Diagram to take filter apart

Information and spares diagrams. You would have to disassemble and find the reason, but probably a spring became unhitched.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Windsor+S12+vacuum+handle+release+not+working

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1. Make sure to turn off your machine.
2. Press the empty button. Then pull the handle to lift the dirt container away from the vacuum.
3. Hold the dirt container over a trash bin and press the release button to dump the debris.
4. Then snap the bottom back on.
5. Place the dirt tank back onto the machine.

Go to post about

1. Push down on carry handle and
pull dirt container away from unit.

2. Once it is pulled back lift it out.

3. Hold dirt container over trash can and push down on bottom
release lever to release debris.

4. Close bottom cover on the dirt
cup until it snaps shut.

While you have the dirt container out you can also clean the Lifetime HEPA filter. It is on the top of the dirt container.

1. Twist lid to the left to remove lid and filter from
container

2. Remove foam filter from dirt container and dump out
any loose dirt. Wash the foam filter.

3. Remove the HEPA filter by Twist filter handle to the left and
pull out of lid. Wash the Heap filter.

4. Once the filters are thoroughly dry (I recommend set out for 24 hours) then installer filters in lid and thread back on top of the dirt canister.

Before replacing the dirt canister you can also clean the exhaust filter install below the dirt canister on the top vacuum cleaner head.

1. Loosen the exhaust grille by pressing the locking tab, and
remove it.

2. Remove and shake out the exhaust filter and wash it.
Note: Scented filter are not washable.

3. Once the filters are thoroughly dry relace it and snap the
exhaust grill into place.

Replace the dirt container
NOTE: Dirt container will not
align on base if filter is not
aligned properly.

its as simple as pulling top casing of bottom part of vac off and replacing the pedal just pay attention to where the springs go as you take them out

release the handle under by the front wheels. It will then pull out. Once you pull it out,on the frame there is a diagram showing out it comes apart.

Sounds like you have a valve arm not operating properly. The valve door sould spring open when you lower the handle and will shut when the handle is raised and pushes down on the rear valve arm. See a parts diagram and look at parts 39-41 and 19.

yes the handle release pedal is broken. i have the same problem and ordering the spare as i'm writing this email

I just fixed this on my Bissell PowerForce model #6594 vacuum myself. Woo Hoo for me. :-)

I called the local vacuum repair guy and he told me he'd repair it for me if I insisted but that since my machine only cost about $80 (a lot of money for me) it would not be worth the $40-$50 repair. I should just buy a new vacuum (from him I assume).

My machine works great so I sat down on the floor and after removing 5 screws and a little tinkering I got my machine apart. I had to take the brush and belt area off and then the upright part came off the base. Make sure you unplug your unit before working on it.

Next I could see where the Handle Release Pedal (HRP) on the bottom of the unit had been cracked. It's a molded piece that has a slight curve in it that allows it to spring back into position to hold the vacuum in the upright position or to keep the vacuum from going totally flat.

How it was installed I don't think they meant for it to be easily replaced but after using a screw driver on one side and a letter opener on the skinnier side I pried the molded houseing out from around the HRP just enough to let the it release. I did need a third hand for that part.

Follow the plastic extension that runs from the trigger through the length of the handle. This requires more disassembly that at just the trigger. At the end of the plastic extension you will find a triangular-shaped "ramp" that pushes against a "button" plunger that opens the valve that releases solution. When you release the trigger, the triangular ramp retreats and the plunger is supposed to be pushed back out by an internal spring in the valve. This plunger sticks because of accumulated soap from evaporated solution. Try cleaning that valve and plunger by running clean, hot water through the system OR replace the valve. In the future ALWAYS thoroughly flush the system with hot, clean water after using the machine.