the vacuum just won't turn on, no lights, no sound, nothing. checked the outlet and it's fine

Diagnosis

The total absence of power—no LED indicators, no motor hum, and no brush roll activity—on the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Rewind (27909) typically indicates a break in the electrical continuity between the wall plug and the motor. Because this model features an automatic cord rewind mechanism, the most common failure point is internal wire fatigue. As the cord is wound and unwound thousands of times, the copper strands inside the insulation can snap, particularly at the point where the cord enters the vacuum housing or near the plug molding. Another frequent culprit is the thermal overload protector. This vacuum is designed to shut down completely if the motor reaches a critical temperature to prevent a fire. This usually happens if the filter is clogged or the brush roll is jammed with long hair and string, causing the motor to draw excessive current and trip the internal thermal fuse. If the fuse has "blown" (permanently failed) rather than just "tripped" (temporary cooling period), the unit will remain dead regardless of how long it sits unplugged. You can confirm a cord failure by using a multimeter to check for continuity from the plug prongs to the internal switch terminals.

How to Fix It

Follow these steps to isolate the power failure and attempt a reset:

1. Hard Reset: Unplug the vacuum from the wall outlet. Leave it unplugged for exactly 60 minutes. This is the required window for the thermal protector to cool down and reset if the unit overheated.
2. Bypass Power Strips: Plug the unit directly into a known-working 120V GFCI outlet. Avoid extension cords or surge protectors, as the Turbo Rewind motor has a high initial current draw that can trip sensitive power strips.
3. Cord Stress Test: While the vacuum is plugged in and the power switch is in the "ON" position, slowly move and wiggle the power cord at the point where it enters the plastic chassis. If the lights flicker or the motor kicks in momentarily, you have a broken internal wire.
4. Clear the Airflow: Remove the dirt tank and inspect the foam and felt filters. If they are grey or caked in dust, wash them with water and let them dry for 24 hours. A clogged filter is the primary cause of the thermal shutdown.
5. Check the Brush Roll: Turn the vacuum over and use a pair of shears to cut away any hair wrapped around the brush roll. A seized brush roll can create an electrical load that prevents the motor from starting.

If That Didn't Work

• Replace the Power Cord Assembly: If the stress test indicated a flicker, the entire cord reel assembly must be replaced. This involves removing the outer casing screws and swapping the rewind spring mechanism and cord. This is a common failure on the 27909 model due to the tension of the rewind spring.
• Test the Power Switch: Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the power button. If the switch doesn't show a closed circuit when pressed, the internal spring contact has failed and the switch needs to be replaced.
• Inspect the Thermal Fuse: If you are comfortable with a soldering iron, open the motor housing and locate the thermal fuse (usually a small silver cylinder). Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If it reads "open," the fuse is blown and must be replaced with a part of the exact same temperature rating.
• Check for Motor Seizure: Attempt to rotate the motor fan manually (with the unit unplugged). If the fan is locked in place, the motor bearings have failed, which creates a "dead short" that prevents the unit from powering on.

Heads Up

• Avoid Over-winding: Do not force the cord into the rewind mechanism if you feel resistance; this accelerates the internal wire fatigue that leads to total power loss.
• Filter Maintenance: Wash your filters every 30 days. Restricted airflow is the #1 reason the thermal fuse trips on the Pet Hair Eraser series.
• Hair Removal: Use the integrated cleaning tool to remove hair from the brush roll every 2-3 uses to prevent motor strain.
• Voltage Warning: Never attempt to bypass the thermal fuse with a jumper wire; this removes the safety mechanism and can lead to a motor fire.