Bissell Appliance Error Codes

Complete diagnostic guide for Bissell small household appliances including vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, and steam cleaners in the United States.

Important Note

Bissell appliances use various indicator lights and error codes that may vary by model. Some models use blinking LED lights to indicate specific issues, while others display error codes.

Always refer to your appliance's model number and user manual for model-specific error codes and troubleshooting procedures.

Brush Roll and Mechanical Issues

Error codes for Bissell vacuum cleaners and carpet cleaners related to brush roll problems and mechanical blockages.

Error Code / IndicatorMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
Brush Roll BlinkingStuck brush roll / Brush roll blocked
  • Hair, fibers, or debris wrapped around brush roll
  • Brush roll not rotating properly
  • Objects stuck in brush roll
  • Brush roll mechanism jammed
  • Turn off and unplug the appliance
  • Remove brush roll and clean thoroughly
  • Cut away any wrapped hair or fibers
  • Check for objects blocking the brush roll
  • Replace brush roll if damaged or worn
  • Ensure brush roll spins freely before reassembling
Brush Roll Not SpinningBrush roll motor or drive issue
  • Brush roll motor defective
  • Drive belt broken or loose
  • Brush roll mechanism damaged
  • Electrical connection problem
  • Check brush roll motor for function
  • Inspect drive belt for damage
  • Check electrical connections
  • Replace drive belt if necessary
  • Contact qualified service if motor is defective

Battery and Power Issues

Error codes for Bissell cordless vacuum cleaners and battery-powered appliances related to battery problems and power issues.

Error Code / IndicatorMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
Low Battery / Battery BlinkingLow battery / Battery almost empty
  • Battery not fully charged
  • Battery worn out or degraded
  • High power consumption in turbo mode
  • Battery not properly connected
  • Charge the appliance completely
  • Allow battery to cool down if overheated
  • Check battery connections
  • Replace battery if runtime is significantly reduced
  • Use lower power mode to extend runtime
Battery Communication ErrorBattery communication error / Faulty battery connection
  • Problems in battery electronics
  • Connection issue between battery and control electronics
  • Battery module defective
  • Control board communication error
  • Remove and reinsert battery
  • Check battery connections
  • Clean battery contacts
  • Try charging the battery
  • Contact customer service if problem persists
Runtime Shorter Than ExpectedBattery performance issue / High power consumption
  • Battery worn out
  • Battery not fully charged
  • High power mode (Turbo) consuming more energy
  • Old or degraded battery
  • Charge device completely
  • Use lower power modes when possible
  • Consider battery replacement if significantly degraded
  • Check operating modes and adjust usage

Tank and Water System Issues

Error codes for Bissell wet/dry vacuums and carpet cleaners related to tank problems and water system issues.

Error Code / IndicatorMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
Dirty Tank FullDirty water tank full / Tank sensor issue
  • Dirty water tank is full
  • Tank sensor detecting full condition
  • Tank not properly seated
  • Sensor malfunction
  • Empty and clean the dirty water tank
  • Check tank is properly seated
  • Clean tank sensor area
  • Inspect sensor for damage
  • Replace tank if damaged
Clean Tank EmptyClean water tank empty / Low solution
  • Clean water tank is empty
  • Solution not properly dispensed
  • Tank not properly installed
  • Fill clean water tank with appropriate solution
  • Ensure tank is properly installed
  • Check solution dispensing system
  • Follow manufacturer's solution recommendations
Tank Not DetectedTank not properly installed or detected
  • Tank not properly seated
  • Tank sensor not making contact
  • Tank missing or incorrectly installed
  • Remove and reinstall tank
  • Ensure tank clicks into place
  • Check for damage to tank or sensor
  • Clean tank and sensor contacts

Suction and Clog Issues

Error codes for Bissell vacuum cleaners related to suction problems, clogs, and airflow issues.

Error Code / IndicatorMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
Clog / Suction IssueClog detected / Loss of suction
  • Clogged nozzle or hose
  • Dirty or blocked filters
  • Blocked air passages
  • Full dirt container or bag
  • Hose kinked or damaged
  • Turn off and unplug the appliance
  • Check and clean all nozzles and hoses
  • Clean or replace filters
  • Empty dirt container or replace bag
  • Check all air passages for blockages
  • Straighten any kinked hoses
  • Replace damaged hoses if necessary
Reduced Suction PowerLoss of suction / Performance degradation
  • Filters need cleaning or replacement
  • Dirt container full
  • Hose or nozzle partially blocked
  • Seal or gasket damaged
  • Motor performance degraded
  • Clean or replace filters regularly
  • Empty dirt container frequently
  • Check and clean hoses and nozzles
  • Inspect seals and gaskets
  • Contact service if motor performance is poor

Motor and Electronics Errors

Error codes for Bissell appliances related to motor problems, electronics errors, and communication issues.

Error Code / IndicatorMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
Motor ErrorMotor error / Motor communication problem
  • Motor overheating
  • Motor overload
  • Mechanical problem (blocked parts)
  • Control board communication error
  • Motor electronics defective
  • Turn off appliance and allow to cool down
  • Check for blocked or jammed parts
  • Ensure all moving parts are free
  • Restart the appliance
  • Contact qualified service if problem persists
Mode/Clean-Out Cycle Lights BlinkingControl system error / Mode selection problem
  • Control board error
  • Mode selection switch defective
  • Communication error between modules
  • Turn off and restart the appliance
  • Check mode selection buttons
  • Contact customer service for diagnosis
E5Cliff sensor error (Robot vacuums)
  • Cliff sensor dirty or blocked
  • Cliff sensor defective
  • Sensor misreading floor changes
  • Clean cliff sensors thoroughly
  • Check sensors for damage
  • Test on different floor surfaces
  • Contact service if error persists

Sensor and Detection Issues

Error codes for Bissell robotic vacuums and smart appliances related to sensor problems and detection issues.

Error Code / IndicatorMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
Cliff Sensor ErrorCliff sensor dirty or defective (Robot vacuums)
  • Cliff sensors dirty or blocked
  • Sensors damaged
  • Floor surface changes not detected properly
  • Clean cliff sensors with soft cloth
  • Check sensors for visible damage
  • Test appliance on different floor types
  • Contact service if sensors need replacement
Bumper Sensor IssueBumper sensor not working (Robot vacuums)
  • Bumper sensor blocked
  • Sensor damaged
  • Bumper mechanism stuck
  • Clean bumper and sensor area
  • Check bumper moves freely
  • Inspect sensor connections
  • Replace bumper if damaged
Wheel Drop Sensor ErrorWheel drop sensor malfunction (Robot vacuums)
  • Wheel drop sensor dirty
  • Sensor defective
  • Wheel mechanism problem
  • Clean wheel drop sensors
  • Check wheel mechanism
  • Test sensors for proper function
  • Contact service if replacement needed

Need More Help?

If you are experiencing problems with your Bissell appliance that are not covered by these error codes, or if the provided solutions do not resolve your issue, we recommend:

  • Consult your Bissell appliance user manual for model-specific information
  • Visit the official Bissell support page: bissell.com/support
  • Contact Bissell customer service in the United States
  • Seek help from a qualified appliance repair technician
  • Check warranty coverage if your appliance is still under warranty