Bissell POWERFORCE HELIX User manual

POWERFORCE®
HELIX
Vacuum
___________
USER GUIDE
1700 & 1701 SERIES
(Model 1701 Shown)

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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:
This model is for household use only.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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.
Hot
Neutral
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.

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Crevice
Tool
TurboBrush®
Tool
User
Guide
Hose
Dusting
Brush
What’s in the Box?
Base
Unit
Upper
Handle
Extension
Wand
2 Screws
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).
Safety Instructions...........2
Product View................4
Assembly ...................5
Operations ................6-7
Maintenance & Care .......7-9
Troubleshooting ............10
Warranty ....................11
Service ......................11
Contact Information ........12
Product Registration........12
(Model 1701 Shown)
(Model 1701 Only)
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.
Lower
Cord Wrap
taped to handle
stored inside
extension wand

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4
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Product View
2
1
7
5
6
8
9
16
17
18
19 20
21
14
10
11
12
13
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
8 Washable Post-Motor Filter (1701 Series Only)
9 Dusting Brush
10 Cord Hook
11 Hose Clip
12 Upper Quick Wrap Release™ Cord Wrap
13 Crevice Tool
14 Power Cord
15 Extension Wand
16 Lower Cord Wrap
17 Hose Wand
18 Power Switch Pedal
19 Handle Recline Pedal
20 Foot Hose
21 Product Rating Label & Serial Number
(Model 1701 Shown)

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Assembly
WARNING
Do not plug in your vacuum until you are familiar with all instructions and operating
procedures.
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.
Then wrap the
power cord around
the cord release
clips and clip the
end of the plug to
the power cord.
Now wrap
the hose
through the
hose clip
and connect
the hose
wand to the
foot hose
down at the
bottom of
the vacuum.
Next, insert the
lower cord wrap
and turn it to
the left to lock
it into place.
Next, insert the
end of the hose
into the back of
the vacuum and
twist to lock it
into place.
Put your accessory tools on the
vacuum and you’re ready to go!
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.
TurboBrush® ToolDusting Brush
12
34
6
5
Extension Wand
(with Crevice Tool inside)

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Using Your Cleaner
Using the Height Adjustment
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.
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.
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.
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 Before using your vacuum, make sure that the dirt container
is in locked position and that all filters, both pre and post-motor filters are in place.
DO NOT operate your vacuum without these filters.
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. To prevent carpet damage, do not lean on the
vacuum or let the powerfoot tilt forward.
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Using the Specialized Tools
Maintaining the TurboBrush® Tool
Parts & Supplies
For Parts and Supplies, go to www.BISSELL.com and enter
your model number in the search field.
If paddle wheel gets
dislodged, align the two
clips on each side and
pop into place.
Twist gray collar counter-
clockwise, until slot
appears then separate
faceplate. Carefully
remove brush, replace
belt and brush if needed.
The faceplate will not
close properly if all
parts are not aligned
correctly.
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.
Dusting Brush
Extension Wand TurboBrush® Tool
Crevice Tool
Align
Slot
Paddle Wheel
Roller
Belt
NOTE: TurboBrush only comes standard with 1701 series.
(Model 1701 Only)
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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.
Cleaning the Pre-Motor Filter
Emptying the Dirt Container
Press tank release
button and pull handle
to lift dirt container
away from vacuum.
Press tank
release
button and
pull handle
to lift dirt
container
away from
vacuum.
Holding dirt con-
tainer over a trash
bin, press release
button on back to
open tank bottom
and dump the
debris.
Snap bottom
back into place
when empty.
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.
With dirt container removed,
press filter cover release button
to access post-motor filter.
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.
Cleaning the Post-Motor Filter (1701 Only)
Open the dirt
container lid
by lifting the
release latch
on the front.
Clean all filters with
mild detergent, rinse,
and squeeze all excess
water. Allow filters to
dry completely before
reinserting.
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Cleaning the Separator
Replace the Brush & Belt
Clearing a Clog
Unplug vacuum, turn
over and unscrew Philips
head screws to remove
bottom cover. Model
1700 has 5 screws and
model 1701 has 6 screws.
Lift roller straight
out. If the belt is
not broken, remove
roller from inside of
the looped belt.
Replace brush roll and belt
by looping the belt over
motor shaft and brush roll.
Line up the end caps and
pull the brush forward into
place, stretching the belt.
Replace cover and screws.
Remove the separator
by twisting to the left
(counterclockwise), then
pull it out through the
bottom of the tank. Rinse
and dry all sections of dirt
container with paper towel.
End Cap
Belt
Remove the hose
from the back of the
vacuum by twisting
it to the left. Remove
any debris that may
have gotten clogged.
Check the foot hose on
the back of your vacuum
down towards the bottom.
If necessary, remove the
screw from the foot hose
and check for clogs.
Check the air passageway on
the bottom of your vacuum.
Remove the bottom cover and
the brush. Remove any debris.
Press tank
release button
and pull handle
to lift dirt
container away
from vacuum.
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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
Vacuum
cleaner won’t
pick up dirt
Dirt container is full Empty dirt container
Filter dirty Check, remove debris or clean
Hose not secure Check to be sure hose is snapped
into place at both ends
Dirt container not in place Remove dirt container and secure into
place, making sure you hear a click
Vacuum path clogged Visually check air passageway, hose
inlet, and hose for anything that
might be obstructing the vacuum
path. Carefully remove blockage.
Rotating power brush drive belt
broken
Replace drive belt
Drive belt stretched Check drive belt area and remove
obstructions. Replace drive belt if
necessary
Floor brush bristles worn Replace floor brush
Floor brush jammed Remove floor brush and clean debris
from brush and ends. Check drive
belt for any damage
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.

www.BISSELL.com 11
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.
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 warran-
ty 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 lasts so the
above limitation may not apply to you.
Website:
www.BISSELL.com
E-mail:
www.BISSELL.com/email-us
Call:
BISSELL Consumer Care
1-800-237-7691
Monday – Friday 8am - 10pm ET
Saturday 9am - 8pm ET
Sunday 10am - 7pm ET
Warranty
Service
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.
NOTE: Please keep your original sales receipt. It provides proof of date of
purchase in the event of a warranty claim.

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Grand Rapids, Michigan
All rights reserved. Printed in China
Part Number 161-1353 12/16 RevD
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your model number in the search field.
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