Bissell Powerforce Helix 1701 User Manual

POWERFORCE
HELIX

Vacuum

___________

USER GUIDE

1700 & 1701 SERIES

®

(Model 1701 Shown)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING YOUR UPRIGHT VACUUM.

Always connect to a polarized outlet (one slot is wider than the other). Unplug from outlet when not in
use and before conducting maintenance. When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should be
observed, including the following:

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE,
ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY:

» Do not leave vacuum cleaner

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 to be used 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 plug or vacuum

cleaner 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

on stairs.

» Do not use to pick up flammable

or combustible materials (lighter
fluid, gasoline, kerosene, etc.)

or use in areas where they may
be present.

» 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 use to pick up toxic

material (chlorine bleach,
ammonia, drain cleaner, 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.
» Do not pick up hard or sharp

objects such as glass, nails, screws,

coins, etc.
» Use only on dry, indoor surfaces.
» Keep appliance on a level surface.
» Do not carry the vacuum cleaner

while it is running.
» Unplug before connecting or dis

connecting the TurboBrush® Tool.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This model is for household use only.

-

WARNING

›› Plastic film can be dangerous. To avoid danger of suocation, keep away from children.

›› Do not plug in your vacuum cleaner UNTIL you are familiar with all instructions and

operating procedures.

›› To reduce the risk of electrical shock, turn power switch o and disconnect polarized

plug from electrical outlet BEFORE performing maintenance or troubleshooting checks.

THIS APPLIANCE HAS

Hot

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.

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2

Neutral

Thanks for buying a BISSELL vacuum!

We love to clean and we’re excited to share one of our innovative products
with you. We want to make sure your vacuum works as well in one year as
it does today, so this guide has tips on using (page 6-7), maintaining (pages
7-9), and if there is a problem, troubleshooting (page 10).

What’s in the Box?

Upper
Handle

User

Dusting
Brush

Guide

Crevice

Tool

Base
Unit

Hose

Extension

Wand

2 Screws

NOTE: Standard accessories may vary by model.To identify what should be included with

your purchase, please refer to the “Carton Contents” list located on the carton top flap.

Safety Instructions...........2

Product View ................4

Assembly ...................5

Operations ................6-7

Maintenance & Care .......7-9

TurboBrush®

Tool

(Model 1701 Only)

(Model 1701 Shown)

Warranty ....................11

Service ......................11

Contact Information .........11

Product Registration ........12

Parts & Supplies ............12

Troubleshooting ............10

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3

Product View

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

15

18

19

9

10

11

12

13

14

16

17

20

1 Upper Handle
2 TurboBrush® Tool
(1701 Series Only)
3 Tank Release Button
4 Carry Handle
5 Washable
Pre-Motor Filter
6 Dirt Container
7 Dirt Container

Empty Button

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4

8 Washable Post-Motor
Filter (1701 Series Only)
9 Cord Hook
10 Hose Clip
11 Upper Quick Wrap
Release™ Cord Wrap
12 Crevice Tool
13 Power Cord
14 Extension Wand
15 Dusting Brush

21

16 Lower Cord Wrap
17 Hose Wand
18 Power Switch Pedal
19 Handle Recline Pedal
20 Foot Hose
21 Product Rating Label &
Serial Number

Assembly

WARNING

Do not plug in your vacuum until you are familiar with all instructions and operating
procedures.

1

First, place the
upper handle onto
the base and push it
down. Then attach
the handle with the
2 screws that are
taped to the handle
in a plastic bag.

2

Next, insert the
lower cord wrap
and turn it to
the left to lock
it into place.

4

3

Then wrap the
power cord around
the cord release
clips and clip the
end of the plug to
the power cord.

Next, insert the end of
the hose into the back of
the vacuum and twist to
lock it into place.

5

Put your accessory tools on the
vacuum and you’re ready to go!

Now wrap
the hose
through the
hose clip
and connect
the hose
wand to the
foot hose
down at the
bottom of
the vacuum.

TurboBrush® ToolDusting BrushExtension Wand

NOTE: The crevice tool can be found inside the extension wand. You can remove
it to use it and put it back to store it neatly out of your way when you’re finished.

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5

Operations: Power Switch

1

Press the red power switch with your
foot to turn on your vacuum. Press it
again to turn your vacuum off when
you’ve finished cleaning.

2

Press the recline pedal to lean your vacuum
back for cleaning. To get even lower, press
the recline pedal a second time. When
you’re finished, lean it all the way back up to
lock it into the upright position.

Operations: Height Adjustment

You can easily raise or lower your
vacuum to adjust to different
flooring types. Simply turn the
knob towards the desired flooring
type. If your vacuum becomes
too difficult to push, just move to
a higher setting.

NOTE: Some frieze and berber carpets have long delicate fibers or threads that
may be damaged by rotating brush. Repeated strokes in the same area may
enhance this condition.

WARNING

is in locked position and that all filters, both pre and post-filters are in place.
DO NOT operate your vacuum without these filters.

Before using your vacuum, make sure that the dirt container

WARNING

The rotating floor brush continues to rotate while tools are in use. To reduce the risk of
injury from moving parts, always move the cleaner with the carry handle at the front of the
unit. Always place the cleaner on the floor with the handle in the upright position when
using tools. Never place your fingers under the cleaner when it is running. Never place the
powerfoot on furniture or uneven surfaces. Do not place vacuum cleaner close enough to
objects to pull them into rotating brush.

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6

Accesories: Specialized Tools

Dusting Brush

Crevice Tool

Extension Wand TurboBrush® Tool

(Model 1701 Only)

Your new PowerForce Helix vacuum not
only does a great job on your floors, it also
comes with a complete set of accessory
tools to make your above floor cleaning
jobs easier. Just put your vacuum in the

upright position, pick the accessory tool
that best fits your needs and attach it
to the end of your hose. You’re ready to
clean base boards, curtains, upholstery and
much more.

Maintenance: Maintain the TurboBrush® Tool

**TurboBrush only comes standard with 1701 series.

1

Twist gray collar
counter-clockwise, until
slot appears then
separate faceplate

Carefully remove brush,
replace belt and brush
if needed.

If paddle wheel gets
dislodged, align the two
clips on each side and
pop into place.

32

The faceplate will not
close properly if all
parts are not aligned
correctly.

Parts & Supplies

For Parts and Supplies, go to www.BISSELL.com and enter

your model number in the search field.

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7

Maintenance: Emptying the Dirt Container

1

Press empty button.
Pull handle to lift dirt

container away from
vacuum.

2

Holding dirt con­tainer over a trash
bin, press release
button on back to
open tank bottom
and dump the
debris.

Snap bottom
back into place
when empty.

Maintenance: Cleaning the Pre-Motor Filter

1

Press empty
button.

Pull handle
to lift dirt
container
away from
vacuum.

2

Open the dirt
container lid
by lifting the
release latch
on the front.

3

Remove the
pre-motor filter by
pulling it from the
tank lid. Clean it
with warm water.
Once it’s clean
and dry, put it
back into the dirt
container lid.

Maintenance: Cleaning the Post-Motor Filter (1701 Only)

1

With dirt container removed,
press filter cover release button
to access post-motor filter.

2

Clean all filters with mild detergent, rinse, and squeeze
all excess water. Allow filters to dry completely before
reinserting.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, turn power switch o and disconnect polarized plug
from electrical outlet before performing maintenance or troubleshooting checks.

WARNING

Do not operate the vacuum with damp or wet filters, without filters in place or with the dirt
container missing. Allow components to dry before reassembling the Dirt Container.

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8

Maintenance: Cleaning the Separator

1

Press empty
button.

Pull handle
to lift dirt
container
away from
vacuum.

2

Remove the
separator by
twisting to the
left then pull it
out through the
bottom of the
tank. Rinse and
dry all sections
of dirt
container with
paper towel.

Model 1700 Model 1701

Maintenance: Replace the Brush & Belt

1

Unplug vacuum, turn over and
unscrew Philips head screws
to remove bottom cover.
Model 1700 has 5 screws and
model 1701 has 6 screws.

2

Lift roller straight
out. If the belt is not
broken, remove roller
from inside of the
looped belt.

3

Replace the brush roll and
belt by looping the belt over
the motor shaft and the brush
roll. Line up the end caps
and pull the brush forward
into place. This will stretch
the belt. Once the brush roll
is installed, place the bottom
cover back on and replace
the screws.

Maintenance: Clearing a Clog

1

Remove the hose
from the back of the
vacuum by twisting
it to the left. Remove
any debris that may
have gotten clogged.

2

air path

Check the foot hose on the
back of your vacuum down
towards the bottom. Remove
the screw from the foot hose
and check for clogs.

screw

Check the air passageway on
the bottom of your vacuum.
Remove the bottom cover and
the brush. Remove any debris.

3

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9

Troubleshooting

WARNING

To reduce the risk of electric shock, turn power switch o and disconnect plug from
electrical outlet before performing maintenance or troubleshooting checks.

Problem Possible causes Remedies

Vacuum
cleaner
won’t run

Power cord not plugged in Check electrical plug

Blown fuse/tripped breaker Check/replace fuse or reset breaker

Dirt container is full Empty dirt container

Filter dirty Check, remove debris or clean

Vacuum
cleaner won’t
pick up dirt

Hose not secure Check to be sure hose is snapped

Dirt container not in place Make sure dirt container is complete-

Vacuum path clogged Visually check air passageway, hose

Rotating power brush drive belt
broken

Drive belt stretched Check drive belt area and remove

Floor brush bristles worn Replace floor brush

Floor brush jammed Remove floor brush and clean debris

into place at both ends

ly inserted and snapped into place.

inlet, and hose for anything that
might be obstructing the vacuum
path. Carefully remove blockage.

Replace drive belt

obstructions. Replace drive belt if
necessary

from brush and ends. Check drive
belt for any damage

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10

Warranty

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
Care by E-mail, telephone, or regular mail
as described below.

Limited Two-Year Warranty

Subject to the *EXCEPTIONS AND
EXCLUSIONS identified below, upon receipt
of the product BISSELL 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 two years 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, belts, 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.

BISSELL IS NOT LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES 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 WARRANTY

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND
IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES
EITHER ORAL OR WRITTEN. ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES WHICH MAY ARISE
BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED
TO THE TWO YEAR DURATION FROM
THE DATE OF PURCHASE AS DESCRIBED
ABOVE.

Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty last so the
above limitation may not apply to you.

NOTE: Please keep your original sales receipt. It provides proof of date of
purchase in the event of a warranty claim.

Service

If your BISSELL product should require service:

Contact BISSELL Consumer Care 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 Care.

Website:

www.BISSELL.com

E-mail:

www.BISSELL.com/email-us

Please do not return this product to the store.

Other maintenance or service not included in the manual should be
performed by an authorized service representative.

For any questions or concerns, BISSELL is happy to be of service.
Contact us directly at 1-800-237-7691.

Call:

BISSELL Consumer Care
1-800-237-7691
Monday – Friday 8am - 10pm ET
Saturday 9am - 8pm ET
Sunday 10am - 7pm ET

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11

Register your product today!

Registering is quick, easy and offers you benefits over the lifetime of your product.

You’ll receive:

BISSELL Rewards Points

Automatically earn points for
discounts and free shipping on
future purchases.

Faster Service

Supplying your information now
saves you time should you need to
contact us with questions regarding
your product.

Product Support Reminders
and Alerts

We’ll contact you with any
important product maintenance
reminders and alerts.

Special Promotions

Optional: Register your email
to receive notice of offers,
contests, cleaning tips and more!

Visit www.BISSELL.com/registration now!

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 purchase
date in the event of a warranty claim. See Warranty on page 11 for details.

Parts & Supplies

For Parts and Supplies, go to www.BISSELL.com and enter

your model number in the search field.

12

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©2016 BISSELL Homecare, Inc
Grand Rapids, Michigan
All rights reserved. Printed in China
Part Number 160-6776 Rev 11/15 RevA
Visit our website at: www.BISSELL.com