How to Fix a Bissell Vacuum Cleaner Brush That Won't Rotate

Bissell vacuum cleaners have a roller with brushes to sweep the carpet and remove dirt, debris and pet hair. However, sometimes the brush stops spinning, and you need to troubleshoot the issue. It may be as simple as turning on the brush roll switch, or you may need a Bissell roller brush replacement.

Each Bissell vacuum cleaner model is slightly different, so the steps to take when a Bissell Cleanview vacuum brush is not spinning and when a Bissell Powerforce Helix roller is not spinning may be slightly different. Be sure to check the user manual for your Bissell model for specific troubleshooting tips.

Many Bissell models have a brush roll switch so that you can decide whether or not you want to use the roller brush. If your model has this feature, make sure the switch is turned on. Next, consider the height of the carpet and the height setting on your vacuum cleaner. If you move to a plush carpet and the vacuum height is set too low, the motor may stall. To fix this, turn off the vacuum, adjust the height setting to an appropriate level and then try again.

If the roller brush still isn't spinning after you have properly adjusted the settings, check for any debris that may be preventing the brush from spinning. If the Bissell pet vacuum brush won't spin, you may think that pet hair is the most likely culprit. The pet hair eraser roller brush is designed to prevent hair from tangling around the brush, but other debris, like small pet toys and bones, may still get stuck.

Some models have a brush roll safety feature that will activate when debris gets lodged. If your unit has this feature, you will see the blue light change to red.

Check the user manual for specific instructions on removing the brush roll so that you can clear debris. Make sure the vacuum cleaner is turned off and is unplugged before you begin. Then, turn over the vacuum so you can access the roller. Remove the screws holding the bottom cover. There may be as many as nine screws depending on the model. Then, you will be able to remove the roller. Clear any debris and hair that is present before reassembling the cleaner.

Once the debris is cleared, if the brush still isn't spinning, the next step is to replace the roller brush or belt on your vacuum cleaner. Even if the belt hasn't broken completely, if it looks cracked or damaged, it is a good idea to get a new one.

Make sure you order the correct roller brush or belt for your specific model. Remove the old roller just as you would if you were cleaning lodged debris. Then, reinstall the new roller brush. Make sure the belt is positioned correctly on both the brush roll and motor shaft. Check the user manual for specific instructions.

You may need to clear debris and even replace the brush and belt from some Bissell vacuum attachments, such as the pet TurboEraser tool that comes with the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser model.