaces.
■
    Keep appliance on a level surface.
■
    Do not carry the vacuum cleaner while it 
is running.
WARNING: The Power Cord on this product 
contains lead, a chemical known to the State of 
California to cause birth defects or other 
reproductive harm. WASH HANDS 
AFTER HANDLING.
 
SAVE THESE 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR 
FUTURE USE.
THIS APPLIANCE HAS 
A POLARIZED PLUG.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has 
a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). 
This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If 
the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the 
plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician 
to install a proper outlet. Do not change the plug in 
any way.
This model is for household use only. 
						

							4
Carrying
Handle
Crevice Tool
Combination 
Upholstery/Dusting 
Brush Tool Quick Reach
® Handle Hose ClipExtension 
Wand
Power Switch
Post-Motor
Filter Handle
Handle
Release 
Pedal
PowerfootPower Cord
Furniture Protection 
Guard Floor Surface 
SelectorQuick Release
™ 
Cord Wrap
Hose Wand
Suction Intake 
OpeningHose 
Bag Change 
Indicator 
(Select Models) Cord Clip
Tool Storage 
ClipsBag Door Twist ‘n 
Snap
™ 
Hose 
(Select 
Models)
 CAUTION: 
Do not plug in your vacuum 
cleaner until you are familiar 
with all instructions and 
operating procedures.
Headlight 
(Select Models) 
						

							How To Use This Guide
This User’s Guide has been designed to help you get 
the utmost satisfaction from your BISSELL PowerForce. 
You’ll find assembly and operating instructions, safety 
precautions, as well as maintenance and troubleshooting 
instructions. Please read this Guide thoroughly before 
assembling your vacuum cleaner. 
Pay particular attention to the product diagram, assembly 
instructions, and part names. Locate and organize all 
parts before assembly. Following this User’s Guide will 
greatly enhance your ability to get the most performance 
from your BISSELL PowerForce for many years.
The only tool you’ll need to assemble your vacuum 
cleaner is a screwdriver.
Stand the vacuum upright and slide the base of the Handle 
firmly into the grooves at the top of the vacuum body.
Check to be sure the Handle is fitted to the vacuum 
body. If there is a gap in front, continue to push firmly 
until the Handle is flush.
Insert one screw from the assembly packet into the 
existing hole in the back of the Handle. Tighten securely 
with a screwdriver.
Position the Hose Assembly on the back of the 
vacuum as shown.
Attach the Hose Collar with two screws from the 
assembly packet. Tighten securely with a screwdriver.
Line up the tabs on the base of the Twist ‘n Snap Hose 
with the corresponding tab notches on the hose collar as 
shown. Turn the Twist ‘n Snap Hose to the left to lock the 
hose into place.
Grasping the Quick Reach
® Handle, slide the end 
of the Hose Wand onto the Suction Intake Opening. 
Snap the Hose into the Hose Clip.
NOTE: The Powerfoot will not operate 
effectively unless the Hose Wand is firmly 
attached to the Suction Intake Opening.
Place the Crevice Tool inside the Extension Wand and 
slide them into the Storage Clip as shown.
Snap the Combination Upholstery/Dusting Brush Tool 
into the Storage Clip as shown.
1.
Attach Handle To Vacuum
How To Assemble
2.
3.
4.
Attach Vacuum Hose and Tools
1.
2.
 WARNING: Plastic film can be 
dangerous. To avoid danger 
of suffocation, keep away 
from babies and children.
3.
5.
6.
1.
3.
6.
5.
4.
1.
2.Hose 
Collar
3.
5 
						

							Press the Handle Release Pedal with your foot to place your 
BISSELL PowerForce into one of three cleaning positions.
Upright- For storage and above floor cleaning with 
 special tools.
Normal Cleaning- Press Handle Release Pedal once. 
  Use for most household floor cleaning tasks.
Low Cleaning- With the vacuum in normal cleaning 
 position press Handle Release Pedal again. 
  Use for reaching under low furniture such as 
  tables, chairs and beds.
The Powerfoot/Rotating Floor Brush on your BISSELL 
PowerForce can be adjusted to clean several floor surfaces. 
NOTE: For optimal cleaning performance, 
adjust to the lowest practical setting. If 
your cleaner is difficult to push, adjust to 
the next higher setting. 
Place Handle in Upright Position. 
Turn Floor Surface Selector to desired setting.
Lowest Setting - For bare floors.
Medium Settings - For short and medium pile carpets.
Highest Setting - For plush pile or Berber carpet.
Place the Handle into the Normal Cleaning position 
and the Powerfoot will adjust to the setting chosen.
NOTE: You may also adjust the setting 
while in the Normal Cleaning Position. 
Your BISSELL PowerForce is not only a powerful carpet 
and rug vacuum cleaner, it’s also a versatile above floor 
vacuum cleaner when you select one of the special tools.
Raise Handle to Upright Position.
Grasp the Quick Reach Handle and lift up to separate from 
suction intake opening.
Attach tools by firmly pushing onto Hose Wand or 
Extension Wand.
1.
6
2.
3.
Handle Position
Special Tools
How To Use Your BISSELL PowerForceTip:
Before cleaning under low 
furniture, check area first 
for objects that might harm 
the unit or block the 
Vacuum Hose.
Powerfoot Height Adjustment
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.Tip:
Hair, string and small 
objects can block 
the Vacuum Hose 
or Tools. Check 
them occasionally 
for obstructions. See 
Troubleshooting 
Guide for instructions.
CAUTION: The Rotating Floor Brush 
continues to rotate while tools are 
in use. To reduce the risk of injury 
from moving parts, always move the 
vacuum cleaner with the Carrying 
Handle at the back of the cleaner. 
Always place vacuum cleaner on 
floor with Handle in Upright position 
when using tools. Never place your 
fingers under the vacuum cleaner 
when it is running. Never place 
Powerfoot on furniture or uneven 
surfaces. Do not place vacuum 
cleaner close enough to objects to 
pull them into rotating brush. 
						

							Combination Upholstery/Dusting Brush Tool:
Two types of cleaning tools are included in one 
attachment: rotate for desired tool.
■ Use Brush side to dust furniture, blinds, books, 
 lamps, shelves.
■ Use Upholstery side for curtains, draperies, 
 cushions, fabrics.
Crevice Tool:
Use in tight narrow spaces.
Extension Wand:
Use with desired attachments for a longer reach.
NOTE: When using the Hose for above floor 
cleaning, make sure the Powerfoot does not 
tilt forward.
 When you are done using your BISSELL PowerForce, return 
it to the Upright position and store the Power Cord.
Turn vacuum cleaner OFF.
Unplug Power Cord by grasping the polarized plug (NOT 
the cord) and disconnect from outlet.
Loop Power Cord around Cord Wraps on side of 
vacuum cleaner.
Clip molded plug to Power Cord to secure.
To maintain maximum performance from your BISSELL 
PowerForce, perform these simple maintenance checks.
Select BISSELL PowerForce models are equipped with a Bag 
Change Indicator. This indicator monitors the airflow through the 
Dust Bag and turns red to indicate a reduction or blockage. The 
following conditions may cause it to become completely red.
Dust Bag is full; change the bag.
Dust Bag is clogged with fine materials; change the bag.
Clog in the vacuum; clear the clog.
Special Tools Continued
7
1.
2.
Routine Maintenance
Power Cord
3.
4.
Bag Change Indicator
1.
2.
3.
Tip:
Your BISSELL 
PowerForce features 
a Quick Release
™ 
Cord Wrap. To 
remove the Power 
Cord quickly and 
easily, rotate the 
Upper Cord Wrap 
towards floor, and 
slip Power Cord from 
Upper and Lower 
Cord Wraps.
 WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric 
shock, turn Power Switch OFF 
and disconnect polarized plug 
from electrical outlet before 
performing maintenance or 
troubleshooting checks.
Tip:
Vacuuming new carpet or fine 
powders may clog the Dust Bag, 
causing the Bag Change Indicator to 
turn red even though the Dust Bag 
does not appear to be full. Change 
the Dust Bag to restore maximum 
performance.
CHANGE BAG WHEN REDBag Change 
Indicator 
						

							Never reuse a Dust Bag.Use only BISSELL Style 7 Dust Bags in your BISSELL PowerForce. 
Style 7 EnviroFresh® Micro Filtration Dust Bags (# 30861) 
Style 7 Dust Bags (# 32120).
Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
Pull the Bag Door outward to open. Set Bag Door aside.
Grasp Dust Bag Collar, and pull Collar from Connector 
Tube. Discard used Dust Bag.
Grasp new Dust Bag Collar and push firmly onto 
Connector Tube. Tuck in Dust Bag.
Replace Bag Door by placing tab on bottom of door into 
opening as shown. Press top of door to snap securely shut.
NOTE: Vacuum will not suction while the Bag 
Door is removed.
Use only BISSELL Replacement Filters in your BISSELL 
PowerForce. Filter Kit (#203-1089) 
Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
The Pre-Motor Filter, located in the bottom of the bag 
compartment, protects the motor from dirt particles. If filter 
becomes dirty, lift out filter and clean.
The Post-Motor Filter assists in the filtration process to return 
clean air to the room. To remove this filter, open the door on the 
side of the cleaner. Grasp filter and pull it straight out.
The filters may be hand washed in cold water with mild 
detergent, then air dried.
Reposition filters when completely dry.
You should check your vacuum cleaner’s Rotating Floor Brush 
and Drive Belt regularly for wear or damage. You should also 
clean the brush and brush ends of string, hair, and carpet fibers. 
These can wrap around the brush and hamper its ability to 
effectively clean your carpet.
 Also remove any debris that has 
accumulated under the brush cover.
Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
Place handle in Low position and turn vacuum cleaner over so 
bottom side is up.
Remove the four screws as shown with a Phillips head 
screwdriver. Lift the Brush Cover off.
Grasp Rotating Floor Brush at both ends and lift.1.
Cleaning Pre-Motor & Post-Motor Filter
8
2.
3.
4.
Replace Dust Bag
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Check Rotating Floor Brush and Drive Belt
Post-Motor 
Filter
 WARNING: Do not operate cleaner 
with damp or wet filters or 
without all filters in place.
Pre-Motor 
Filter
 WARNING: To reduce the risk of 
injury from moving parts, 
turn off vacuum cleaner 
and disconnect Power 
Plug from electrical outlet.
Brush 
Cover 
						

							9
Clean strings, hair and other debris from Rotating Floor Brush, 
paying particular attention to brush ends.
Clean strings, hair and other debris from Motor Pulley and Drive 
Belt areas.
Check Drive Belt carefully for wear, cuts or stressed areas. 
Replace if worn.
Check Air Passageway for obstructions. Remove debris from 
this area.
Use only BISSELL Style 7 Replacement Belts (#32074) in your 
BISSELL PowerForce.
Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
With Rotating Floor Brush removed from vacuum cleaner 
(Steps 1-4 of Check Rotating Floor Brush and Drive Belt), 
grasp old Drive Belt and remove from Motor Pulley. Discard 
old Drive Belt.
Place new Drive Belt over Motor Pulley and stretch other end 
over Rotating Floor Brush in the space between the bristles.
Place ends of Rotating Floor Brush down into slots on sides 
as shown.
Turn Rotating Floor Brush by hand several times in direction of 
Motor Pulley. If properly installed, Drive Belt will center itself.
Reposition Brush Cover and four screws. Tighten screws 
securely. Make sure end of Brush Cover is snapped into place.
(Select Models)
Use only BISSELL Replacement Bulbs in your BISSELL 
PowerForce.
Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws as shown 
and lift off the lens.
Determine the light bulb type of your vacuum:
Standard Bulb (#203-1297)  – approximately 1 long, flat end.
Large Bulb (#203-1007) – approximately 2 long, round end.
Standard Bulb – remove the bulb from the socket by grasping 
bulb and pulling straight out. Install the new bulb by pushing 
it gently into the socket until the bulb snaps into place
Large Bulb – remove the bulb from the socket by pushing in 
gently and turning it towards brush. Install the new bulb by 
pushing it gently into the socket and turning away from the brush.
Reposition lens and secure with the two screws.
Replace Light Bulb
5.
6.
2.
3.
4.
1.
6.
5.
Replace Drive Belt
Check Rotating Floor Brush and Drive Belt Continued
7.
8.
Motor 
Pulley
Air Passageway
Brush 
Cover
Press here
2.
3.
4.
1.
5.
Large Bulb
Small Bulb 
						

							Vacuum cleaner won’t run
Possible Causes Remedies
 Power cord not firmly plugged in    Check electrical plug.
  Blown fuse/tripped breaker    Check/Replace fuse or reset breaker.
Vacuum cleaner won’t pick up dirt
Possible Causes Remedies
 Incorrect Height Adjustment    Adjust Powerfoot to correct height setting.
  Hose not attached to suction opening    Grasp Hose Grip and firmly push onto 
    the base.
  Twist n Snap Hose not securely attached    Make sure Twist n Snap Hose is snapped 
      into the locked position.
  Dust Bag is Full    Replace with new Dust Bag.
  Rotating Floor Brush bristles worn    Replace brush.
  Rotating Floor Brush jammed   Remove brush and clean debris from 
    brush ends.
  Clog in vacuum    Follow instructions for clearing clogs.
The Hose on the back of the vacuum cleaner that carries 
the dirt from the Powerfoot to the Dust Bag can sometimes 
become clogged. If you notice a change in the sound of the 
vacuum motor, check for clogs.
Unplug cleaner from electrical outlet.
Pull the Bag Door outward to open and set aside. Remove the 
Dust Bag to check the Suction Inlet for a clog.
Grasp the Quick Reach Handle and lift up to separate from 
the Suction Intake Opening. Check for a clog in the Base, the 
Wand or the Hose.
For models with the Twist ‘n Snap Hose. 
Release the hose from the vacuum by turning to 
the right. Straighten the hose and unclog with a long, 
narrow object.
If the clog persists, turn the vacuum cleaner OFF and unplug 
it. Remove the Brush Cover. Check the Air Passageway for 
obstructions. Remove debris from this area. Reposition 
Brush Cover and four screws. Tighten screws securely. 
Make sure end of Brush Cover is snapped into place.
Troubleshooting
1.
2.
3.
Clearing Clogs
10
4.
Suction 
Inlet
Air Passageway
11
22
11
22
33
44
55
66
77
 WARNING: To reduce the risk of 
injury from moving parts 
and/ or electrical shock, 
turn Power Switch OFF 
and disconnect polarized 
plug from electrical outlet 
before performing 
troubleshooting checks.