Hoover EmPower U5266900 User manual

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Owner's Manua|
ENGL|SH -_ pp° 1-12
ESPANOL-_ pag. 13-20
FRANGAIS-_ p, 22-28
Read this _anua! befere
operating cJeaner
www.hoover.com

Thank yeu fer cheesing a HOOVER®
PJease enter the COMPLETE model and serial numbers in the spaces provided.
The numbers are Jocated on the bottom of your cleaner.
Modem
Seda[ number
Hint: Attach your sames receipt to this owner's manual
Verification of date of purchase may be required for warranty service
of your HOOVER product.
Be sure to film out and return the product registration card included with your
cleaner (see back cover).
Getting Started ...................................... 3
How to use ............................................ 4
Cleaner Description .......................... 4
Cleaning TooJs .................................. 6
If You Have aProbmem ........................ 11
Clearing Bmockages .................... 11o12
Important Safeguards .......................... 2
Maintenance
Authorized Service .......................... 1!
Cleaning FHters .............................. 7-8
Emptying Dirt Cup ............................ 7
Lubrication ...................................... 10
Replacing Agitator Brush Roll ...... iO
Replacing Belt .............................. g°i0
Replacing Headlight .......................... 8
Thermal Protector .............................. i0
Warranty .............................................. i2
© 2004 The Hoover Company
www.hoover.com
l! Safeg
When using an e_ectrica{ appJiance, a_ways foJJow
basic precautions, including the following:
READ ALL iNSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THiS APPLIANCE
m
m To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:
Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
C_ose supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
Do not allow vacuum c_eaner to be used as a toy or to run unattended at any time.
Keep hair, Joose c_otbing, fingers, feet and aH 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 sandaJs.
Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or
hot ashes.
Do not use to pick up fiammabte or combustible materials such as gasoline or fine
wood sandings or use in areas where they may be present.
Avoid picking up hard, sharp objects with the cleaner. They may damage the
cJeaner,
Always turn off this appJiance before connecting or disconnecting hose.
Do not use without dirt cup or fiJters in place. Empty dirt cup and cJean fiJters fre-
quentJy when picking up very fine materiaJs such as powder.
Use extra care when cJeaning on stairs.
Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening bJocked; keep
free of dust, Jint, hair, or anything that may reduce air flow.
Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handJe, dose door on cord or pull cord
around sharp edges or corners. Do not run appJiance over cord. Keep cord away
from heated surfaces.
AJways disconnect cord from eJectdcaJ outJet before servicing the cJeaner.
*UnpJug cJeaner when not in use. Turn off aiJ controJs before unpJugging.
* Do not unpJug by pulling on cord. To unpJug, grasp the pJug, not the cord. Never
handJe pJug or appJiance with wet hands.
* The use of an extension cord is not recommended.
* Do not use with damaged cord or pJug. Jf appJiance is not working as it should, has
been dropped, damaged, Jeft outdoors, or dropped into water, take it to a Hoover
Factory Service Center or Authorized Hoover Warranty Service DeaJer (Depot).
* Use vacuum cJeaner onJy for its intended use as described in the instructions.
Use onJy attachments recommended by The Hoover Company; others may cause
hazards.

If you need any assistance:
Visit our website at www.hoover.com. Click on the "Service" button
to find the service outlet nearest you OR
Call 1-800-944-9200 for an automated referral of service outlet
locations (U.S. only) OR
Call 1-330-499-9499 to speak with a representative in our Consumer
Response Center.
Please do not return this product to the store.
Carton contents
*Packed inside
extension wand
Your cleaner comes fully
assembled with the
tools and hose stored on
board.
Remove any tape or packing material
from the cleaner.
A. Cleaner
B. Hose, cleaning tools and wands
(packed on cleaner)
Using fold down handle
u_ r
Raise upper handle (A) to upright posi-
tion until it locks in place. Press upper handle release button (B) back to fold handle to storage position. Cord clip
To help keep the cord out of the way
while cleaning, position cord into cord
clip (C).
Continued -_ 3

Cleaner description
2 21
1. Folding handle 15. Hose
2. Upper handle release 16. Furniture nozzle
button 17. Dusting brush
3. Power Boost Switch 18. Extension wand
4. Dirt cup latch 19. Crevice wand: stores
5. Carrying handle inside wand
6. Pre-filter 20. Cord hooks: wrap
7. HEPA filter (inside filter cord around hooks for
chamber) storage. The top hook
8. Dirt cup (Twin Chamber) rotates to the left for
9. Dirt cup lid easy cord release.
10. Headlight 21. ON-OFF-HUSH TM
switch: located on
11. Stair cleaning handle: front of cleaner body
located above the
headlight.
12. Hood Operate cleaner only at
13. Carpet height adjustment voltage specified on
knob: rotate knob to cor- data plate on bottom of
rect setting for height of cleaner.
carpet being cleaned.
14. Handle release pedal: This cleaner is intended
step on pedal to lower for household use.
handle to operating or low
positions.
Polarized plug
Toreduce 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.
Ifthe 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.
Hose connection
Hose must be attached to cleaner base for
floor cleaning.
Toattach hose, use the end of the hose to
push the cover (A) down and push hose
onto opening.
Twist hose end slightly to tighten the con-
Rector.
4
ON-OFF-HUSH TM
switch
Plug cord into electrical outlet.
Toturn cleaner ON, push switch (B) up.
Toturn cleaner OFF, push switch to middle
position.
For quieter vacuuming, push switch down
(HUSH) position.
Put Power Boost Switch in neutral when
using ON or HUSH setting,
r IC
Power Boost Switch
Use the Power Boost Switch (C) to add
extra cleaning power for cleaning heavily
soiled areas and for picking up dry debris
spills.
Push the switch forward for a temporary
boost. When released, the boost will auto-
matically go to the "neutral" position.
Push the switch back to lock it in the Boost
position. To unlock, push the switch for-
ward to the "neutral" position.
Use the lock position for larger areas or
when using the cleaning tools.
The Boost can be used with either the ON
or HUSH mode selected (see Fig. 2-3).
Put Power Boost Switch in neutral when
using ON or HUSH setting.

I,'_5-1
Handle positions
The handle of your cleaner has three posi-
tions; upright when using cleaning tools;
operating position for general operation
on carpet and floors; low for reaching
under low furniture. Step on handle release
pedal to lower handle.
Transporting cleaner
Put handle in upright position. Tilt
cleaner back on rear wheels. Push
forward.
Carrying handle
Use the carrying handle to lift the
cleaner.
Carpet height
adjustment
The cleaning of carpet and rugs takes
place at the nozzle (D).
When it is necessary to raise and lower the
nozzle for various carpet pile heights, turn
the carpet height adjustment knob (E) to
the desired setting.
For ease in turning the knob, place handle
in upright position.
Nozzle won't move to adjusted position
until handle is lowered to operating
position.
Settings
Some models have 3 settings, others have
5. For both types, the following recommen-
dations apply.
For maximum cleaning performance,
the following carpet height settings are
recommended.
•Low setting: for all types of carpet and
hard floors.
Note: Ifthe cleaner is difficult to push,
rotate knob to the next higher setting.
•Medium and Higher settings: for deep-
er pile carpet where easier pushing effort
is desired, while maintaining good clean-
ing performance.
Cleaning lightweight
flexible rugs
Stand on one end of rug and move
cleaner toward other end or edge.
Before reaching edge, push down on
handle. This will lift up the nozzle (front
of cleaner) as shown and will prevent
rug from clinging to cleaner. Continue to
lift up nozzle so that when you have
reached the edge, it is completely off
the rug. Move cleaner back to start
again, lower nozzle, and use only for-
ward strokes.
Continued -_ 5

Stair cleaning
A stair cleaning handle has been
designed for ease in using your cleaner
on stairs. With handle in operating posi-
tion, place fingers under edge of stair
cleaning handle and guide cleaner with
other hand on upper handle.
As an alternative, you may use the hose
and furniture nozzle for stair cleaning.
Clean from bottom to top.
When using cleaning tools, the agita-
tor will continue to rotate.
CAUTION: To avoid personal injury or
unnecessary wear to carpet, and to
prevent the cleaner from falling,
always place it at the bottom of the
stairs.
Cleaning tools
Tools allow for cleaning surfaces above
the floor and for reaching hard to clean
areas.
• The cleaner is ready for tool use when
handle is in upright position.
• For best tool performance, set the ON-
OFF-HUSH TM switch to ON and set the
Power Boost Switch to lock.
CAUTION: Agitator continues to
rotate while cleaner handle is in
upright position. Avoid tipping clean-
er or setting it on furniture, fringed
area rugs or carpeted stairs during
tool use.
H._---------- I
())
Select proper tool
F. Dusting brush may be used for
carved furniture, table tops, books,
lamps, lighting fixtures, venetian blinds,
baseboards, shutters, and registers.
G. Furniture nozzle may be used for
upholstered furniture, draperies, mat-
tresses, clothing, automobile interiors,
and carpeted stairs.
H. Crevice wand (stores inside exten-
sion wand) can be used in tight spaces,
corners and along edges in such places
as dresser drawers, upholstered furni-
ture, stairs and baseboards. It can also
be used for extra reach with the dusting
brush and/or extension wand.
I. Extension wand is used to give extra
length to your hose. Use it with any of
the above tools.
Remove hose
When using cleaning tools, cleaner
handle should be in the upright posi-
tion. Also, turn cleaner OFF before
disconnecting and connecting the
hose (J).
Remove hose end from cleaner base.
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.
Attach second wand or tool to the wand in
the same manner.
Replacing hose
When you are finished cleaning with the
tools, use the end of the hose to push
the cover (K) down and push hose onto
opening.
Twist hose end slightly to tighten the
connector.
Hose must be connected to cleaner
base for floor cleaning.
Extra reach hose
(available at additional cost)
The extra reach hose provides easier
cleaning of stairs and hard to reach
places. Follow the steps below for attach-
ing and detaching hose.
LM
Turn cleaner OFF before disconnecting
and connecting hose.
Remove hose end from cleaner base.
Align end of extra reach hose with projec-
tions (L) with slots (M) on end of attached
hose.
Slide hose into slots and twist hose to
lock it into place. (To detach hose,
reverse procedure.)
Attach wands or tools to the other end of
hose.

How to clean tools
To clean the hose, wipe off dirt with a
cloth dampened in a mild detergent.
Rinse with a damp cloth.
Cleaning tools may be washed in warm
water with a detergent. Rinse and air dry
before using.
Familiarize yourself with these home
maintenance tasks as proper use and
care of your cleaner will ensure contin-
ued cleaning effectiveness.
Dirt cup
u:
The dirt cup assembly consists of the
following parts:
Lid (A)
Dirt cup (B)
Pre-filter (C)
HEPA cartridge filter (D)
Dirt inlet opening (E)
While the cleaner is in operation, the pre-
filter screen will stop larger debris from
entering the HEPA cartridge filter chamber.
This larger debris will be seen collecting in
the left side of the dirt cup. The HEPA car-
tridge filter will collect fine particles that
have passed through the pre-filter screen.
When to empty
It is recommended that the dirt cup be
emptied before the dirt reaches the dirt
inlet opening on back of dirt cup (Fig. 3-
1) or after every use if preferred.
CAUTION: Very fine materials, such
as face powder or cornstarch, may
seal the filter and cause loss of suc-
tion. When using the cleaner for this
type of dust, empty the cup and clean
the filters often.
How to empty
Turn cleaner off and allow motor to
stop completely.
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet. Do not use the cleaner without
dirt cup or filters in place.
Press dirt cup latch (F) and remove dirt
cup.
[_]
Remove lid.
Note: It is not necessary to remove the
HEPA cartridge filter to empty the dirt
cup.
Tap side of cup until no more dust parti-
cles fall from the HEPA cartridge filter.
Replace dirt cup lid.
Place bottom of cup into cleaner. Pivot
cup and snap into place.
Bottom of cup will rest behind grooves at
bottom of cleaner cavity (G).
Press latch down.
Continued -_ 7

Filter assembly
The HEPA filter and pre-filter screen are
essentially self-shedding.
Tapping the side of the dirt cup as
described in "How to empty dirt cup"
should sufficiently remove dust and fine
particles from the HEPA filter and pre-fil-
ter.
The filter assembly can also be removed
for additional cleaning.
H
J
How to clean filter
assembly
Remove dirt cup and dirt cup lid as
described in "How to empty dirt cup".
Grasp pre-filter frame (H) and pull up
firmly. Slide filter assembly out of cup.
/_",iI,',IYi_i_tt---_" - _
/ _'_',_/////'2 ----.
Ii''/"/if
Grasp end of cartridge filter and gently
pull it away from pre-filter. Remove car-
tridge from assembly.
The pre-filter can be cleaned with a
brush and then rinsed with water. Allow
pre-filter to dry thoroughly.
l 11,1,,I_ !_
_,il/_/iii
In_,_/////
It is recommended that the HEPA car-
tridge filter be cleaned by tapping either
of the ends until no more dust particles
fall from the filter. DO NOT tap the soft,
pleated sides of the filter. It could
damage the filter.
Do not rinse or wash the filter.
To re-assemble the filter assembly,
place large knob of cartridge filter in
hole on bottom of pre-filter.
Snap top of cartridge filter into place.
Align grooves (I) on pre-filter frame with
ribs (J) in dirt cup.
[':5 [i]
Slide filter assemby down into cup until
a light snap is felt. Gently pull up on
assembly to ensure that it is seated
properly in the cup. Ensure that no part
of pre-filter screen extends above top
edge of dirt cup.
Replace lid and return cup to cleaner
(Fig. 3-4).
Cleaning final filter
The final filter assists in returning clean
air to the room.
Using a screwdriver, remove the two
screws as shown and lift off lens.
Lift out filter (K) and hand wash in cold
water with a mild detergent.
Let filter air dry then reposition. Replace
lens and screws.
Should you want to replace this filter, ask
for HOOVER part no. 38765024 (filter
package part no. 40110004).
Do not operate cleaner without any of
the filters in place.

Headlight replacement
What to buy
This cleaner uses a 12 volt, wedge base
type 912 bulb HOOVER part No.
27313107.
Remove lens - Disconnect cleaner
from electrical outlet.
Using a screwdriver, remove the two
screws as shown and lift off lens.
Install bulb - Pull old bulb straight
out of socket. Push new bulb straight
into socket until locked in place. Do not
twist bulb.
Excessive force is not required.
Replace lens - Reposition lens (L)
and secure with the two screws.
Belt replacement
The belt on your Hoover cleaner causes
the agitator to rotate and is important for
the effective operation of the cleaner.
The belt is located under the hood of the
cleaner and should be checked from
time to time to be sure it is in good con-
dition.
When to replace
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
Tocheck belt, remove hood and agitator
cover as shown in Figs. 3-16 through 3-
19. Replace belt if it is stretched, cut or
broken.
What to buy
Toassure effective operation, use only
genuine HOOVER belts with your
cleaner. When purchasing a new belt,
ask for HOOVER part No. 38528040
(belt package part no. 40201190).
How to replace
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
With the handle in the upright position,
tilt cleaner back until it rests on floor.
Remove the 2 screws near the front of
the brush roll cavity.
Press on handle release pedal (A) and
lower the nozzle so it is flat.
Remove hose end (Fig. 2-13).
Remove 2 screws at rear of hood.
Lift hood off cleaner. Remove the 2 screws behind the
agitator cover.
Remove agitator cover (B).
Remove agitator and used belt.
Discard used belt.
Continued -_ 9

/F
With lettering to the outside of belt, slide
new belt along side of cleaner cavity
and over motor pulley (C).
Insert agitator through belt and place
belt in belt guide (D). Grasp agitator firmly and fit it into posi-
tion by first sliding end opposite the belt
into the rectangular slot (E) on side of
cleaner.
Pull other side of agitator (F) into place.
Turn agitator, making sure belt is not
pinched between agitator and cleaner
body. The belt must rotate freely inside
the belt guide. If the agitator does not
turn, reposition belt in the belt guide.
Replace agitator cover (B) and 2
screws. Replace hood, 2 screws and hose. Raise nozzle up and replace the 2 screws on the bottom.
The agitater brush roll
When to replace
When agitator brushes are worn, the
agitator should be replaced.
q:ocheck condition of brushes, discon-
nect cleaner from electrical outlet.
Move edge of a card across bottom
plate while turning agitator. To maintain
cleaning effectiveness, replace agitator
if brushes do not touch card.
What to buy
VVhen purchasing a new agitator, ask for
NOOVER part no. 48414130.
How to replace
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
Remove hood and agitator cover as
described in the "Belt replacement"
section.
Discard old agitator.
Continue following the directions in the
"Belt replacement" section to replace
belt, new agitator, agitator cover and
hood.
The motor is equipped with bearings
that contain sufficient lubrication for the
life of the motor. The addition of lubricant
could cause damage. Therefore, do
not add lubricant to motor bearings.
The agitator brush roll is equipped with
two ball bearings that should be lubri-
cated periodically by a Hoover Factory
Service Center or an Authorized Hoover
Warranty Service Dealer (Depot).
10

ThermaJ protector
An internal thermal protector has been
designed into your cleaner to protect it
from overheating.
When the therrea[ protector activates,
the cleaner wH[ stop running. If this
happens, proceed as follows:
1. Turn the cleaner OFF and discon-
nect it from the electrical outlet.
2. Check filters for dirt accumulation.
3. Refer to "Clearing blockages"
section.
4. When cleaner is unplugged and
the motor cools for 30 minutes, the
thermal protector automatically resets
and cleaning may continue.
If the thermal protector continues to
activate after following the above steps,
your cleaner may need servicing
(see"Servbe" section).
_ir_ I_ [;] i i |1] [;._. | l | i l[i i ill[l] _.-ir_TLI] liI I] [-_ [II I
Service
Toobtain approved HOOVER service
and genuine HOOVER parts, locate
the nearest Hoover Factory Service
Center or Authorized Hoover
Warranty Service Dealer (Depot) by:
.checking the Yellow Pages under
"Vacuum Cleaners - Household" OR -
. checking the listof Factory Service
Centers provided with this cleaner
OR-
. checking the Service section of The
Hoover Company on-line at
www.hoover.core OR -
. calling 1o800o944o9200 for an
automated referral of authorized
service outlet locations (U.S. only)=
Do not send your cleaner to The Hoover
Company in North Canton for service,
this will only result in delay.
If further assistance is needed, contact
The Hoover Company Consumer
Response Center, North Canton,
Ohio 44720, Phone: [phone].
In Canada, contact Hoover Canada,
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A8,
Phone: [phone].
Always identify your cleaner by the core°
plete model number when requesting
information or ordering parts. (The
model number appears on the bottom
of the cleaner.)
Heever cleaning
This Hoover Cleaning Performance Sys-
tem is for comparing the relative pro-
gressive performance of Hoover
uprights only and not for comparison
with any other brands. The majority of
this rating is based upon the ASTM
International Carpet Cleaning Effective-
ness Test (ASTM Test F608). Other per-
formance factors include Hose Power
(ASTM Test F558), Surface Litter Clean-
ing, Hard Floor Cleaning, Edge Clean-
ing, Cleaning Width, and Air Filtration.
If a minor problem occurs, it usually can
be solved quite easily when the cause is
found by using the check list below.
Possible cause
Possible solution
•Not firmly plugged in
•Plug unit in firmly
•No voltage in wall plug
•Check fuse or breaker
• Blown fuse or tripped breaker
•Replace fuse or reset breaker
• Thermal protector activated
•Allow cleaner to cool for 30 minutes
(this will reset the thermal protector)
(see pg. 11),
Possible cause
Possible solution
•Broken or worn belt
•Replace belt
• Agitator brush roll worn
•Replace brush roll
• Dirt cup full
•Empty cup
• Incorrect carpet height setting
•Move nozzle control knob to lower
setting
• Blockage in air flow passage
•Clear blockage
• HEPA filter clogged
•Clean HEPA filter as described in the
"Filter assembly" section
• Dirt cup not properly installed
•Position dirt cup properly (Fig, 3-4)
• Dirt cup lid not positioned properly
or missing
•Ensure that dirt cup lid is properly
positioned
•Filter assembly not installed
properly
•Ensure that the filter assembly is posi-
tioned properly (Fig. 3-10)
Possible cause
Possible solution
•Incorrect carpet height setting
•Move nozzle control knob to a
higher setting
Possible cause
Possible solution
• Dirt cup not properly installed
•Position dirt cup properly (Fig. 3-4)
• Blockage in hose
•Clear blockage
•Power Boost in "neutral" position
•Move Power Boost switch to lock posi-
tion.
Possible cause
Possible solution
•Power Boost switch in lock position
•Push Power Boost switch forward to
"neutral" position.
Possible cause
Possible solution
•Belt broken or stretched
•Replace agitator brush roll belt as
described in Figs. 3-16 through 3-26 in
the Maintenance section.
Continued _ 11

Clearing blockages
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
Low suction or pick up may be due to a
blockage in the system. Refer to the fol-
lowing steps to check for blockages
continuing with each step until the
blockage is found:
Turn cleaner OFF and disconnect
from electrical outlet.
1. Check fullness of dirt cup and filter
assembly; empty cup and clean filters if
needed.
Check dirt duct
2. Remove dirt cup, look in duct (A).
3. Clear blockage from dirt duct.
Check airflow path
4. Remove hose end from cleaner.
5. Plug cleaner in and turn ON. Check
for suction at end of hose (B).
a. If there is suction, continue with
step 6.
b. If there is no suction, check for
blockage in hose. Clear out hose.
Check hose inlet
6. Turn cleaner OFF and unplug.
7. Remove hose end from cleaner.
8. Press hose inlet door open and clear
any blockages.
12
Full One Year
Warranty
(Domestic Use)
Your HOOVER ®appliance is warranted
in normal household use, in accordance
with the Owner's Manual against original
defects in material and workmanship for
a period of one full year from date of
purchase. This warranty provides, at no
cost to you, all labor and parts to place
this appliance in correct operating
condition during the warranted period.
This warranty applies when the
appliance is purchased in the United
States including its territories and
possessions, or in Canada or from a
U.S. Military Exchange. Appliances
purchased elsewhere are covered by a
limited one year warranty which covers
the cost of parts only. This warranty
does not apply if the appliance is used
in a commercial or rental application.
Warranty service can only be obtained
by presenting the appliance to one of
the following Authorized Warranty
Service outlets. Proof of purchase will
be required before service is rendered.
1. Hoover Factory Service Centers
2. Hoover Authorized Warranty
Service Dealers (Depots)
For an automated referral of
authorized service outlets in the
U.S.A., phone [phone] OR
visit The Hoover Company on-line at
www.hoover.com
This warranty does not cover pick up,
delivery, or house calls; however, if you
mail your appliance to a Hoover Factory
Service Center for warranty service,
transportation will be paid one way.
While this warranty gives you specific
legal rights, you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state
(or province).
If further assistance is needed, or if
there are questions concerning this
warranty or the availability of warranty
service outlets, write or phone the
Consumer Response Center, The Hoover
Company, 101 East Maple St., North
Canton, Ohio 44720.
Phone [phone].
In Canada, contact Hoover Canada,
Burlington, Ontario, L7R 4A8.
Phone [phone].