Hoover U5180 User manual

®
®
Review this manual before
operating the cleaner.
This product was designed for
easy assembly (see page 3)
www.hoover.com
Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH ➜pp. 1-12
ESPAÑOL ➜pág 13-19
FRANÇAIS ➜p. 20-26
TM

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Model___________________________________
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Hint: Attach your sales receipt to this owner’s manual.
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cleaner (see back cover).
Review this manual before
operating cleaner
©2005 The Hoover Company
www.hoover.com
2
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SAMPLESAMPLESAMPLESAMPLE
 
SAMPLESAMPLESAMPLESAMPLE
HOOVER
NEWTON, IOWA 50208
Made in China
Hecho en China/Fabriqué en Chin
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ERIA NO/NMERO ER/N MERO E ERIE
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ET/CORROIE/COR REA 
FITER/FITRO/FITRE 
 hooerc o
ERIE/  RIE/ERIE C20
CEANER/AIRA TER/AIRAORA
Contents
Assembling Cleaner ............................3
Carton Contents....................................3
Cleaner Descriptions............................4
How To Use ........................................4-6
Cleaning Tools ..................................6
If You Have a Problem........................10
Important Safeguards ..........................2
Lubrication ............................................9
Maintenance ....................................6-10
Authorized Service..........................10
Cleaning Filters..............................7-8
Clearing Blockages ........................11
Emptying Dirt Cup..........................6-7
Replacing Agitator Brush Roll ........9
Replacing Belt................................8-9
Replacing Headlight..........................8
Thermal Protector ..............................10
Warranty ..............................................12
SERIAL
NUMBER
Important Safeguards!
When using an electrical appliance, always follow basic precautions, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS APPLIANCE
WARNING:To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:
• 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 cigarettes, matches,
or hot ashes.
• Do not use to pick up flammable 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
cleaner.
• Always turn off this appliance before connecting or disconnecting hose.
• Do not use without dirt cup or filters in place. Empty cup and clean filter 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 unplugging.
• 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 Sales and 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.
WARNING:This product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. Wash hands after handling.
Save these instructions!

3
Attach handle
Carton contents
Remove all parts from carton and
identify each item shown.
Make sure all parts are located before
disposing of packing materials.
A
B
E
DF
C
B
AA
B
C
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 authorized 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.
Continued ➜
1. Cleaner assembly
Hold plug (B) with one hand; upper
handle (C) with other hand.
Push plug into upper handle, align-
ing with opposite end of plug and
push firmly until you hear a snap.
After ends are connected, lightly
pull on plug to make sure it is
securely attached.
1-2
Align the groove (D) on the back of
the upper handle with the small pro-
jection (E) on the back of the handle
housing.
Push upper handle down until you
hear a click.
1-3
1-4 1-5
1-1 A. Handle section
B. Cleaner body
C. Cleaning tools and wands
Grasp orange tie wrap (A) and pull
until the black plug (B) comes out of
the handle cavity.
DO NOT remove orange tie wrap
until step 1-3 is complete.
Note: The plug will only fit together
one way. If plug is not fitting togeth-
er, check alignment of ends.
After the plug ends are fully con-
nected, the orange tie wrap (A)
must be removed.
Use caution so as NOT TO CUT
the black power cord. Discard the
orange tie wrap.
Press button (F) at handle base and
push handle all the way down.

1-6
2. How to use
Cleaner description
18. Wands
19. Crevice tool
20. Cord hooks: wrap cord
around hooks for storage. Top
hook can be rotated right or
left for easy cord release.
21. Handle release pedal:
step on lever to lower handle
to operating or low positions.
Operate cleaner only at
voltage specified on data
plate on back of cleaner.
This cleaner is intended for
household use.
1. Handle grip
2. ON/OFF switch
3. Telescoping handle
4. Handle release button
5. Carrying handle
6. Dirt cup release button
7. Dirt cup assembly
8. Dirt cup door hinge
9. Stair cleaning handle:
located below lower edge
of dirt cup.
10. Headlight
11. Nozzle control knob:
turn knob to correct setting
for height of carpet being
cleaned.
12. Furniture guard: helps
prevent cleaner from mark-
ing furniture.
13. Hose handle
14.Combination tool
15. Powered hand tool
16. Hose
17. Hose/tool holder
ON-OFF switch
Plug cord into electrical outlet.
To turn cleaner ON, push ON/OFF
switch once.
To turn cleaner OFF, push switch
again.
1
18
13
17
15
12
A
20
20
19
8
16
A
BD
C
3
2
15 6
7
10
9
4
5
11
14 14
21
4
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 the proper out-
let. Do not change the plug in any
way.
2-1
Transporting cleaner
To move your cleaner from room to
room, put handle in upright position,
tilt cleaner back on rear wheels and
push forward.
2-3
2-2
Telescoping handle
For convenience in storing or carry-
ing your cleaner, the handle is
designed to retract into the body of
the cleaner. Lower the handle by
depressing the button (A) located at
the handle base and pushing the
handle down. Raise the handle by
depressing the button and pulling
the handle upward, locking it into
the desired position.
Position tools
Place smaller diameter end of wand
(A) into bottom of rack. Snap wand
into clip at top. Repeat with other
wand.
Crevice tool (B) fits into one of the
extension wands.
Snap combination tool (C) and pow-
ered hand tool (D) into storage
areas on back of cleaner as shown.

5
Handle positions
The handle of your cleaner has
three positions; upright for storage
and when using cleaning tools;
operating position for general
operation on carpet and floors; low
for reaching under low furniture.
Step on handle release lever to
lower handle.
Carrying cleaner
The cleaner can also be moved by
using the carrying handle.
2-4 2-5
2-8
2-6
Carpet height
adjustment
The cleaning of carpet and rugs
takes place at the nozzle (A).
When it is necessary to raise and
lower the nozzle for various carpet
pile heights, place handle in upright
position and turn the nozzle control
knob (B) to the desired setting.
The nozzle will not move into the
adjusted position until the cleaner
handle is lowered to the operating
position.
A
B
2-7
Settings
For maximum cleaning perfor-
mance, the following carpet height
settings are recommended:
• Lowest setting: for all types of
carpet.
Note: If the cleaner is difficult to
push, turn knob to the next higher
setting.
• Higher settings: for very deep
pile carpet, where easier pushing
effort is desired, while maintaining
good cleaning 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 forward
strokes.
Continued ➜
Stair cleaning
A stair cleaning handle has been
designed for ease in using your
cleaner on stairs. With handle in
operating position, place fingers
under edge of stair cleaning handle
(A) and guide cleaner with other
hand on upper handle.
As an alternative, you may use the
hose and power hand tool for stair
cleaning. Clean from bottom to top.
When using cleaning tools, the
agitator 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
bottom of stairs.
2-9

6
Select proper tool
D. Combination tool use with brush
for carved furniture, table tops,
books, lamps, lighting fixtures,
venetian blinds, baseboards, shut-
ters, and registers.
Remove brush to clean upholstered
furniture, draperies, mattresses,
clothing, and carpeted stairs.
E. Powered hand tool may be used
for upholstered furniture, draperies,
mattresses, clothing, automobile
interiors, and carpeted stairs.
F. Crevice tool may be used in tight
spaces, corners and along edges in
such places as dresser drawers,
upholstered furniture, stairs and
baseboards.
G. Wands are used to give extra
length to your hose. Use them with
any of the above tools.
2-12 H
B
A
I
C
2-11
F
A
G
E
D
3-1
J
2-13 2-14 3. Maintenance
Familiarize yourself with these home
maintenance tasks as proper use
and care of your cleaner will ensure
continued cleaning effectiveness.
When to empty
It is recommended that the dirt cup
be emptied before the dirt reaches
the fill line (A), or after every use if
preferred.
CAUTION: Very fine materials,
such as face powder or corn-
starch, may seal the filter and
cause loss of suction. When using
the cleaner for this type of dust,
empty the cup and clean the fil-
ters often.
Dirt cup
Attach wand and tools
Attach tool or wand to the hose (H).
Attach tool to wand (I) by pushing it
firmly onto the wand.
Twist wand or tool slightly to tighten
or loosen the connection.
2-10
Removing hose
When using cleaning tools, cleaner
handle should be in the upright
position. Also, turn cleaner OFF
before disconnecting and con-
necting hose to hose tube (A).
To use hose, lift hose end (B) as
shown. Check to be sure the hose
tube cover (C) is closed over the
hose tube.
When you are finished cleaning with
the tools, lift cover from hose tube
and reposition hose end into tube.
Combination tool
Slide brush to remove.
To replace brushes, align bottom of
brush with grooves (J) on tool. Slide
brush into place.
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.
CAUTION: The agitator continues
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.
How to clean tools
To clean the hose, wipe off dirt with
a cloth dampened in a mild deter-
gent. Rinse with a damp cloth.
Cleaning tools may be washed in
warm water with a detergent. Rinse
and air dry before using.

7
Continued ➜
BCD
Holding dirt cup over trash recepta-
cle, press dirt cup door release but-
ton (C) to open dirt cup door (D).
Press dirt cup door release button to
latch dirt cup door closed.
3-6
3-8
3-7
A
C
D
B
A
B
A
Dirt and debris can be cleaned from
the filter assembly by brushing with
the cleaner’s combination tool.
Place the filter assembly on the dirt
cup, aligning tabs (A) on either side
of filter with slots on dirt cup (B) and
twist it clockwise to secure into posi-
tion.
Replace dirt cup as described in
Figs. 3-4 & 3-5.
Cyclonic filter
assembly
How to clean
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet. Do not use cleaner without
dirt cup or filters in place.
3-3
3-5
3-2
How to empty
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet. Do not use the cleaner
without dirt cup or filters in place.
Press dirt cup release button (B)
and pivot cup out.
3-4
Press on dirt cup release button
while firmly pressing on dirt cup.
Release button in order for it to
return to proper position and lock
the dirt cup into place.
Remove dirt cup as described in
Fig. 3-2.
Twist filter assembly (A) counter-
clockwise. Remove assembly from
dirt cup.
Secondary filter
How to clean
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet. Do not operate cleaner
without dirt cup or filters in place.
Pull down on latch (A) located at the
top of the dirt cup cavity to remove
gray filter frame. Remove black foam
filter (B) from frame. Hand wash in
cold water with a mild detergent.
Let filter air dry and replace it into
filter frame.
Reposition filter frame by inserting
tabs (C) into slots (D) on back of dirt
cup cavity. Rotate filter frame up
toward top of dirt cup cavity and
snap closed.
Cleaning filters
Remove dirt cup as described in
Fig. 3-2.
Place bottom of dirt cup in first.
Pivot cup into cleaner body.

Remove dirt cup as described in
Fig. 3-2.
Pull filter frame (A) straight out from
bottom of dirt cup cavity. Remove fil-
ter (B) from frame.
Hand wash in cold water with a mild
detergent.
Let filter air dry and replace it on fil-
ter frame.
Reposition filter frame in bottom of
dirt cup cavity.
What to buy
When purchasing new filters, ask for
HOOVER part No. 93001633 Filter
pack, which includes (1) primary fil-
ter, part No. 93001723 and (1) final
filter, part No. 93001726.
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 condition.
When to replace
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
To check belt, remove hood as
shown in Fig. 3-13. Replace belt if it
is stretched, cut or broken.
What to buy
To assure 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.
Removing hood
Press handle release pedal and
place handle in low position.
Using a coin, turn the two slots (A)
on either side of the hood as shown.
3-13
8
3-11
3-12
Replacing lens
Reposition lens and secure with the
screw.
Installing bulb
Pull old bulb straight out of socket.
Push new bulb straight into socket
until locked in place.
Excessive force is not required.
3-9
B
A
Final filter
How to clean
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet. Do not operate cleaner
without dirt cup or filters in place.
3-10
Headlight replace-
ment
What to buy
This cleaner uses a 13 volt, T-3 114
wedge base bulb, Hoover part No.
27313107.
Removing lens
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
Press handle release pedal and
place handle in low position.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove
the the screw as shown and lift off
lens.
A
A

9
3-17 3-18 3-19
Continued
The agitator brush roll
When to replace
When agitator brushes are worn, the
agitator should be replaced.
To check condition of brushes, dis-
connect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
3-20
Move edge of a card across bottom
plate while turning agitator. To main-
tain cleaning effectiveness, replace
agitator if brushes do not touch
card.
Replacing agitator brush roll
Insert agitator through belt and place
belt in belt guide (C) on agitator.
Securing agitator
Grasp agitator firmly and fit it into
position by first sliding end opposite
the belt into the rectangular slot (D)
on side of cleaner.
Pull other side of agitator (E) into
place.
Turn agitator making sure belt turns
freely and is not pinched between
agitator and bottom of cleaner.
Replacing hood
Align tabs (F) on hood with slots (G)
on base of cleaner. Pivot hood into
position.
Secure hood into position by turning
the coin slots (Fig. 3-13).
What to buy
When purchasing a new agitator,
ask for HOOVER part No.
48414113.
How to replace
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
Remove hood, belt and agitator fol-
lowing directions in “The belt” sec-
tion beginning with Fig. 3-13.
Discard old agitator.
Continue following the directions in
“The belt” section to reposition belt,
new agitator and hood.
Lubrication
The motor is equipped with bear-
ings that contain sufficient lubrica-
tion for the life of the motor. The
addition of lubricant could cause
damage. Therefore, do not add
lubricant to motor bearings.
Removing agitator brush roll
Remove agitator brush roll and used
belt.
Discard used belt.
3-15 3-16
Installing new belt
With lettering on outside of belt,
slide new belt over motor pulley (B).
3-14
C
B
DE
G
F
Rotate hood toward front of cleaner
and remove the hood.

Possible Cause
Possible Solution
• Incorrect carpet height setting
• Move carpet height control to a
higher setting
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
• Belt broken or stretched
• Replace agitator brush roll belt
as described in Figs. 3-13
through 3-19 in the Maintenance
section
Problem: Cleaner hard to push
Problem: Smoky/burning smell
detected
4. If you have a
problem
Problem: Smoky
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
• Broken or worn belt
• Replace belt
• Agitator brush roll worn
• Replace brush roll
• Dirt cup full
• Empty dirt cup
• Incorrect carpet height setting
• Move nozzle control knob to
lower setting
• Blockage in air flow passages
• Clear blockage
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
• Not firmly plugged in
• Plug unit in firmly
• No voltage in wall receptacle
• Check fuse or breaker
• Blown fuse or tripped breaker
• Replace fuse or reset breaker
• Thermal protector activated
• Unplug cleaner and allow cleaner
to cool for 30 minutes (this will
reset the thermal protector)
If a minor problem occurs, it usually
can be solved quite easily when the
cause is found by using the check-
list below.
Problem: Cleaner won’t run
10
Problem: Cleaner/tools won’t pick up
Thermal protector
An internal thermal protector has
been designed into your cleaner to
protect it from overheating.
When the thermal protector acti-
vates, the cleaner will stop run-
ning. If this happens, proceed as
follows:
1. Turn the cleaner OFF and dis-
connect it from the electrical out-
let.
2. Check secondary and final fil-
ters for dirt accumulation.
3. Refer to “Clearing blockages”
section.
4. When cleaner is unplugged
and the motor cools for 30 min-
utes, the thermal protector automati-
cally resets and cleaning may con-
tinue.
If the thermal protector continues to
activate after following the above
steps, your cleaner may need ser-
vicing (see “Service” section).
Service
To obtain approved HOOVER service
and genuine HOOVER parts, locate
the nearest Hoover Sales and
Service Center or Authorized
Hoover Warranty Service Dealer
(Depot) by:
• checking the Yellow Pages
under “Vacuum Cleaners -
Household” OR -
• checking the list of Sales and
Service Centers provided with this
cleaner OR -
• checking the Service section of
The Hoover Company on-line at
www.hoover.com OR -
• calling 1-800-944-9200 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, con-
tact The Hoover Consumer Response
Center, Phone: [phone].
In Canada, contact Hoover Canada,
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A8,
Phone: [phone].
Always identify your cleaner by the
complete model number when
requesting information or ordering
parts. (The model number appears
on the back of the cleaner.)

1111
Clearing blockages
Disconnect cleaner from electrical
outlet.
Low suction or pick up may be due
to a blockage in the system. Refer
to the following steps to check for
blockages continuing with each
step until the blockage is found:
1. Check fullness of dirt cup; empty
if needed.
4-1 Checking under hood
8. Turn cleaner OFF and unplug.
9. Remove hood, belt and agitator
(Figs. 3-13 through 3-15).
Look into opening (C) for blockages
and remove.
10. Replace belt, agitator and hood.
Checking airflow path
2. Plug cleaner in and turn ON.
Check for suction at end of hose (A).
If there is suction,continue with step
3.
3. Turn cleaner OFF and unplug.
Check connection at hose tube (B);
remove any blockage.
A
C
C
4-3
4-2
B
Checking airflow path through
hose inlet tube on back of
cleaner
4. Turn cleaner OFF and unplug.
5. If blockage can be seen in tube
(C), remove 5 screws using a Phillips
screwdriver.
6. Pull tube from cleaner, remove
blockage.
7. Reposition tube on back of cleaner,
replace 5 screws.

12
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 con-
dition 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 else-
where 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.
This warranty only applies when the
product is in use in the country or territo-
ry in which it is purchased.
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 Sales and Service Centers.
2. Hoover Authorized Warranty
Service Dealers (Depots).
For an automated referral of autho-
rized 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 Sales
and 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.
If further assistance is needed, or if
there are questions concerning this war-
ranty or the availability of warranty ser-
vice outlets, phone the Hoover
Consumer Response Center,
1-330-499-9499.
In Canada, contact Hoover Canada,
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A8,
1-800-263-6376.