Bissell Vac & Steam 1132 Series Programming manual

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Troubleshooting
Symphony 1132 Series
Problem Page
Knocking Noise 2
No steam 2
Steam Ready Light not on 4
Filter turning BLUE 5
Leaving too much water on the floor 5
Leaks between machine and filter 6
Yellow ring on vinyl or linoleum flooring 7
Hot to touch 7
Filter is difficult, or impossible to remove 7
Mop pad holes 8
Streaking 8
Tripping circuit breaker 9
No Power 9
Water door hard to open 10
No suction/blowing dust vacuum 10
Steaming while vacuuming 14
Filter will not go back into dirt cup 14
Cannot remove dirt cyclone 14
Hard to push when vacuuming 15
General Information 16

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Knocking Noise
1) Is the first use of the machine, is the water tank empty, or has the machine
been allowed to sit for an extended period of time?
a) If there is water in the tank and this is the first use, the knocking
sound is normal. This is the sound of the pump trying to pull
water through the machine. It will happen on the 1st use, each time
the unit runs out of water, and if it sits for an extended period of
time allowing the water to evaporate.
NO steam
DO NOT USE VINEGAR OR ANY OTHER SOLUTION OTHER THAN WATER OR
BISSELL STEAM MOP DEMINERALIZED SCENTED WATERS IN THE TANK.
1) Is the water tank empty? If so, fill the tank and attempt to steam.
2) The “Steam Ready” light will blink until the machine is ready to steam
(about 30 seconds). Wait until the light goes solid and attempt to steam.
3) Make sure a steam setting is selected by pushing a steam level button.
“HI” or “LO” must be lit in order to use the steam. If one of them is not lit,
the machine will not steam.

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4) Make sure you are pushing the trigger on the handle to steam.
5) Make sure the water filter** is installed properly.
**Not all machines have a water filter. Some have a “dummy” filter.
A filter is required for this machine, just not a water filter, it is
optional.
There should be no gap between the filter and the machine when it is
installed properly.
6) Has a new filter been installed? If so, hold the trigger down to allow the
filter to fill up with water. It should then start steaming.

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7) Take the foot off the machine, remove the foot tray and also the pad and
ream the steam tip on the foot as well as the foot tray with a paperclip to
remove any obstructions.
8) If the machine still has no steam after troubleshooting has been completed,
please set up an RA for the entire machine to Grand Rapids to the attention of
Ann Song and Quality. Set up replacement per RA Dest. Guide. Be sure to note
issue in detail.
“Steam Ready” Light not on
If the “Steam Ready” Light is not on, be sure the machine is plugged into a
functioning outlet. The light will blink once it is plugged in for about 30 seconds
and go solid once the machine is warmed up and ready to use.

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Filter turning BLUE
1) This machine does not require a filter to operate. The machine will either come
with a water filter or a “dummy” filter.
2) If a calcium filter is being used, it will change from green to blue, which will
usually occur over a period of 6 to 9-month time span depending on use. When the
filter is completely blue, it is time to replace it.
2) Using distilled water may extend the life of the filter.
Leaving too much water on the floor
If the Symphony is leaving too much water on the floor, be sure you are not holding
the trigger down too long in one place. Also, if you’re getting too much water on the
floor and have it on the “HI” setting, change the setting to “LO”
Wash mop pads in wash machine with a mild detergent, DO NOT ADD fabric softener
or bleach.
Check the filter/”dummy” filter for any cracks.
a) Remove filter.
b) Check to see if there are any cracks in the filter/ “dummy” filter on the
sides or the top, and even bottom as located in the photos. Check the
whole filter and look at the plastic mold lines for any cracks. They may be
difficult to see, so be sure to inspect the filter in a well-lit area or room. If
there are cracks the filter will need to be replaced.

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Leaks between the machine and filter
1) Check the filter to ensure it is pushed securely onto the unit.
2) Check to see if there are any cracks in the filter/ “dummy” filter on the sides or
the top, and even bottom as located in the photos. Check the whole filter and
look at the plastic mold lines for any cracks. Also, check the connector parts
of the filter and be sure they are not broken off on either side. Cracks/damage
may be difficult to see, so be sure to inspect the filter in a well-lit area or room.
If there are cracks the filter will need to be replaced.
3) Make sure leak isn’t actually coming from bottom of filter.
4) Make sure the black rubber seal is around the knob of the filter and that it is
Not ripped or torn.
5) If the machine continues to leak after troubleshooting has been completed, please
set up an RA for the entire machine to Grand Rapids to the attention of Ann Song
and Quality. Set up replacement per RA Dest. Guide. Be sure to note issue in
detail.

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Yellow ring on vinyl or linoleum
Undiluted white vinegar should remove the yellow from linoleum or vinyl. Use directly
on the ring… DO NOT USE VINEGAR OR ANY OTHER SOLUTION OTHER THAN
WATER OR BISSELL STEAM MOP DEMINERALIZED SCENTED WATERS IN THE
TANK.
Hot to touch. Unit below the dirt cup is quite warm to the
touch (includes mop head)
1) The lower area of the unit under the dirt cup will become warm to the touch
after it has been used or has been sitting on for a period of time. This is normal
for it to feel warm to the touch.
2) Do not put hands down near the mop head while steaming. When finished
steaming allow foot to cool for a few minutes before removing the pad.
Filter is difficult, or impossible to remove
If the filter is hard to remove, take out the hose and then use the “grips” on the filter to
pull out. Start by pulling the lower hose out first, then turn the upper hose to the left until
it pulls out. Then grasp the filter on each side and pull straight out. The “dummy” filter
has a slight grip. The white filter has two grips, one on each side.
1. 2.

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3.
Mop pad (new) has developed holes in it after little use
1) What type of flooring is being cleaned? Abrasive flooring such as rough
tile, brick, etc. will impact the pad more-so than a smooth vinyl flooring. If
abrasive flooring is being cleaned, you will go through more pads than
if cleaning smooth flooring.
1) Wash mop pads in wash machine with a mild detergent, DO NOT ADD fabric
softener or bleach. Doing so could break down the pads quicker and cause holes
Leaving Streaks
Letting the machine linger a second or two too long can leave a milky spot/streak on
waxed floors –may be removed with vinegar and water. The 15-20 second step in the
User’s Guide is meant to sterilize the area being cleaned and is not necessary during
normal use. You should only hold the trigger down long enough to wet the mop pad
and should continue as necessary. You should not exceed 20 seconds of continually
depressing the trigger.
Allowing the machine to sit too long on a high gloss vinyl floor may melt the top layer.
Detail all answers to questions below in the support notes.
1) Did the consumer thoroughly sweep or vacuum the floor prior to using the Steam
Mop? Per the User Guide, this step should be followed to remove any loose
debris.
2) What type of flooring does consumer have? (vinyl and linoleum are 2 separate
materials. Vinyl is a synthetic, petroleum-based material, while linoleum is made
of all-natural materials. In fact, linoleum gets its name from linseed oil, which is
its main ingredient.)
3) If hardwood flooring, is it sealed? Per the User Guide, Steam Mop is NOT for use on
unsealed hardwood flooring.
4) Ask the consumer if ONLY water was used in the water tank. If not, what was used?
Inform consumer that per the User Guide, only water is to be used.

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5) Ask consumer to use a damp towel to attempt removal of a small part of the streaks.
Was consumer able to remove the streaks?
6) Ask consumer if the micro-fiber pad appears normal. If the pad shows an abnormal
substance, it most likely has come from the flooring.
7) Ask consumer if flooring has a polish, wax, that was manually applied by consumer. If
so, the streaking may be the effect of steam on the compound used by the
consumer. Per the User Guide.
8) Ask consumer if they tested the machine in an inconspicuous area, or checked the
care instructions from the flooring manufacturer (stated on page 8 of the User
Guide)
If the consumer is able to remove the streaks advise consumer to wash pads with a mild
detergent in their wash machine, DO NOT ADD FABRIC SOFTENER or bleach.
If the pad-bottom appears abnormal, inform the consumer that they should check with
the flooring manufacturer on what has been applied to the surface (unless the consumer
has applied something to the surface). You may send a pad at no-charge as a one-time
concession if it appears that the substance that was applied to the flooring’s surface has
come off on the pad. NOTE: Please do NOT RA Symphony for streaking unless for
a Claim.
Tripping circuit breaker
1) Check the amp limit of circuit breakers
2) If consumer is using a 12.5-amp machine, and the circuit breakers are
10-amps, they may find the circuit keeps “tripping” if additional appliances
are plugged into the same circuit.
3) If nothing else is plugged into the circuit, there is a good chance it will not
“trip.” Using the machine does not pose a safety concern; however, it may
be an annoyance to the consumer.
4) According to the BISSELL Manager of Compliance, most homes contain
15-20 amp circuit breakers. If the consumer continues having problems
with a machine, and the amperage of their circuit breakers have the
standard 15-20 amp service rating, have the unit returned to Grand Rapids,
Attention: Quality. Remember to add comments to the RA describing the
issue.
No power
1. Check the entire length of the power cord for damage. If there is damage,
set up an RA to Grand Rapids to the attention of Ann Song and Quality and set
up replacement machine per Dest Guide and be sure to detail in notes where the
damage on the power cord is.
2. Make sure the unit is plugged into a functioning outlet. If the machine
powers up, the “steam ready” light will blink until it is ready to use.

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3. If there is still no power, RA the unit if it is still within warranty to Grand Rapids
attention Ann Song and Quality and detail in notes issue. Set up replacement
per RA Dest. Guide.
Water door hard to open
Press the tabs on both tabs on each side of where the water goes in and pull open like
a mail box. Do not pull up and out, it will make it very difficult.
No Suction to vacuum or machine is blowing dust
1. Make sure the dirt container is empty.
2. Make sure the Vac Light is on to vacuum. If it is not on, the machine will not
suction.

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3. Make sure the dirt container is installed correctly. Move the lock button to the
right until it is in the center of the unit.
4. Make sure the foot is fully inserted into the body of the unit. You will know it is
inserted correctly when you hear the locking tab click.
5. Make sure the filters are clean and in place. If the filters are missing or not in
place, the machine will either blow dust or not suction properly. This machine
has two filters located in the top of the dirt cup. A white pleated filter and a foam
filter sits inside the pleated filter casing. These filters are both washable. Be
sure the filters are completely dry before putting back into the machine.

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6. Make sure the hose tube is connected properly.
a. Grab the bottom end of the hose and pull the lower portion away from the
body. Turn the upper hose to the left and pull out.
b. Separate the two hoses and wash them both. Let them completely dry
before reassembling.
c. Put the two pieces back together so both curved ends face the same way.

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d. Align the tabs on the clear hose to the openings in the machine and turn to
the right until locked in place.
e. Push the lower hose back into the hole on the bottom of the machine.

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7. Check the suction hole on the foot for any obstructions. Clear any if necessary.
8. If there is still no suction after troubleshooting has been exhausted, please RA
the entire machine to Grand Rapids to the attention of Quality and Ann Song and
set up a replacement machine per the RA Dest. Guide.
Machine is steaming while vacuuming
Be sure just the Vac Light is on and no steam lights are on. If a steam light is on and
the trigger on the handle is being pushed, the machine will steam.

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Filter will not go back into the dirt cup
There is a groove on the dirt up at the top that the filter will fit into (you will see where it
says “Filter” on the dirt cup). Line up the notch on the filter with the filter groove and
push into place.
Cannot remove the dirty tank cyclone.
The dirty tank cyclone only removes from the top of the dirt cup. You will have to
remove the filters first and then pull on the red cyclone from the top. If you rinse this
out, be sure it is completely dry before putting it back into the machine.
Machine is hard to push when vacuuming
Remove the pad holder from the machine by stepping on the “foot” picture on the holder
and lift the machine off. Attempt to vacuum. The machine should push much easier on
bare floor and area rugs. To put the pad holder back on, simply line the pad holder with
the bottom of the foot and push into place. You will hear it clicks when it locks into
place.

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General Information
This machine can be used as a vacuum and steamer at the same time. Follow the table
below for instructions of settings. It can also be run just as a vacuum and just as a
steamer.
There are 6 different settings for this machine. See table below of how a consumer can
use this machine:
Amp Ratings
Model Number
Total
Amps
Vac
Amps
Steam
Amps
1132
12
3.3
8.7
11321
12
3.3
8.7
11328
12
3.3
8.7

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Model Number and Serial Number Location
The model and serial number are located behind where the dirt cup sits.
Remove the dirt cup and you will see the motor rating label near the top of
where the dirt cup sits next to the hose opening.
Adding Solution to Tank
NO solutions are to be added to the tank.
Mop Pad Cleaning Instructions
Wash on regular cycle with mild detergent only for best results. Do
not use bleach, it could cause break down of the pad.
It is not recommended to use any fabric softener with the micro fiber
pads.

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Tank Capacity & Run Time
12.8 oz, or 380 ml The machine will run approx. 12 minutes on a full tank
with the trigger consistently being pressed.