Panasonic MC-V6970 User manual

VACUUM CLEANER
MC-V6970
Before operating your vacuum cleaner, please read these instructions completely.

CONSUMER INFORMATION
Please read IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS on page 4
before use. Read and understand all instructions.
TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMER
We are very pleased to welcome you to the Panasonic family of products. Thank you for
purchasing this product. Our intent is that you become one of our many satisfied customers. +
Proper assembly and safe use of your vacuum cleaner are your responsibilities. Your
cleaner is intended only for household use. The cleaner should be stored in a dry, indoor
area. Read the Operating Instructions carefully for important use and safety information.
PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE
WARNING AND CAUTION STATEMENTS THAT
ARE FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL.
WARNING statements are designed to alert you
to the possibility of personal injury, loss of human
life, and/or damage to the vacuum cleaner and/or
personal property if the instructions given are
not followed.
CAUTION statements are designed to alert you
to the possibility of damage to the vacuum cleaner
and/or personal property if the instructions given
are not followed.
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Never vacuum damp or wet surfaces or liquids.
Do not store machine outdoors.
Replace worn or frayed power cord immediately.
TO AVOID ACCIDENTS
Except for hand-held cleaners, keep machine on floor - not chairs, tables, steps, stairs, etc.
Stora machine promptly after each use to prevent accidents such as tripping over power cord or machine.
Use machine and accessories only in a manner intended by the manufacturer.
The use of an extension cord is not recommended.
©1996 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
.2.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Attaching Handle to Vacuum Cleaner
Using the Cord Hook
Attachment (Tools-on-Board) Assembly
SPECIAL FEATURES OF CLEANER
Automatic Self Adjusting Nozzle
Edge Cleaning Feature
Dirt Sensor
Hose Ring and Hose Ring Mount
TO OPERATE CLEANER
Dirt Sensor
Handle Adjustments
Use of Attachments
Cleaning Secondary Foam Filter
Replacing Electrostatic Exhaust Filter
Changing the Dust Bag
Removing/Installing the Lower Plate
Replacing the Headlight Bulb
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cleaning the Agitator Assembly
Replacing the Agitator Assembly
Cleaning Dirt Sensor Optics
Cleaning Exterior and Attachments
Removing Clogs
BEFORE REQUESTING SERVICE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using vacuum cleaner, basic precautions should always
be followed, including the following.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
USING THIS VACUUM CLEANER
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, injury:
Do not leave vacuum cleaner when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when
not in use and before servicing.
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock - 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.
Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer's
recommended attachments.
Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If vacuum cleaner is not working
as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into
water, return it to an Authorized Panasonic Service Center.
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 vacuum cleaner 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 objects into openings. Do not use with any opening
blocked; keep 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.
. Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as
cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
. Do not use without dust bag and/or filters in place.
. Turn off all controls before unplugging.
. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
. Do not use cleaner to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as
ge or use in areas ll dai Be be an
Notice: Before you plug in your Panasonic Vacuum Cleaner, make sure that
the voltage indicated on the rating plate located at the back of the
vacuum Cleaner is the same as your local supply.

PARTS IDENTIFICATION
Handle ——
Quick ”--————+
Release
Cord Hook
Dust Cover -—¡»
(Dust Bag
inside)
Furniture Guard | Handle Release
FEATURE CHART
(PANASONIC UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER)
DIRT HEADLIGHT CORD
SENSOR LENGTH
(feet)

TO ASSEMBLE CLEANER
YIN WARNING cc: rock nazara
Do not plug into electrical supply until assembly is complete. Failure to do so could
result in electrical shock or injury.
ATTACHING | HANDLE JO VACUUM CLEANER,
a A A A
The vacuum cleaner main body and handle are packed separately.
. The handle 2. Insert the screw
screw has been that you removed.
installed for Be sure the screw
shipping is tightened, but
purposes. not overtightened.
Please
remove the
screw before
inserting
handle. Insert
the handle as
shown in the
illustration. Make sure the On/Off switch
is in the Off position before installing.
. There is a recessed area between . Loosely wrap the cord around
the upper cord storage hook base both cord hooks. Secure the
and the handle that is designed to plug head to the cord by
secure the cord during vacuuming. pushing the cord into the
retainers on the plug head.
Always push the power cord down
into this recessed area to help keep
the cord from hanging near the
nozzle and being damaged.
<<
=
¿USING
THE
CORD
HOOK.
. The upper cord hook has a 2. Do not unplug the power cord by
quick-release action. To > pulling on the cord. Grasp the
release the cord, rotate the AAN plug head and pull to unplug
hook downward and the JENNA the vacuum cleaner.
complete power cord will be be
drop off the hook for Retum the hook to the upright
immediate use. | position before attempting to
yy rewind the cord.

A aL UAE
Do not get the power cord caught under the nozzle when using the vacuum or
attachments as it can be damaged by the agitator as it revolves.
ATTACHMENTS
u
=
Crevice
Tool
+— Uphoistery Too!
The attachments should be convenientiy positioned
in the back of the cleaner for easy access. Assemble
the hose and attachments to the cleaner as follows:
Insert the crevice tool, cleaning end down, into the
end of the telescoping wand nearest the locking ring.
A slight twist of the crevice tool will lock it into place.
Place the telescoping wand on the back of the cleaner
with the locking ring and crevice tool up, and the bottom
resting on the ledge near the wheel.
The hose ring should be inserted into the slot to hold in
place only when vacuuming areas below the upper
cord hook.
Telescoping
Wand
Dusting
Brush
Upholstery
Tool

SPECIAL FEATURES OF CLEANER
a
OZZLE E
Bar:
Bent
Your Panasonic upright vacuum cleaner is
designed with an automatic self adjusting
nozzle. No manual adjustments are
required. The height of the nozzle is
instantly and automatically adjusted to any
carpet pile height. This self adjusting
feature allows the nozzle to float evenly
over all carpet pile surfaces.
Nee
Deep Pile Carpet
Shallow Pile Carpet a
The edge cleaning feature provides for
improved cleaning of carpets near walls and
furniture.
E
EJ
=
=
SS
vr
> fi
The electronic sensor is a feature which will
detect particles as they pass through the
vacuum cleaner.
Red light indicates dirt is being picked up by
the cleaner. Green light indicates most of the
dirt has been picked up by the cleaner.
The dirt sensor indicators and sensor
sensitivity switch are located on the
topt of the switch cover. See the
Dirt Sensor section under To Operate
Cleaner section for operation.

The hose ring is a feature designed ai
to prevent tipping of the vacuum while
performing certain tasks that involve mng Mount. ¿Eo non
the use of attachments. To use this
anti-tip feature, place the hose ring in the
hose ring mount as shown in the illustration.
Rotate this ring on the hose so that the
hose ring knob will align with the slot in the
hose ring mount and slide the ring down
firmly until it stops. For recommendations
on when to use the hose ring and the exact
location of the hose ring mount see the Use of
Attachments section.
Do not use outlets above counters. Damage to items in the surrounding areas
could occur. Be sure the switch is in the off position while plugging the cord in.
-POWE = ER CORD
a, ibe tnt at tate RER... BE re A neste Pr ms BR
NOTE: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this vacuum has a polarized plug, (one blade is wider
than the other). This plug wil fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the
outlet, reverse the plug. If it stil does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet.
DO NOT CHANGE THE PLUG IN ANY WAY.
ORS EBS,
aoe
2. „ONOFF SWITCH u
1. Plug the power cord into a 120V outlet.
2. To start the vacuum cleaner, push the
switch to the ON position.
3. To stop the vacuum cleaner, pull the
switch to the OFF position.

OPERATION - As you vacuum, the red
indicator light will come on and stay on as
long as the sensor detects a high
concentration of particles passing through
the cleaner.
The green light indicates that most of the
cleaning is complete.
The sensor switch allows you to select the
sensitivity of the dirt sensor. The switch can
be set to Hi or Lo sensitivity.
Set the sensor switch to the Hi position when:
e Cleaning bare floors.
« Cleaning carpet with low pile height.
Set the sensor switch to the Lo position when:
« Cleaning heavily soiled areas.
e Cleaning carpet with deep pile.
« Cleaning new carpets.
Even with the sensor switch in the Lo position, the dirt sensor will detect carpet fuzz, especially
on new carpet, which may cause the red light to remain on longer than expected.
The handle may be lowered |
to any position required. Just
step on the area, as indicated The handle locks in this
by the illustration, and position for storage.
lower the handie as The handle should
desired. f always be inan
upright position when
the cleaning tools
are used.
2. Middle position
This position is for f This position
normal cleaning. is used tor
| cleaning
under
furniture.
105

A WAR N IN G Personal Injury Hazard when Using Attachments.
DO NOT place hands or feet underneath the unit when using the attachment
tools. The agitator assembly begins to revolve rapidly when using attachments.
71N CAUTION
When using the attachments, the agitator begins rotating. Do not allow the
cleaner to remain in just one place for a period of time, as the agitator may damage
the floor surface. Avoid placing the cleaner on furniture, the fringed area of rugs,
deep pile carpeting, or carpeted stairs. The ideal position for the cleaner when
using attachments is for the unit to be on a level area with the handie in the fuli
upright position.
To remove the hose from the nozzle, grasp the tower end of the hose at the nozzle
and twist as you pull out from the nozzle. Once the hose has been removed it can
be used as is, or the telescoping wand can be used for further reach. Remove
the telescoping wand from the storage position on the vacuum cleaner. Remove
the crevice tool from the telescoping wand by pulling out while twisting slightly.
To extend the wand, turn the locking ring to the UNLOCK position as indicated
on the locking ring and pull it out to full length and lock the locking ring by turning
it to the LOCK position. The crevice tool, dusting brush, or upholstery tool can befi
attached to the hose or the end of the wand. When connecting the attachments ff
to the hase or wand, always twist as you push down. If additional reach N
is required, the dusting brush or upholstery tool can be attached to
the crevice tool by simply sliding them over the narrow end. The Crevice
attached hose end swivels at the back of the vacuum cleaner to Tool
make cleaning easier in all directions.
When using the attachments DO NOT overextend your reach
with the hose as it could tip the cleaner over. To help prevent Brush
tipping of the vacuum when using the attachments to clean TUS
areas below the upper cord hook the hose ring should be Upholstery | | an}
placed in the hose ring mount. Above this level unhook too! ——_
the hose ring from the mount. E
Store attachments in their proper positions as shown in the
illustration and place the place the hose back into the nozzle.
ATTACHMENT USE
CLEANING AREA
Between
ATTACHMENT Fumiture* Cushions" Drapes*
CREVICE TOOL => x | x |
pustina Bush | x | | x
UPHOLSTERY
TOOL chs
*Always clean attachments before using on fabrics. Attachments used In dirty areas (such as under a
refrigerator) should not be used on other surfaces until they are washed. They could leave marks.
(See the Cleaning Exterior and Attachments section.)
-11-

ROUTINE CARE OF CLEANER
Performing the following tasks will keep your new Panasonic vacuum cleaner operating at peak
performance levels and will insure these high levels for years to come. Check the Before Requesting
Service section in this manual for recommendations on performing some of these tasks to help
solve various problems that may occur.
A WA R NIN G Electric Shock or Personal Injury Hazard.
Alway disconnect electrical supply before performing any service and/or cleaning
of the vacuum cleaner. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or personal
injury from cleaner suddenly starting. Do not operate the cleaner without the
secondary foam filter. Be sure the secondary foam filter is properly installed.
Failure to do so could result in motor failure.
m = OE REST,
=
ur
ETA
NDARY
FOAM
FILTER
~
A secondary foam filter protects the motor
from dirt. When installing a new dust bag,
check the filter. Accumulated dirt in the
dust compartment will collect on this filter
and may restrict motor performance.
When the filter becomes dirty, pull it
from the bottom of the dust
compartment and clean by rinsing
it in water. When dry slide the filter
back into place. Insert the secondary
foam filter with a ruler or something flat.
It should be fully inserted under the
plastic rib projections all the way to the
rear compartment wall.
Ma —
SE
REE
REPLACING
ELECTROSTATIC
EXHAUST
FILTER
The exhaust filter is located inside the dust cover. The ji
purpose of this filter is to remove dust and dirt from the VA N Exhaust Filter
recirculated air. When installing a new dust bag, — (Electrostatic)
check the filter. When the filter becomes dirty, Retainer a, Wal, And Frame
pull the filter and frame from the bottom of the AN \
dust cover by pulling straight up on the two retainers D i
on the frame. Do one side at a time. Replace the filter.
DO NOT CLEAN WITH WATER. Place the new filter
in the frame with the four slots in the filter aligning
with the four tabs on the frame. Place the frame
and filter back into the dust cover making sure the: Y)
rough side is facing up. Snap the frame the back Y
into place by pressing down on the retainers. f
This filter cannot be cleaned and should be replaced at least once each year if the cleaner
Is used at least one hour each week.

Always operate the vacuum with a genuine Panasonic Type U3 (Standard) or U6
(Electrostatic) dust bag installed. Panasonic dust bags may be ordered through
any authorized Panasonic dealer.
1. Pull outward on the
dust cover grip,
located on the top
front of the dust
cover and remove
the cover.
3. Spread out the end of the
new dust bag.
NOTE: Pull carefully so
as not to tear the bag at
the folds.
. Reinsert the tabs
provided on the end
of the dust cover into
the grooves on the
dust compartment
to allow the cover
to rotate closed.
NOTE: The dust
cover must be
completely
and correctly
ope
AS
7
operation.
fN
LI]
2. To remove the dust
bag, grasp the
cardboard portion
of the dust bag
and pull it out.
. Attach the new dust
bag onto the bag
hoider by holding
the cardboard
portion and
pushing back as
illustrated.
. Rotate the dust cover up
into the closed position
and press into place.
NOTE: The dust bag
should not be caught
between the
lower edge
of the dust
cover and
the gasket as
indicated by
the arrow in
the illustration.
-13-

A WA R NIN G Electrical Shock or Personal injury Hazard.
When the lower plate is removed for any reason, before reinstalling, be sure
that all electrical wires are routed in a manner that prevents them from coming into
contact with the lower plate, lower plate screws, or any moving parts. Be sure
the wires are not pinched in any way when the lower plate is reinstalled.
Replacing some of the parts in this section involves
the removal and installation of the lower plate. Lower
Always place paper under nozzle anytime the lower Plate
plate is removed to protect the floor surface.
To Remove Lower Plate.
Start by placing the handle in the low position. (See
the Handle Adjustments section.) Turn the vacuum
cleaner over, exposing the underside. Release the
lower plate by removing the three (3) screws that secure
the lower plate. Then remove the lower plate. Brush or
remove any residue that may exist in the belt area.
To Reinstall Lower Plate
Hook the front end of lower plate into the slots on the front end of the nozzle housing. Then
press the lower plate into place and fasten it by replacing the three (3) lower plate screws.
NOTE: To insure maximum cleaning efficiency, the belt should be checked regularly to make
sure itis in good condition. Check to see if the belt is stretched, cracked, or if
excessive slippage has occurred. Replace it if necessary.
. Remove the lower plate using the procedure
in the Removing/Installing the Lower Plate
section. ' INTER
. Grasp the bulb socket, wiggle the socket back =
and forth while pulling it up out of the nozzle | |
housing. To remove the old bulb, push it in 5 En
toward the bulb socket while turning i : a7
counterclockwise, then remove.
. Install the new bulb by pushing it in toward
the bulb socket and turning it clockwise. Use
any standard bayonet base appliance bulb
rated at 15 Watts.
Caution: Do not use a bulb rated over
15 W. During extended use, heat from the Bulb Socket Assembly
bulb could overheat surrounding plastic parts.
. Reinsert the bulb socket into the nozzle housing by pushing it back down into the slot.
Replace the lower plate as outlined in the Removing/Instailing the Lower Plate section.

Be careful when removing agitator brush assembly. The belt tension is high. Failure
to do so could result in personal injury from agitator brush assembly releasing
quickly and snapping away.
Unplug and turn the unit over. Remove the lower plate as described in the Removing/Installing the
Lower Plate section.
Remove the agitator brush aa (carefully lift it out),
and remove the wom or broken belt from the agitator
pulley and motor drive shaft.
x?
Y ay CAUTION: The two end caps may cama off along with
y the two washers as you lift the agitator assembly Out.
Do not lose the two small washers.
Loop the new belt around the motor drive shaft and loop
it around the agitator pulley. See illustration for correct
belt routing. Use only a Panasonic Type UB drive belt.
Before ag un agitator brush assemb!y make sure
that the end caps/washers are on correctly. (See the
illustration in the Replacing the Agitator Assembly section.)
Reinstall Agitator
After checking the end caps, reinstall the agitator brush assembly back into the housing grooves.
After installing the agitator brush assembly, turn it by hand making sure that the belt is not twisted
and all rotating parts turn freely. Replace the lower plate as described in the Removing/Installing
the Lower Plate section.
Switch off the vacuum cleaner and unplug the power
cord before cleaning the agitator assembly. In order
to keep the cleaning efficiency high, clean the agitator
assembly regularly. Remove the lower plate if necessary.
See the Removing/Installing the Lower Plate section
for the proper procedure.
Agitator assembly - Cut off any carpet pile and
lint entangled around the agitator assembly with
a pair of scissors as illustrated.

_ REPLACING THE AGITA
BOE A He ise à R
1. When to replace the agitator assembly.
The agitator assembly should be replaced when the brushes
are worn. Brushes should be checked by holding a card
across the lower plate (see illustration}. If the bristles on
the agitator assembly do not touch the card you should
replace the agitator assembly for best cleaning results.
. How to replace the agitator assembly.
Place the vacuum cleaner handle in the low position. (See
the Handle Adjustments section.) Remove the lower plate
as outlined in the Removing/Installing the Lower Plate section. After the lower plate is
removed, carefully lift up the agitator assembly until it clears both sides of the nozzle
housing. While holding the agitator assembly up, remove the belt.
CAUTION: The two end caps may come off along with the two washers as you lift the
agitator assembly out. Do not lose the two small washers. Look at the exploded view of
the agitator assembly below for correct assembly of the parts.
To replace the agitator assembly.
Place the belt over the belt pulley on the agitator unit. (NOTE: There is a place for the belt
to fit on one end of the agitator assembly only.) Replace both washers and end caps (see
illustration below for correct assembly). After assembling the belt, washers and end caps,
place the agitator assembly back into the nozzle housing by aligning each end cap.
After completing the assembly, rotate the brush, turning it by hand to assure that
It rotates smoothly and the part is assembled correctly.
Replace the lower plate as outlined in the Removing/Installing the Lower Plate section.
Belt Pulley
Agitator Unit
-16-

The dirt sensor optics consists of two optic cells located
inside the bag holder. Occasionally, it may become
necessary to clean the two optic cells to assure
maximum performance. It is recommended Bag
the optic cells be cleaned: Holder
« When the red light does not light.
« When dirt or dust adheres to the optic cells.
e Whenever the dust bag is changed.
To clean the sensor, wipe the optic cells with a soft, dry
cloth. Never use cleaners or liquids as they can help
speed the recoating of the optic cells and make it
necessary to clean them much sooner than normal.
The dirts sensor area can be reached by removing Optic
the dust cover and the dust bag. pi
: T cord from wall outlet. DO NOT en water on cleaner.
. Clean exterior using a clean, soft cloth that has been dipped in a solution of mild liquid
detergent and water, then wrung dry. Wipe dry after cleaning.
3. To reduce static electricity and dust build-up, wipe outer surface of cleaner and attachments.
4. Wash attachments in warm soapy water, rinse and air dry. Do not clean In dishwasher
or clothes washer.
DO NOT USE ATTACHMENTS IF THEY ARE WET.
CAUTION
Attachments used in dirty areas (such as under a refrigerator) should not be used
on other surfaces until they are washed. They could leave marks.
“47>

ES a : SE y i g i l “CL Se ee PP
REMOVING CLOGS: '
The hose located on the back of the vacuum cleaner carries the dirt from the nozzle
up to the dust bag. If the hose should become clogged:
1. Pull down on the suction inlet cover 3. If the dog still exists, tum the vacuum cleaner
and check for clogging in this area. "OFF" and unplug the power cord. Tum the
vacuum cleaner over, exposing the underside.
2. Disconnect the hose from the nozzie Remove the iower plate. Remove the short
and check the hose for clogging. nozzle pipe from the nozzle by lifting it
Plug in the vacuum cleaner and tum it on. straight up. Inspect the hose end and nozzle
While running the vacuum cleaner with pipe and clear them of j
the hose disconnected, stretch the hose
any obstructions.
in and out to remove the clog.
Reinstall the nozzle pipe, lower plate and
nozzle hose. See the Removing/installing the
Lower Plate section for detailed instructions.
xis
eisini ja a
oe
3 S
- 18 -

BEFORE REQUESTING SERVICE
A WAR NIN G Electrical Shock or Personal Injury Hazard.
Disconnect the electrical supply before servicing or cleaning the unit. Failure to do
so could result in electrical shock or personal injury from cleaner suddenly starting.
Review this chart to find do-it-yourself solutions for minor performance
problems. Any service needed, other than those described in these
Operating Instructions, should be performed by an authorized service
representative.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Cleaner 1. Unplugged at wail outlet. . Plug in firmly. Push On/Off switch
will not run. to On.
. On/Off switch not turned on. . Push On/Off switch to On.
. Tripped circuit breaker/olown . Reset circuit breaker or replace
fuse at household service panel. fuse.
Poor job of dirt . Full or clogged dust bag. . Change bag.
pickup. i
. Broken belt. . Replace belt.
. Clogged nozzle. . Clean nozzle area.
. Hose not inserted fully. . Insert hose.
. Worn agitator assembly. . Replace agitator assembly.
. Hole in hose. . Replace hose.
. Dust cover improperly installed. . Properly install dust cover.
Light will . Burned out light bulb. . Replace light bulb.
not work.
Dust escapes . Bag improperly instalied. . Properly install bag.
the paper bag.
. Bag torn. . Replace bag.
Dirt Sensor will . Dirty optic cells. . Clean optic cells.
not work.