How to replace the headlight bulb on a Bissell Cleanview Helix vacuum cleaner

Many vacuum cleaners now use headlight bulbs to allow you to see under beds or tables, or into dark corners when you are vacuuming.  Eventually these bulbs will burn out, and usually when they do it's not too hard to replace them.  Below are instructions for replacing the bulb on a Bissell Cleanview Helix vacuum (model 82H1 and others).  If you need to get a replacement bulb, part #203-1297, you can order one online from Bissell.com for $1.95.

The headlight is located on the front of the vacuum, just above the height selector knob.  It sits behind a protective clear plastic lens.  Before beginning the replacement process, be sure that the vacuum is turned off and unplugged.  You'll need a long thin flathead screwdriver and a small or medium Phillips screwdriver.

There is a tab on the right side of the plastic lens (as you are looking at it from the front of the vacuum), right next to a narrow hole in the lens.  To remove the lens, slip a flathead screwdriver (or long thin knife) into that hole, and then push it to the left so that you are pushing the tab in.  While you are pushing to the left, force the lens out slightly, to release the tab from where it snaps into the vacuum.

Now you can remove the plastic cover by pulling it straight out.  (You may have to wiggle it slightly.)  With the cover removed, the headlight bulb will be exposed.

The bulb assembly is held down by one screw.  Remove this screw with a small Phillips screwdriver, then you can pull the headlight out slightly to have more room to work.  Be careful not to pull too hard, to avoid damaging the electrical wire.

The bulb can be removed by simply sliding it straight out from the holder.  The new bulb is inserted the same way -- just slide it right in.  Then sit the bulb assembly back on the frame so that the hole in the plastic assembly lines up with the hole in the frame, and screw it back on.

The only thing left is to reattach the plastic lens cover.  Slide the left side of the cover into the vacuum frame first, and then push the right side in.  The tab should make a "click" sound as it snaps into place.

(Originally published on Helium.com, November 2012)