Hoover Dirt FINDER User manual

HOOVER,
SelfiPropelled
Upright Cleaners
Owner’s
Manual

shipped from the factory.
l-800-944-9200 for an
automated
referral of authorized service
outlet locations (U.S. only) or
l-330-499-9499 to speak with a representative in our Consumer
Response Center.
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE.
Fill in and retain
The model and serial number are located on the back of the cleaner.
For your personal records, please enter the COMPLETE model and
serial number in the spaces provided and retain this information.
Your cleaner is model
and has serial number
It is suggested that you attach your sales receipt to this owner’s
manual. Verification of date of purchase may be required for warranty
service of your Hoover product.
Save!
Index
Attaching hose and cleaning
tools..
..............
.5-6
Cleaner Description ......................................... 3-4
Cleaning Effectiveness Per Amp
Rating..
.....
.26
How To Use .....................................................
7-11
Embedded Dirt
FINDERTM
Feature
............... 9
Air Freshener Dispenser .............................
11
Cleaning Tools ........................................ 12-13
Self Propel Feature ........................................
8
If You Have a Problem ......................................
25
Important Safeguards .........................................
2
Lubrication .........................................................
25
Maintenance
Clearing Obstructions .................................
22
Replacing ‘Dirt FINDER’
Battery.. ...............
16
Replacing Agitator Brushes
..................
23-24
Replacing Belts .......................................
18-21
Replacing Headlight ....................................
17
Replacing Paper Bag
.............................. 14-15
Service ...............................................................
26
Unpacking Cleaner ..............................................
3
0
UL
43
1
0 1995 The Hoover Company

Important Safeguards!
When using an electrical appliance, always follow
basic precautions, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS APPLIANCE
Warning. injury:
n To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or
.
.
.
.
.
Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
Close.supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or
near children. Do not allow vacuum cleaner to be used as a toy or to
run unattended at any time.
Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, feet and all parts of body away
from openings, rotating agitator and other moving parts.
Do not
operate cleaner in bare feet or when wearing open toe shoes or
sandals.
Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as ciga-
rettes, matches, or hot ashes.
Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as
gasoline or use in areas where they may be present.
Avoid picking up hard, sharp objects with the cleaner. They may
damage the cleaner and the bag.
Always turn off this appliance before connecting or disconnecting
hose.
Do not use without dust bag or filters in place. Change bag fre-
quently when picking up very fine materials such as powder.
Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening
blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, or anything that may reduce air
flow.
Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close door on cord
or pull cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run appliance
over cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
Always disconnect cord from electrical outlet before servicing the
cleaner.
Unplug cleaner when not in use. Turn off all controls before unplug-
ging.
Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the
cord. Never handle plug or appliance with wet hands.
The use of an extension cord is not recommended.
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, take it to a Hoover Factory Service Center or Authorized
Hoover Warranty Service Dealer (Depot).
Use vacuum cleaner only for its intended use as described in the
instructions. Use only attachments recommended by The Hoover
Company; others may cause hazards.
Save these instructions!
2

Unpacking
Unpack the cleaner from the
carton and identify the parts
shown. Remove and dispose
of the cardboard packing.
Note: If using cleaner on new
carpet, be sure to change bag
frequently. See “Mainte-
nance” section for bag
replacement.
D
IF
,
G
A. Hose
B. Furniture Nozzle
C. Crevice Tool
D. Dusting Brush
E. Bare floor tool (some
models only)
F. Wand
G. Extra Paper Bags (one
installed in cleaner; please
store extra bag on storage
clips - no. 25)
H. Air freshener tablet (some
models only)
I, I
23
22
1’9
18
Operate cleaner only at
voltage specified on data
plate on back of cleaner.
This cleaner is intended for
household use.
Side-mounted hose
trademark of The
Hoover Company

Cleaner Description
1. Self Propel Handle Grip
2. Self Propel Control Button
3. ON-OFF Switch
4. Cord Storage Hooks: upper hook rotates for easy cord release.
5. Embedded Dirt FINDERTM Display: (some models only)
see page 9.
6. ‘Dirt FINDER’ Sensitivity Switch (some models only)
7. Tool Cover: pull out top edge of cover to open
8. Furniture nozzle
9. Dusting brush
10. Crevice Tool
11. Bag Door Latch
12. Bag Door
13. Check Bag Indicator (some models only)
14.Air Freshener Dispenser (some models only): designed to
hold a fragrance tablet and release a pleasant scent during clean-
ing.
15. Headlight
16. Check Belt Indicator (some models only): stops rotating when
belt is broken.
17. Carpet Height Adjustment Lever: slide knob to correct setting
for height of carpet being cleaned.
18. Furniture Guard
19. Edge Cleaning: brushed edge cleaning is provided on the right
side of the cleaner; standard edge cleaning is provided on the left
side.
20. Hose Door: open door to connect hose to cleaner.
21. Hose
22. Extension Wand
23. Hose and Wand Holder
24. Carrying Handle
25. Extra Bag Storage
26. Extra Belt Storage
27. Handle Release Pedal: step on pedal to lower handle to either
operating or low position.
28. Handle Lock: remove and dispose of cardboard cylinder to
lock handle in upright position.
4

Questions or Concerns?
The Hoover Company wants to quickly resolve any concerns about
your cleaner or questions regarding its use. Look on the list pro-
vided with the product for your local Hoover Factory Service
Center or in the Yellow Pages under “Vacuum Cleaners - House-
hold” for the nearest Authorized Hoover Warranty Service Dealer
(Depot) or call:
I-800-944-9200 for an automated referral of authorized
service outlet locations (U.S. only)
OR
330-499-9499 to speak with a representative in the
Hoover Consumer Response Center.
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE OR SEND IT
TO NORTH CANTON FOR SERVICE.
How to attach
hose and tools
1, Attach hose
With cleaner handle in upright
position, push round end of
hose firmly into “cup” in rack.
Stretch hose over rack and
push hose connector into rack
until latch snaps into place.
To remove hose, depress latch
and pull up.
Note: Hose must be removed
from hose door when clean-
ing carpet and floors to insure
proper cleaning performance.
5
CONNECT01
,HOSE’

2. Attach tools
Position wand, with smaller end
down, in side of holder and snap
into place.
Snap furniture nozzle (A),
dusting brush (B), and crevice
tool (C) into tool storage area as
shown.
Close tool cover.
Pull open tool cover.
B
SWITCH
Pull switch lock, above ON/OFF
switch, straight out.
Dispose of switch lock.
Note: If switch lock has come
off during shipping, make sure
switch is in the OFF position
(down) before plugging cord
into an electrical outlet.
CAUTION: When cleaner is turned on, agitator will continue to
rotate while cleaner handle is in upright position. Avoid tipping
cleaner or setting it on furniture, fringed area rugs, or carpeted
stairs during tool use. Avoid leaving the cleaner in one place for
an extended period of time particularly on thick carpet.
6

How to use
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 the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any
way.
To transport
To move your cleaner from room
to room, put handle in upright
position, tilt cleaner back on
large rear wheels and push
forward.
Your cleaner also has a conve-
nient carrying handle located on
the back of the cleaner.
Handle positions
The handle of your cleaner has
three positions: upright for
storage and tool use; operating
for general operation on carpet
and floors; low for cleaning
under low furniture. Lower
handle by stepping on handle
release pedal at rear of cleaner.
UPRIGHT
/Y
7

ON-OFF switch
To turn cleaner on, push switch
up. To turn cleaner off, push
switch down to the OFF posi-
tion.
Self Propel feature
Note: The Self Propel feature will operate only when motor is
turned on.
This feature moves the cleaner forward and backward at a variable rate
of speed controlled entirely by you.
Self Propel
/
Control
Button ’
To move forward
Push handle grip forward and
guide cleaner in front of you. The
cleaner will move in a forward
direction with little effort.
To move backward
Gently pull handle grip back and
guide the cleaner toward you.
Guide cleaner carefully at first
until you have adjusted to the
ease of operation.
Self Propel control button
For increased control of the cleaner in tight places such as around
and under furniture, or on non-carpeted floors push the Self Propel
control button to OFF to disengage the Self Propel mechanism.
Edge cleaning
Brushed edge cleaning is
provided on the right side of the
cleaner to remove embedded dirt
in the carpet near baseboards
and furniture. Guide right side of
cleaner parallel to edge of carpet
or furniture for brushed edge
cleaning.
Standard edge cleaning is pro-
vided on the left side of cleaner
to remove surface dust and litter. 8

Embedded Dirt FINDERTM feature
(Some models only)
The ‘ Dirt FINDER’ system alerts the user to areas of carpet that may
need more cleaning attention by sensing a larger amount of dirt par-
ticles being removed, especially embedded dirt.
To let you know that the ‘Dirt
FINDER’ feature is ready and that
the battery is good, the red light
- will come on when the cleaner is
first turned on. After a few
seconds, the red light will go off
and the green light will come on.
Cleaning may then begin. (If
neither the red nor the green light
comes on, the battery may need
to be replaced. See “Mainte-
nance” section.)
The green light will remain on throughout cleaning except when the
detector senses that a larger amount of dirt is being picked up; then
the red light will come on.
When the red light is on, you should take additional cleaning strokes
in the area until it changes to green.
l The red light may seldom come
on during cleaning. This means
that your cleaner is picking up
primarily fine surface dust and lint
which the system may not detect,
or that the carpet is generally
clean. To increase the feature’s
sensitivity to dirt, set the switch
to the “Hi” position.
l At other times, the red light may
stay on for a considerable
amount of time. This means that
the carpet contains a high level of
dirt which is being removed by
the cleaner. To decrease the
feature’s sensitivity to dirt, set
the switch to the “Reg.” (regular)
position.
(Note: On some models this
position is indicated as “Lo”.)
9
I
II WI
I
I
SENSITIVITY
SWITCH \
I I

Adjustment for
carpet pile height
The cleaning of carpet and rugs
takes place at the nozzle.
If it is necessary to raise and
lower the nozzle for various
carpet pile heights, slide the
nozzle control knob to the
correct setting.
Disconnect cleaner from
electrical outlet before mak-
ing nozzle adjustment.
For ease in sliding knob, the
handle should be in the upright
position.
The nozzle will not move into
the adjusted position until
the cleaner handle is lowered
to the operating position.
For maximum cleaning performance, the following carpet height
settings are recommended.
3 4
HIGH
llll@
BARE FLOOR
l Lowest setting (4):
for all types of carpet.
l Higher settings (1-3):
for very deep pile carpet where easier
pushing effort is desired, while maintain-
ing good cleaning performance.
Note: If the cleaner is difficult to push, slide the knob to the next
higher setting.
When cleaning non-carpeted floors, set the adjustment lever to the
lowest setting. If greater control on non-carpeted floors is desired,
push the Self Propel control button to the OFF position.
10

Quick cord release
To release the cord, rotate top
cord hook. The hook can then
be repositioned for wrapping
the cord.
Air freshener
dispenser
(Some models only)
Slide drawer on front of bag
door all the way to the right.
Insert a finger in the recessed
area and pull drawer foward.
Insert the air freshener tablet
packed with cleaner.
To replace drawer, insert
bottom part of drawer in slot on
bag door. Push drawer into
position.
The amount of fragrance
released is regulated by sliding
the control to the left and right.
Air freshener tablets may be
obtained from your local Autho-
rized Hoover Dealer (Depot), a
Hoover Factory Service Center,
or by using the mail order form
packed with your cleaner.
11

Use tools with cleaner handle
in upright position.
Cleaning tools
The cleaning tool set includes a
hose, dusting brush, furniture
nozzle, crevice tool, and an
extension wand, bare floor tool
*(some models only)
A. Attach hose to
cleaner
Turn cleaner OFF before
attaching or removing hose.
With cleaner handle in upright
position, open hose door and
insert hose connector until it
snaps into position. Suction
will automatically be diverted to
the hose when cleaner is
turned on.
To remove hose, press latch on
hose connector and pull up.
B. Select proper tool
1. Dusting brush may be used
for carved furniture, table tops,
books, lamps, lighting fixtures,
Venetian blinds, baseboards,
shutters, and registers.
2. Furniture nozzle may be
used for upholstered furniture,
draperies, tapestries, mat-
tresses, ctothing, automobile
interiors, and carpeted stairs.
3. Crevice tool may be used in
tight spaces, corners and along
edges in such places as dresser
drawers, upholstered furniture,
stairs, and baseboards.
4. Wand is used to give extra
length to your hose. Attach it to
any of the above tools.
l 5. Bare floor tool may be used
for very irregular hard surface
floors such as brick and slate.
*Included with some models.

C. Attach wand and
tools
The tools are attached to the
hose or the wand in the same
manner.
Push tool firmly onto hose; twist
tool slightly to tighten or loosen
connection.
It is important that the tools and
wands are twisted to ensure a
firm connection.
Use tools with cleaner handle
in upright position.
CAUTION: Agitator continues to rotate while cleaner handle is
in the upright position. Avoid tipping cleaner or setting it on
furniture, fringed area rugs, or carpeted stairs during tool use.
Avoid leaving the cleaner in one place for an extended period of
time particularly on thick carpet.
How to clean tools
To clean the hose, wipe off dirt with a cloth dampened in a liquid
detergent. Rinse with a damp cloth. Cleaning tools may be washed
in warm water with a detergent. Rinse and air dry before using.
How to attach tool
cover
The tool cover is designed with
a “break-away” feature which
allows it to snap off if it is
pushed open too far. To re-
attach, align hinges of cover
with slots on front of tool stor-
age area; press cover back into
place.
13

Maintenance
The following sections are concerned with proper maintenance of
the cleaner. Familiarize yourself with these home maintenance tasks
and keep this owner’s manual in a convenient place where you can
refer to it when needed. Proper use and care of your cleaner will
ensure continued cleaning effectiveness.
The bag
When to replace
Check bag from time to time. It is recommended that you change
the bag when it is filled to the dotted line. If more dirt than this
accumulates, your cleaner may not operate effectively.
For models with “CHECK BAG”
indicator, check bag when
indicator flag pushes through
slot in bag door and “J BAG”
(“check” bag) is visible.
NOTE: Check and change bag frequently when using cleaner on
new carpet due to rapid accumulation of carpet fluff. The check
bag indicator (some models only), may not register if the bag is
full of fluff from new carpet.
CAUTION: Very fine materials, such as face powder, corn-
starch, fireplace ashes or fireplace soot, may seal the paper bag
and may cause it to burst even though it is only partially full of
dirt. When cleaner is used to remove material of this nature,
change bag often.
Where to buy
Bags may be purchased from your local Authorized Hoover Dealer
(Depot) or from a Hoover Factory Service Center or use the mail
order form packed with your cleaner. When ordering bags, be
sure to give the model number of your cleaner.
What to buy
If your cleaner was originally equipped with a micro filtration bag, it
is important to use only Genuine HOOVE& Micro Filtration Type
Z disposable bags in order to assure that the original cleaning
effectiveness is maintained.
Continued +
14

If your cleaner did not originally include a micro filtration bag, using
Genuine HOOVER@ Micro Filtration Type Z disposable bags will
improve the cleaning effectiveness of your cleaner.
Regular HOOVER@ Type Z disposable bags also fit your cleaner
and will provide good performance.
To assure that your HOOVER cleaner oper-
ates at peak performance, it is imperative that
you use only genuine HOOVER paper bags
distributed by The Hoover Company.
HOOVER bags can be identified by the
trademarks - -
How to change bag
Disconnect cleaner from electri-
cal outlet.
Pull bag door latch forward and
remove door from cleaner.
Grasp bag collar and pull collar
from tube.
Note: Do not clean out old
bag and reuse. Discard used
bag. .
Align opening in new paper
bag with dirt tube in outer bag
compartment. Push bag collar
firmly onto tube.
Fold top of bag down under
top of bag compartment.
To replace bag door, lift up
lower edge of paper bag.
Insert the 3 tabs on bottom of
bag door into the 3 slots on
bag compartment.
Make sure all edges of paper
bag are completely inside the
bag compartment.
Close door.
15

The Embedded Dirt
FINDERTM battery
(Some models only)
ATTERY
The battery is located in a
holder inside the bag compart-
ment behind the paper bag.
What to buy
The ‘Dirt FINDER’ system operates on a regular g-volt alkaline
battery available at your favorite retailer.
When to replace
Depending on cleaner usage, the battery will need replacement
about every 12 months. If neither the red nor green light comes on
when the cleaner is turned on or in use, the battery should be
replaced.
How to replace
Open and remove bag door as
described in “How to replace”
paper bag. Gently push top of
paper bag down.
Press in at area indicated on
battery holder and remove
holder.
Remove old battery and con-
nect new one to proper polarity
snaps.
Place battery in holder.
Snap battery holder back into
place.
Replace bag door making sure
paper bag is completely inside
bag compartment.
16

The headlight
What to buy
This cleaner uses a 12 volt, wedge base bulb.
Hoover part No. 27313101
How to replace
Disconnect cleaner from
electrical outlet.
1. Place screwdriver into one of
the slots at lower edge of lens.
Press handle of screwdriver
down to release lens. Repeat
in second slot if necessary.
2. Lift out lens.
3. Pull old bulb straight out of
socket. Push new bulb straight
into socket until locked in place.
Excessive force is not re-
quired.
4. Replace lens by inserting
tabs on top of lens under edge
of opening on cleaner.
5. Press firmly at bottom oj lens
to snap lens into place.
17

SELF
PROPEL
II
BELT
AGITATOR l/jf
BELT v-m
What to buy
The belts
There are two belts on your
cleaner. One belt drives the
agitator; the other operates the
Self Propel feature.
When buying new belts, you
should always insist on genuine
HOOVER parts. Other belts
may not meet the Hoover
design and quality control
standards. They may not
operate the agitator or Self
Propel transmission correctly
and may cause damage.
Agitator belt - Hoover part No. 38528008
‘Self Propel belt - Hoover part No. 160147
Agitator belt
When to replace
Check from time to time to be sure the belt is in good condition. If it
is stretched, cut, or broken, it should be replaced.
NOT BROKEN
-~
BROKEN
The “BELT CHECK” indicator
(some models only) will spin
when the cleaner is turned on
and the agitator belt is not
broken.
If the indicator does not spin
and the orange bar is visible
when the cleaner is turned on,
the belt is broken and must
be replaced.
The cleaner must be turned on for the indicator to register a
broken belt.
The “BELT CHECK” indicator does not register a broken Self Propel
belt.
Continued +
18

How to replace agitator belt
Disconnect cleaner from electrical outlet.
Place cleaner on the floor. For ease in installation, follow the direc-
tions given below, positioning yourself to the left, rear of the
cleaner.
1. Turn cleaner over. Release
handle to lowest position.
Remove plate on bottom of
cleaner by releasing clips. (See
illustration.)
3. Lift out agitator and remove
old belt.
5. Place new belt over metal
motor pulley, with lettering on
belt visible and not against
pulleys.
19
2. Then lift off bottom plate.
END PLATES
4. If the end plates have
loosened, tighten them by
turning in opposite directions.
6. Slip plastic pulley end of
agitator through belt. (See
illustration.)