Bissell 71y7-w Manual

							
U S E R ’ S   G U I D E3525/3530/3537/46E5/71Y7 SERIES
3Safety Instructions
4Product View
5Assembly
6-9Operations 
7-10Maintenance and Care
10-11Troubleshooting
11Replacement Parts
12 Consumer Services
12Warranty
PowerForce
TM 
						

							
2
Thank you for buying a BISSELL PowerForceTM 
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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 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  A ll  In STRUCTIO nS 
b EfORE  USI nG YOUR 
 
UPRIG hT VACUUM. 
Always connect to a polarized outlet (left slot is wider than right). Unplug from outlet when not in use and before conducting maintenance. 
   WAR nIn G: 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.
SAVE T hESE  
I n STRUCTIO nS  fOR 
f UTURE USE.
T h IS APP lIA nCE  hAS 
A PO lARIZED P lUG.
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.
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CarryingHandle
Crevice Tool
Combination  Upholstery/Dusting Brush Tool 
Quick ReachTM 
Handle
Hose Clip
Extension Wand
Power Switch
Washable  Post-Motor Filter
Handle
Handle Release  Pedal
Powerfoot
Power Cord
Furniture Protection Guard
Height Adjustment Knob
Quick Release™  Cord Wrap
Hose Wand
Suction Intake Opening
Hose 
Cord Clip
Tool Storage Clips
Bag Door
Made from 100% post consumer recycled content
Twist ‘n Snap™  Hose
 CAUTIOn:  Do not plug in your vacuum cleaner until you are familiar with all instructions and  operating procedures.
Product view 
						

							
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How to use this guide
Assembly
 
W ARnInG:  Plastic film can be  dangerous. To avoid  danger of suffocation, keep away from babies and children.
4.
1.
1.3.
Hose Collar
3.
This User’s Guide has been designed to help you 
get the utmost satisfaction from your  bISSE ll 
Power force. 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  bISSE ll 
Power force for many years.
The only tool you’ll need to assemble your  vacuum cleaner is a Phillips screwdriver.
Attach handle to vacuum
1. 	 Stand	 the	vacuum	 upright	and	slide	 the	base	
of	 the	 handle	 firmly	into	the	grooves	 at	the	 top	
of	 the	 vacuum	 body.
2.	 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.
3. 	 Insert	 one	screw	 from	the	assembly	 packet	
into	 the	existing	 hole	in	the	 back	 of	the		
handle. 	Tighten	 securely	 with	a	screwdriver.
Attach vacuum hose and tools
1. 	 Position	 the	hose	 collar	 on	the	 back	 of	the	
vacuum	 as	shown.
2.	 Attach	 the	hose	 collar	 with	two	screws	 from	
the	 assembly	 packet.	Tighten	 securely	 with		
a	 screwdriver.
3. 	 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.
4. 	 Grasping 	the 	Quick 	ReachTM	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.
5. 	 Place 	the 	crevice 	tool 	inside 	the 	extension 	wand	
and 	slide 	them 	into 	the 	storage 	clip 	as 	shown.
6.	 Snap 	the 	combination 	upholstery/dusting 	brush	
tool 	into 	the 	storage 	clip 	as 	shown.		
5.
6. 
						

							
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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.
Handle position
Press the handle release pedal with your foot to 
place your  bISSE ll Power force into one of three 
cleaning positions.
1.	Upright- 	For	 storage	 and	above	 floor		
cleaning	 with	special	 tools.
2.	normal Cleaning- 	Press	 handle	 release	
pedal	 once.	Use	 for	most	 household	 floor	
cleaning	 tasks.
3.	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.
Powerfoot height adjustment
The powerfoot/rotating floor brush on your  bISSE ll 
Power force 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. 
1.	 Place	 handle	in	upright	 position. 	
2.	 Turn 	height 	adjustment 	knob 	to 	desired 	setting.	
lowest Setting - 				For	 bare	 floors.	Medium Settings - 	For	 short	 and	medium		
		 	 						pile	carpets.	
highest Setting - 			For	 plush	 pile	or	Berber		
		 	 						carpet.
3.	 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. 
Special tools
Your bISSE ll Power force 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.
1. 	 Raise	 handle	to	upright	 position.
2.	 Grasp 	the 	quick 	reach 	handle 	and 	lift 	up 	to		
separate 	from 	suction 	intake 	opening.
3. 	 Attach	 tools	by	firmly	 pushing	 onto	hose	
wand	 or	extension	 wand.
Operation
Tip:
Before cleaning under low furniture, 
check area first for objects that might 
harm the unit or block the vacuum hose.
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1.
2.
3. 
						

							
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Special tools
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.
Power cord
When you are done using your  bISSE ll 
Power force, return it to the upright position and 
store the power cord.
1. 	 Turn	 vacuum	 cleaner	OFF.
2.	 Unplug 	power 	cord 	by 	grasping 	the 	polarized	
plug 	(NOT 	the 	cord) 	and 	disconnect 	from 	outlet.
3. 	 Loop	 power	cord	around	 cord	wraps	 on	side	
of	 vacuum	 cleaner.
4.	 Clip	 molded	 plug	to	power	 cord	to	secure.
To maintain maximum performance from your 
bISSE ll Power force, perform these simple 
maintenance checks.
Bag change indicator (select models)
Select  bISSE ll Power force 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.
1. 	 Dust	 bag	is	full;	 change	 the	bag.
2.	 Dust	 bag	is	clogged	 with	fine	materials;	
change	 the	bag.
3.	 Clog	 in	the	 vacuum;	 clear	the	clog.
Operation
 WAR  nIn G:  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:
Your BISSELL PowerForce features 
a Quick Release™ Cord Wrap. To 
remove the power cord quickly and 
easily, rotate the upper cord wrap 
toward floor, and slip power cord from 
upper and lower cord wrap.
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.
Bag Change 
Indicator
Maintenance and care 
						

							
Replace dust bag
never reuse a dust bag. Use only  bISSE ll Style 7 Dust  bags in your  bISSE ll Power force.  
Style 7 Enviro fresh Micro  filtration Dust  bags (# 30861)  
Style 7 Dust  bags (# 32120).
1. 	 Unplug	 cleaner	from	electrical	 outlet.
2.	 Pull 	the 	bag 	door 	outward 	to 	open. 	Set 	bag 	door 	aside.
3. 	 Grasp	 dust	bag	collar, 	and	 pull	collar	 from	connector		
tube. 	Discard	 used	dust	bag.
4.	 Grasp	 new	dust	 bag	collar	 and	push	 firmly	 onto		
connector	 tube.	Tuck	 in	dust	 bag.
5.	 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.
Cleaning pre-motor & post-motor filters
Use only  bISSE ll Replacement  filters in your  
b ISSE ll Power force.  
1. 	 Unplug	 cleaner	from	electrical	 outlet.
2.	 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.
3. 	 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.
4. 	 The 	filters 	may 	be 	hand 	washed 	in 	cold 	water 	with		
mild 	detergent, 	then 	air 	dried.
5. 	 Reposition	 filters	when	completely	 dry.
Check rotating floor brush and drive belt
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.
1.	 Unplug	 cleaner	from	electrical	 outlet.
2.	 Place	 handle	in	low	 position	 and	turn	 vacuum	 cleaner	over	so	
bottom	 side	is	up.
3.	 Remove	 the	four	 screws	 as	shown	 with	a	Phillips	 head	
screwdriver. 	Lift	 the	brush	 cover	off.
4.	 Grasp	 rotating	floor	brush	 at	both	 ends	 and	lift.
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Maintenance and care
Post-Motor 
Filter
 WAR  nIn G:  Do not operate cleaner  with damp or wet filters or without all filters in place.
Pre-Motor 
Filter
 WAR  nIn G:  To reduce the risk of injury from moving parts, turn off vacuum cleaner and disconnect Power Plug from  electrical outlet.
Brush Cover
4.
5. 
						

							
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5. 	 Clean	 strings,	hair	 and	other	 debris	 from	
rotating	 floor	brush, 	paying	 particular		
attention	 to	brush	 ends.
6.	 Clean 	strings, 	hair 	and 	other 	debris 	from 	motor	
pulley 	and 	drive 	belt 	areas.
7. 	 Check	 drive	belt	carefully	 for	wear, 	cuts	 or	
stressed	 areas.	Replace	 if	worn.
8.	 Check 	air 	passageway 	for 	obstructions. 	
Remove 	debris 	from 	this 	area.
Replace drive belt
Use only  bISSE ll Style 7 Replacement  belts 
(#32074) in your  bISSE ll Power force.
1. 	 Unplug	 cleaner	from	electrical	 outlet.
2.	 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.
3. 	 Place	 new	drive	 belt	over	 motor	 pulley	 and	
stretch	 other	end	over	 rotating	 floor	brush	 in	
the	 space	 between	 the	bristles.
4.	 Place 	ends 	of 	rotating 	floor 	brush 	down 	into	
slots 	on 	sides 	as 	shown.
5. 	 Turn 	rotating 	floor 	brush 	by 	hand 	several	
times 	in 	direction 	of 	motor 	pulley. 	If 	properly	
installed, 	drive 	belt 	will 	center 	itself.
6. 	 Reposition	 brush	cover	and	four	 screws. 	
Tighten	 screws	securely. 	Make	 sure	end	of	
brush	 cover	is	snapped	 into	place.
Replace light bulb (select models)
Select models are equipped with a headlight. 
Use only  bISSEll Replacement  bulbs in your 
bISSEll Powerforce.
1. 	 Unplug	 cleaner	from	electrical	 outlet.
2.	 Insert	 a	flat	 screwdriver	 or	coin	 into	the	
slot	 on	the	 right	 of	the	 lens	 and	gently	 push	
inner	 latch	to	the	 left	as	shown	 to	remove	
the	 lens.
3.	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
4. 	 Reposition	 lens,	by	 inserting	 tab	on	left		
side	 and	then	 pushing	 the	right	 side	back	
into	 place.
Maintenance and care
 9
Motor Pulley
Air Passageway
Brush Cover
Press here
Check rotating floor brush and drive belt (continued) 
						

							
Clearing clog
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.
1. 	 Unplug	 cleaner	from	electrical	 outlet.
2.	 Pull	 the	bag	 door	 outward	 to	open	 and	set	
aside. 	Remove	 the	dust	 bag	to	check	 the	
suction	 Inlet	for	a	clog.
3. 	 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.
4.	 Release	 the	hose	 from	the	vacuum	 by		
turning	 to	the	 right. 	Straighten	 the	hose	 and	
unclog	 with	a	long, 	narrow	 object.
5.	 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.
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Maintenance and care
Air Passageway
Troubleshooting
Vacuum cleaner won’t turn
Possible causesRemedies
1.   Power cord not firmly plugged in1.  Check electrical plug
2.  Blown fuse/tripped breaker2.  Check/replace fuse or reset breaker.
Vacuum cleaner won't pick up dirt
Possible causesRemedies
1.  Incorrect height adjustment1.  Adjust powerfoot to correct height setting
2.  Hose not attached to suction opening2.  Grasp hose grip and firmly push onto the base
3.  Twist 'n Snap hose not securely attached3.  Make sure Twist 'n Snap hose is snapped  into position
4.  Dust bag is full4.  Replace with new dust bag
5.  Rotating floor brush bristles worn5.  Replace brush
6.  Rotating floor brush jammed6.  Remove brush and clean debris from brush ends
7.  Clog in vacuum7.  Follow instructions for clearing clogs
 WAR  nIn G:  To reduce the risk of electric shock, turn power 
Off  and disconnect  
polarized plug from  electrical outlet before performing maintenance or troubleshooting.
Suction Inlet