the red brush roll light on my bissell 24613 is on solid and the brush won't spin at all

Diagnosis

A solid red brush roll light on the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo (Model 24613) is a hard-coded safety indicator that the brush roll motor has encountered a mechanical overload. When the sensor detects that the motor is drawing excessive current because the roll cannot rotate at its required RPM, it triggers a thermal cutoff and illuminates the red LED to prevent the drive belt from snapping or the motor from overheating and permanently failing. This is most commonly caused by "winding," where long hairs, threads, or carpet fibers wrap tightly around the ends of the brush roll, creating a physical wedge between the roll and the housing. It can also be triggered by a foreign object—such as a coin, a small toy, or a thick piece of debris—becoming lodged in the brush chamber. You can confirm this by attempting to rotate the brush roll manually while the unit is powered off; if there is significant resistance or the roll is completely immobile, the overload sensor will remain triggered.

How to Fix It

1. Disconnect the vacuum from the power outlet entirely. Never attempt to clear a brush roll jam while the unit is plugged in, as a sudden release of the jam could cause the roll to spin violently.
2. Flip the vacuum over onto a flat, protected surface to expose the underside.
3. Locate the brush roll cover. Use a coin or a flat-head screwdriver to turn the locking tabs or unscrew the fasteners securing the brush roll housing.
4. Lift the brush roll out of the vacuum head. Inspect both ends of the roll, specifically the bearing caps.
5. Use a pair of heavy-duty scissors or a seam ripper to cut through the hair and thread wrapped around the brush. Do not pull the hair out lengthwise, as this can damage the bristles; instead, cut the fibers along the length of the roll and then peel them away.
6. Check the end caps of the brush roll for any debris packed into the axle holes. Use a toothpick or a compressed air can to clear these openings.
7. Inspect the vacuum head cavity for any trapped objects (like pebbles or coins) that may have been pushed into the corners.
8. Slide the brush roll back into the housing, ensuring it is seated flush against the drive belt. Secure the cover and tighten the fasteners.
9. Plug the unit back in and power it on. The red light should now be off, and the roll should spin freely.

If That Didn't Work

• Inspect the Drive Belt: If the brush roll is clear of debris but still won't spin, the drive belt may have stretched or snapped. Remove the brush roll and check the rubber belt connecting the motor to the roll. If the belt is loose or broken, it cannot transfer power, and the motor may still trigger the red light due to the lack of rotational feedback. Replace the belt with a genuine Bissell replacement part.
• Check the Brush Roll Bearings: Sometimes the plastic bearings on the ends of the brush roll wear down or melt due to friction, causing the roll to sit crookedly in the housing. If the roll wobbles significantly when you spin it by hand, the bearings are shot and the entire brush roll assembly needs to be replaced.
• Clear the Airway: A severe clog in the intake throat (between the brush roll and the hose) can create backpressure that affects motor performance. Use a flashlight to look into the intake port; if you see a mass of pet hair or a clump of carpet, use a wire hanger to fish it out.
• Reset the Thermal Switch: In some cases, the motor may have overheated. Unplug the vacuum and let it sit completely powered down for 60 to 90 minutes. This allows the internal thermal fuse to reset before you attempt to power it on again.

Heads Up

• Avoid High-Pile Rugs: Using the Turbo vacuum on extremely thick, shag carpets can create too much drag, triggering the red light even if there is no "jam." Use a higher height setting if available or stick to low-to-medium pile areas.
• Weekly Maintenance: To prevent the red light from returning, spend two minutes every week cutting away hair from the brush roll. Once hair builds up in the bearings, it creates friction that permanently degrades the motor.
• Avoid Wet Surfaces: Never use the Pet Hair Eraser Turbo on damp carpets. Moisture causes pet hair to clump and adhere to the roll more aggressively, leading to faster jams and potential motor corrosion.
• Check the Beater Bar: If you notice the red light flickering rather than staying solid, it usually indicates a partial blockage. Don't ignore a flickering light, as it is a warning that a full jam is imminent.