Cordless vacuums have grown in popularity, and while they are very useful machines, dealing with battery issues can be frustrating.
But, fear not! Most vacuum issues can easily be fixed.
For example, if your Bissell CrossWave is not charging, there are a few things you can try before contacting support.
That’s why I have put together this easy-to-follow guide for you 🙂
In this post you will learn:
- Possible reasons why your Bissell Crosswave is not charging
- Steps to take to fix each issue
- And more!
Why Is My Bissell CrossWave Not Charging?
Your Bissell CrossWave may not be charging due to a faulty charger or outlet, an active cleanout cycle, water present in the charging base, dirty connections on the main body or docking station, the device already being fully charged, both the adapter and the unit needing cooling down, or the battery needing to be replaced.
Troubleshooting a Bissell CrossWave That Won’t Charge
If you’re having issues charging your Bissell CrossWave, there are few things you can check before contacting Bissell support.
Remember that most Bissell vacuums come with a 3-year warranty, so if your battery, for example, needs to be replaced, you can contact Bissell for a free replacement.
1. Damaged outlet
If your Bissell CrossWave is not charging, it may simply be the case that the outlet your Bissell is plugged into is damaged.
Here is what you can do to test it:
- Plug a different device into the outlet to see whether the outlet itself is the issue
- Plug your Bissell vacuum into a different outlet to check if your CrossWave is the issue
If a different device works in the original outlet, then the issue is with your Bissell. In that case, try the other steps below.
If the issue is the outlet, then your machine is all good 🙂
If neither outlets work, try resetting the circuit breaker.
2. The power cord or plug is damaged
If the test above showed that the issue lies within your Bissell CrossWave, then you may want to inspect your Bissell CrossWave power cord and plug.
You may notice that either the cord or plug are damaged, in which case you will need to replace the damaged part before plugging your Bissell back in the outlet.
If there isn’t any damage, continue troubleshooting using the next steps below.
Replacing the charger may solve the issue, but we will try other things first before spending money on something you might not need!
Please note: Not using the original (or a compatible) Bissell charger can also lead to charging issues, so make sure you only replace your current one with an original or compatible charger.
3. The cleanout cycle is running
A Bissell CrossWave comes with a three-in-one docking station that stores, charges, and cleans the vacuum.
To begin charging a Bissell CrossWave, you simply need to place it on the docking station and plug it in.
However, the docking station can also be used to initiate the cleanout cycle.
While your Bissell CrossWave cleanout cycle is running, charging will stop. It will then resume once the cycle is complete.
4. Water entered the charging base
This will have to be more of an assumption than something you can visibly spot!
The problem is that, when water enters the charging base, this will stop working, even if the power cable itself is still functional.
But, in such case, it will be hard to tell whether there is an issue with the actual docking station, unless you have a spare charger that you can plug into the charging base to test it.
Do not attempt to take the charging base apart.
Instead, contact Bissell if you suspect that water has entered the charging base.
5. The battery indicator is up to the max
When your Bissell CrossWave is charged, the battery indicator will show all three lines.
These tend to go off after 10 minutes to save energy, so your Bissell CrossWave might already be charged even if it does not look like it!
Check that the indicator is not already up to the max, as your Bissell will not charge otherwise.
Other battery lights you may see and what they mean:
- Red blinking light = battery is fully discharged
- Steady red light = battery is dead. If this light appears while the CrossWave is sitting on the docking station, it may be time to replace the battery
- 2 red lights = internal error within the CrossWave. Check the user manual or contact Bissell for further help
Remember that your Bissell CrossWave battery is covered under warranty!
6. The connections on the main body and docking station are dirty
When these connections are dirty, they will not be able to make contact to charge.
You can test the connections by gently pushing your Bissell against the docking station.
If pressing your Bissell CrossWave against the charging base solves the issue temporarily, then you can try to clean up the connections on the machine and the docking station to see if that solves it completely.
If cleaning the connections does not fix the problem for good, contact Bissell for help.
7. The adapter or the unit are too hot
If your Bissell CrossWave has been sitting on the charging station for a few hours, then the unit and the adapter may simply need cooling down before it can charge again.
The same can happen if the charging base sits in a very hot room. In which case, I recommend you move it to a cooler, more ventilated room.
8. Replace the battery
Your Bissell CrossWave battery may need replacing.
When the battery is dead, you may see one steady red light that indicates it is time to get a new battery.
Contact Bissell as a replacement battery may still be under your warranty depending on when you purchased the appliance.
9. Contact Bissell
By now, you may have already contacted Bissell as part of the steps above.
If you haven’t, and the steps above did not help you solve your Bissell Crosswave not charging issue, make sure you do and take advantage of their 3-year warranty!
Here is what their warranty covers:
- All labor and parts
- Warranty only valid for private household use
Additional Things To Know Regarding Charging a Bissell CrossWave
- Only use the Bissell-approved charger to recharge or a charger that is fully compatible. Using the wrong charger may cause a fire hazard
- Do not use a damaged or altered battery pack or appliance. Batteries that have been damaged or altered may display unpredictable behavior, resulting in fire, explosion, or injury
- Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to fire or excessive temperature
- Exposure to fire or temperature above 266°F (130°C) may cause an explosion
- Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire
FAQ
How long does the Bissell CrossWave battery last?
The Bissell CrossWave runs on a 36V lithium-ion battery, providing up to 30 minutes of power. This means that you can use it cordlessly for half an hour before having to place it back on the docking. Runtime will decrease as the battery ages.
How long does Bissell CrossWave take to charge?
The Bissell CrossWave takes 4 hours to fully charge. However, if the battery is not completely discharged, it will take less than 4 hours.
Can I leave my Bissell CrossWave plugged in all the time?
No, we do not recommend leaving your Bissell CrossWave on the charger. Overcharging may cause battery damage, fire, or explosion. Only charge your CrossWave when the battery is at less than 10%. Unplug the charger from the outlet once the vacuum is fully charged.
How do I know when my Bissell CrossWave cordless max not charging vs when it is charging?
The flashing battery icon on your CrossWave indicates that the machine is charging. When the battery is fully charged, the light will stop flashing and stay lit. You will see 3 white lights when the battery status is at 100% to 70%, 2 white lights when at 69% to 40%, 1 white light when at 39% to 10%, and 1 red blinking light when at 9% to 1%.
Does the Bissell CrossWave cordless vacuum cleaner have a manual?
Yes, click here to view Bissell CrossWave cordless vacuum cleaner’s manual.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of reasons why a Bissell CrossWave won’t charge.
To recap, here are the possible causes:
- The outlet is damaged
- The cord or plug is damaged
- The cleanout cycle is running
- Water entered the charging base
- The battery indicator is already showing full charge
- Connections on the vacuum and docking station need cleaning
- Both the adapter and the unit need cooling down
- It is time to replace your Bissell CrossWave battery
Make sure you contact Bissell if none of the above works, as you may still be able to take advantage of their 3-year warranty!
