USER’S GUIDE 3950 SERIES 3 Safety Instructions Product View Assembly Operation Maintenance and Care Troubleshooting Consumer Services Replacement Parts 4 5-6 6-9 10-16 17-18 18 19 Warranty 20 Velocity ® B A G L E S S V A C U U M ug603-2145_3950_807.indd 1 ug603-2145_3950_807.indd 1 8/13/07 1:36:16 PM 8/13/07 1:36:16 PM
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSWhen using an electrical appliance, basicprecautions should be observed, includingthe following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONSBEFORE USING YOURUPRIGHT VACUUM. Always connect to a polarized outlet (left slot is widerthan right). Unplug from outlet when not in use andbefore conducting maintenance.
WARNING: To reducethe risk of fire, electric shock,or injury: ■ Do not modify the polarized plug to fit a
non-polarized outlet or extension cord.
■ Do not leave vacuum cleaner unattended when itis plugged in.
■ Unplug from outlet when not in use andbefore servicing.
■ Unplug before attaching the TurboBrush.
■ Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
■ Do not allow children to operate vacuumcleaner or use as a toy.
■ Close attention is necessary when used by ornear children.
■ Do not use for any purpose other than described inthis user’s guide.
■ Use only manufacturer’s recommendedattachments.
■ Do not use with damaged cord or plug.
■ If appliance is not working as it should, has beendropped, damaged, left outdoors, or droppedinto water, have it repaired at an authorizedservice center.
■ Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle,close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharpedges or corners. Do not run appliance over cord.Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
■ Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, graspthe plug, not the cord.
■ Do not handle vacuum cleaner or plug withwet hands.
■ Do not put any object into openings. Do not use withany opening blocked; keep openings free of dust,lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air flow.
■ Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts ofbody away from openings and moving parts.
■ Turn off all controls before plugging or unpluggingvacuum cleaner.
■ Use extra care when cleaning stairs.
■ Do not pick up flammable materials (lighter fluid,gasoline, kerosene, etc.) or use in the presence ofexplosive liquids or vapors.
■ Do not pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach,ammonia, drain cleaner, etc.).
■ Do not use vacuum cleaner in an enclosed spacefilled with vapors given off by oil base paint, paintthinner, some moth proofing substances, flammabledust, or other explosive or toxic vapors.
■ Do not pick up hard or sharp objects such asglass, nails, screws, coins, etc.
■ Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking,such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
■ Do not use without filters in place.
■ Use only on dry, indoor surfaces.
■ Keep appliance on a level surface.
■ Do not carry the vacuum cleaner while itis running.
SAVE THESEINSTRUCTIONS FORFUTURE USE
THIS APPLIANCEHAS A POLARIZEDPLUG.To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has apolarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plugwill fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug doesnot fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a proper outlet.Do not change the plug in any way.
This model is for household use only.
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The only tool you’ll need to assemble yourvacuum cleaner is a Phillips screwdriver.
Attach handle to vacuum
1. Locate the handle and cord wrap. Removethe screw packet taped to the cord wrap.
2. Stand the vacuum upright and from therear of the unit, slide the base of the handlefirmly into the grooves at the top of thevacuum body.
3. IMPORTANT – before inserting the screwsinto the handle, slide the cord wrap into thehandle.
4. Ensure that the handle and cord wrap arefirmly fit to the vacuum body. If there areany gaps, continue to push firmly until thehandle and cord wrap are flush.
5. Insert 2 of the screws provided (3 total)into the existing holes, attaching the cordwrap and handle to the body of the vacuum.Tighten securely with a screwdriver.
6. Attach the hose and cord clip by snappingit into the handle of the unit. Secure it byinserting the screw provided.
7. Attach the lower hose clip by snapping itinto place and twisting to the right.
Assembly CAUTION:Do not plug in yourvacuum cleaner untilyou are familiar withall instructions andoperating procedures.
WARNING:Plastic film can bedangerous. To avoiddanger of suffocation,keep away from babiesand children.
1. Line up the tabs on the base of the Twist ‘nSnap hose with the corresponding notcheson the hose collar as shown.
2. Turn the Twist ‘n Snap hose to the left to lock the hose into place.
3. Connect the curved hose wand to the hose.Grasping the curved hose wand, slide theend of the curved hose wand onto the hosewand base. Snap the hose into the hose clip.
NOTE: The vacuum will not operate effectively
unless the curved hose wand is firmly attached.
4. Slide the extension wand and crevice tooltogether into the storage clip.
5. Slide the dusting brush/upholstery tool intothe storage clip.
6. Attach the TurboBrush by snapping it ontothe top cap of the upper tank.
Power switch
The power switch is located just below thehandle on the front of the vacuum. Push therocker switch “ON” (I) to vacuum, and “OFF” (O)when cleaning is complete.
Assembly
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NOTICE:For above floor cleaning, the floorbrush will continue to rotate butis raised above floor. To preventcarpet damage, do not lean onthe vacuum or let the powerfoottilt forward.
CAUTION:To avoid personal injuryand to prevent the cleanerfrom falling when cleaningstairs, always place it atthe bottom of the stairs.
Operation
CAUTION:Before using your vacuum,make sure that the dirtcontainer is in the lockedposition and that all filters(pre-motor and HEPA post-motor) are in place. Do notoperate your vacuumwithout these filters.
The clean filter indicator tells you when the air flowin your vacuum is reduced due to dirty filters or aclog in the hose. The clean filter indicator will remaingreen while the unit is running until the airflow isreduced by a clog or dirty filter. At that time, it beginsto change to red or black. When it is fully red, theairflow is significantly reduced or clogged by a dirtyfilter. Follow the steps on page 11 to clean yourfilters. All filters in the vacuum should be cleaned orreplaced when the clean filter indicator turns red.
If the indicator turns black, it means you have a clog
in your hose. To check and remove the clog, removethe hose from the unit by turning the Twist ‘n Snaphose to the right. Try to visually locate the clog. Onceyou have done this, use a blunt, long object such as abroom handle to loosen and remove the debris. Oncethis is completed, reassemble the hose to the unit.
If the indicator remains red or black with thevacuum running, follow the steps on page 15 tocheck for and clear clogs.
NOTE: When your vacuum is turned off,the clean filter indicator will go to the redcolor setting. The clean filter indicatoronly detects reductions in airflow whenthe vacuum power is on.
Special on-board tools
Your vacuum is not only a powerful carpet andrug cleaner, it’s also a versatile above floorvacuum cleaner when you select one of thespecial tools.
1. Raise the handle to the upright position.
2. Grasp the curved hose wand handle toseparate from hose wand base.
3. Attach tools by firmly pushing onto vacuumhose, curved hose wand or extensionwand. They are a friction fit, so be sure thehose and tool fit snuggly together.
Dusting Brush/Upholstery Tool: Two types ofcleaning tools in one attachment.
• Use the dusting brush to dustfurniture, blinds, books, lamps,shelves and baseboards.
• Slide the brush off to use theupholstery tool on cushions,draperies and fabrics.
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Operation
NOTICE:While vacuuming, certain carpetsand low humidity conditions may
generate small static discharges.The discharges are entirelyharmless and are not associatedin any way with the mainpower supply.
Extension Wand: Use with desired attachment fora longer reach.
Curved Hose Wand: Use with desired attachmentfor a longer reach or for cleaning hard toreach places.
TurboBrush®: Use rotating brush action for smallareas such as stairs and upholstery.
NOTE: Press gently when using theTurboBrush to maximize cleaning.Too much pressure will cause the brush tostop rotating.
Power cord usage
1. To use your vacuum, remove the cord andplug it into an electrical outlet. For yourconvenience, there are two quick releasecord wraps for easy cord removal. There isalso a cord clip that is part of the upper cordwrap where you can attach the cord whenvacuuming.
2. When you are finished cleaning, turnvacuum cleaner off.
3. Unplug power cord by grasping the polarizedplug (NOT the cord) and disconnect from outlet.
4. Loop power cord around cord wraps on rearof vacuum cleaner. Be sure to first return thequick release cord wraps back to theiroriginal position before wrapping the cord.
5. Clip molded plug to power cord to secure.
Operation
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NOTICE:The floor brush will continueto rotate while you use yourvacuum for above floor cleaning.To prevent carpet damage, donot lean on the vacuum or let thePowerfoot tilt forward.
CAUTION:The rotating floor brushcontinues to rotate whiletools are in use. To reducethe risk of injury frommoving parts, alwaysmove the cleaner with thecarrying handle. Alwaysplace vacuum cleaneron the floor with handlein upright position whenusing tools. Never placeyour fingers under thecleaner when it isrunning. Never placepowerfoot on furniture or
uneven surfaces. Do notplace vacuum cleanerclose enough to objectsto pull them intorotating brush.
Tip: Hair, string and small objects can block the vacuum hose or tools. Check themoccasionally for obstructions.
To maximize your cleaning performance andextend the life of your vacuum, it is veryimportant that you empty your dirt containerand check and clean your filters frequently.Perform the following maintenance steps:
1. Empty the dirt container when the dirt reachesthe “Full” line on the container, or more frequentlyto prevent overfills. For best performance, emptyafter each use.
2. Check the pre-motor filter and post-motor HEPA media filter at least once a month, clean orreplace as needed.
NOTE: Be sure to clean or replace your
filters anytime the clean filter indicator(select models only) begins to turn red.
3. Replace the post-motor HEPA media filterevery three to six months.
NOTE: More frequent filter cleaning may benecessary if you are vacuuming new carpet,fine dust, or have allergy concerns. Followthe instructions on the following pages toperform these simple maintenance steps.
Empty dirt container
The dirt container needs to be emptied when thedirt reaches the “Full” line on the container.
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet
2. Slide the Lock ‘n Seal Lever to the “Unlock”position.
3. Grasp handle and pull the dirt containerstraight out to remove from the vacuum.
4. Empty dirt into garbage container.
NOTE: Emptying the dirt container afterevery use will help prevent over filling andensure that the vacuum is ready to go thenext time you clean.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of electricshock, turn power switch OFFand disconnect polarized plugfrom electrical outlet beforeperforming maintenance ortroubleshooting checks.
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Maintenance and care
Tip: To maximize cleaning performance, check and clean or replace all filters as suggested.
2. The pre-motor filter protects the motorfrom dirt particles. It is located in theslide out tray underneath the dirtcontainer. If the filter becomes dirty, pullout the tray, lift out the foam filter padand clean it.
NOTE: The pre-motor filter may behand washed in cold water with milddetergent. Rinse well and air drythoroughly before replacing.
3. The post-motor HEPA media filterassists in the filtration process toreturn clean air to the room. It islocated behind the door on the sideof the vacuum. If the filter becomesdirty, open the door, remove the filterand replace.
NOTE: The post-motor filter is awhite, pleated HEPA media filter. Thisfilter is not washable and must bereplaced when it becomes dirty.
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Maintenance and care
Cleaning the pre-motor and replacing the post-motor HEPA media filter
Post-MotorHEPA MediaFilter
WashablePre-MotorFilter
WARNING:Do not operate cleanerwith damp or wet filters orwithout all filters in place.
You should check your vacuum cleaner’srotating floor brush and drive belt regularlyfor wear or damage. You should also cleanthe brush and brush ends of strings, hairand carpet fibers. This type of debris canwrap around the brush and hamper itsability to effectively clean your carpet. Alsoremove any debris that has accumulatedunder the brush cover.
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. Place handle in low position and turnvacuum cleaner over so bottom side isfacing up.
3. Lift tab 1 and release the three latchesin order 2-4 marked. Lift off the brushcover.
4. Grasp rotating floor brush at both endsand lift.
5. Clean strings, hair and other debris fromrotating floor brush, paying particularattention to brush ends.
6. Clean strings, hair and other debris frommotor pulley and drive belt areas.
7. Check drive belt carefully for wear, cuts orstressed areas.
8. Check air passageway for obstructions.Remove debris from this area.
Maintenance and care
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3.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of injuryfrom moving parts, turnvacuum cleaner off anddisconnect power plugfrom electrical outlet.
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Maintenance and care
Replace drive belt
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. With rotating floor brush removed fromvacuum cleaner (Steps 1-4 of check rotating floor brush and drive belt),grasp old drive belt and remove frommotor pulley. Discard the old drive belt.
3. Place new drive belt over motor pulleyand loop other end over rotating floorbrush in the space between the bristles.
NOTE: It is important that you use only
genuine BISSELL replacement belts,Generic belts may not meet the exact specifi-cations required to keep yourvacuum operating at its peak performance.The use of unbranded belts could lead toearly failure of the vacuum and could voidyour warranty.
4. Pull the rotating floor brush firmlyinto position, stretching the drive belt,and place ends of rotating floor brushdown into the slots on sides as shown.
Alignment of brush ends in slots may benecessary to fully insert the brush.
5. Turn rotating floor brush by hand several
times in the direction of motor pulley. Ifproperly installed, drive belt will centeritself on rotating brush crown.
6. Insert front edge of brush cover, rotateinto place, and snap 3 latches.
Replace lightbulb
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, pry the tabon the left and right side out and pull out toremove the lens.
3. Remove the bulb from the socket by
grasping the bulb and pulling gently. Installthe new bulb by pushing it gently into thesocket until the bulb snaps into place.
4. Reposition the lens and snap it back into place.
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Maintenance and care
Maintaining TurboBrush
The TurboBrush should be checked regularly forclogs or debris wrapping around the brush.
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. If a clog is present or debris is visible, unscrewthe two screws on the back of the TurboBrush toremove the faceplate and clear any obstructions.
3. To clean debris from the brush, remove thebrush from the drive belt and clean debris.
4. Reposition the drive belt on the brush.Place ends of brush in slots on sides asshown. Reposition faceplate and secure withtwo screws.
Maintaining pet hair TurboBrush
Select models onlyUse for removing pet hair from stairs,upholstery, area rugs and other small areas.
1. Attach to the end of the hose or extensionwand.
2. Pull toward you in a raking motion. Press gentlywhen using the Pet Hair TurboBrush to gainmaximum cleaning. Too much pressure coulddamage the pet hair grabbers or cause the
brush to stop rotating.
See standard TurboBrush instructions above forstorage and maintenance information.
NOTE: This tool is designed to remove pethair from upholstered or carpeted surfaces.It should not be used on pets.
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Maintenance and care
Clearing clogs
Low suction or poor pickup may be due to a clogin the vacuum cleaner. If you notice a change inthe sound of the motor, check for clogs.
1. Unplug the vacuum from electrical outlet.
2. Empty dirt container.
3. Check upper tank for build up or clogs.
4. If you notice a clog in the upper tank,remove the separator plate (see section"Cleaning the Upper Tank" on page 16).
5. Grasp the curved wand and separate it fromthe hose wand base. Check for a clog in thebase, the wand or in the hose.
NOTE: On select units that have the cleanfilter indicator, when the indicator readsblack, there is a clog in the hose which isdiminishing suction power. Remove the clogin the hose to restore full suction power.
6. Remove the Twist ‘n Snap hose from the vacuumby turning to the right. Straighten the hose andunclog with a long, narrow object.
7. If you notice debris or dirt clogged in theconnecting tube, remove it by pulling it out at thetop and lifting the tube out. Clean the tube of any
debris and clear any possible clog from the portto the pre-motor filter. Reattach tube by firstinstalling the base and than push in the top ofthe tube.
8. If the clog persists, follow the instructions forchecking the rotating floor brush and drivebelt on page 12 and inspect the airpassageway for obstructions.
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Maintenance and care
Cleaning the upper tank
1. Grasp the inner cyclone and twist to the leftor to the unlocked marking, until the lockingtabs stop the rotation. Pull down from theupper tank to remove it.
2. Wipe out the inside of the upper tank and theinner cyclone with a damp cloth moistenedwith water or a mild cleaning solution.
3. If you desire to thoroughly clean the louverslocated in the upper portion of the innercyclone, hold the bottom of the cyclone andgently pull straight up on the louvers.
4. The inner cyclone and louvers may bewashed using a mild detergent. Be sure itis completely dry before reassembling ordamage to your unit may result.
5. Once cleaning is completed, reassemble thelouvers over the inner cyclone bysliding it straight down on the top of theinner cyclone. Be sure to line up the tabswhen reassembling for proper installation.
6. To replace the inner cyclone, slide it intothe upper housing. Be sure to line up theinner cyclone by having the marking (Front)positioned toward the front of the unit. Pushthe inner cyclone in and rotate it to the rightor locked marking until the locking tabs stopthe rotation.
2. Filters missing or installed incorrectly 2. Check pre-motor and post-motor filters for
correct installation
3. Dirt container installed incorrectly 3. Pull out and re-insert dirt container correctly
WARNING:To reduce the risk of electric shock,turn power OFF and disconnectpolarized plug from electrical outletbefore performing maintenance ortroubleshooting.
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For information about repairs or replacement parts, or questions about your warranty, call:
BISSELL Consumer Services1-800-237-7691
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. — 10 p.m. ET
Saturday 9 a.m. — 8 p.m. ETOr write:BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
PO Box 3606Grand Rapids MI 49501
ATTN: Consumer Services
Or visit the BISSELL website - www.bissell.com
When contacting BISSELL, have model number of cleaner available.
Please record your Model Number: ___________________
Please record your Purchase Date: ___________________
NOTE: Please keep your original sales receipt. It provides proof of purchase date in the event ofa warranty claim. See Warranty on page 20 for details.
BISSELL Consumer Services
Troubleshooting
Other maintenance or service not included in the manual should be performed by anauthorized service representative.
Thank you for selecting a BISSELL product.
Please do not return this product to the store.
For any questions or concerns, BISSELL is happy to be of service.Contact us directly at 1-800-237-7691.
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Replacement parts - BISSELL vacuum
You may purchase parts from your retailer, by calling BISSELL Consumer Services or byvisiting our website. Below is a list of common replacement parts. While not all of theseparts may have come with your specific model, they are available for purchase if desired.Please note, all attachments may not store on board your vacuum.
Item Part No. Part Name1 32074 Style 7/9/10/12/14 Drive Belt (2-Pack)
2 203-1297 Headlight Bulb
3 203-1063 Crevice Tool
4 203-1228 Dusting Brush/Upholstery Tool
5 203-2302 TurboBrush, clear top with black brush roll
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Warranty - BISSELL Velocity® Vacuums
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from stateto state. If you need additional instruction regarding this warranty or have questions regarding what it maycover, please contact BISSELL Consumer Services by E-mail, telephone, or regular mail as described below.
Limited One Year Warranty Subject to the *EXCEPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS identified below, upon receipt of the product BISSELL
Homecare, Inc. will repair or replace (with new or remanufactured components or products), at BISSELL’soption, free of charge from the date of purchase by the original purchaser, for one years any defective ormalfunctioning part.
See information below on "If your BISSELL product should require service".
This warranty applies to product used for personal, and not commercial or rental service. This warranty does notapply to fans or routine maintenance components such as filters, belts, or brushes. Damage or malfunction causedby negligence, abuse, neglect, unauthorized repair, or any other use not in accordance with the User's Guide isnot covered.
If your BISSELL product should require service:Contact BISSELL Consumer Services to locate a BISSELL Authorized Service Center in your area.
If you need information about repairs or replacement parts, or if you have questions about your warranty,contact BISSELL Consumer Services.
BISSELL HOMECARE, INC. IS NOT LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE
USE OF THIS PRODUCT. BISSELL’S LIABILITY WILL NOT EXCEED THE
PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the abovelimitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
*EXCEPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS FROM THE TERMS OF THE LIMITED WARRANTYTHIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES EITHERORAL OR WRITTEN. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHICH MAY ARISE BY OPERATIONOF LAW, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY ANDFITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE ONE YEAR DURATION
FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty last so theabove limitation may not apply to you.