Cordless vacuum shows F3 and suction drops suddenly during use

Safety first: Turn the vacuum OFF and remove the battery before handling filters.

• Verify filter presence: Open the filter compartment and confirm that the pre-motor filter and any foam or felt layers are present.
• Check orientation: Ensure the filter is installed in the correct direction and fully seated in its frame or holder. Misaligned filters can trigger F3.
• Inspect for damage: Look for torn filter media or cracked plastic frames. Replace damaged filters with genuine Bissell parts.
• Clean contacts (if sensor-equipped): Some models use a small switch or sensor to detect the filter cover. Make sure the cover closes fully and that any actuator tabs are not broken.
• Reset and test: Reinstall the battery and power on. If F3 persists with correct filters installed, the filter detection switch or main PCB may be faulty and require replacement.