Automatic shutoff red ball in recovery tank rises to top when recovery tank is about 20% full.Thus we are only able to use the steam cleaner for about 2 minutes before having to empty the recovery tank. Ideas to resolve ?

Hi, empty the recovery tank of the Hoover SteamVac if the cleaner fails to pick up dirt. Once the tank is full, many Hoover models have an automatic shutoff that stops the cleaner. If the does not resolve the pickup issue, check the hose of the machine and remove any blockage.

Examine the water tank if water does not dispense from the SteamVac. It could be empty and need of a refill, or you may not have locked the dispenser firmly in place. The detergent tank should also be looked at and filled if empty.

Take care

The red ball is the float/shutoff for full tank. That prevents water from overflowing and being sucked in to the vacuum motor. When the float shuts off the vacuum to the tank, the tank needs removed and emptied of dirty water. The float may get activated prematurely if the foam sock around it is dirty. It may be removed and rinsed.

you don't have the recovery tank lid on correctly.

Thankyou,

The redball indicates that it is full, that is due to the high resistence its suction system is inducing, because it is empty and it still stays up, I would try to turn the power settings a little lower, or it is experiencing high pressure from operation. Also, if you could adjust the bristles, or losen around the air vents. This should do the trick.
Thankyou, :)

http://www.hoover.com/pdfs/manuals/F5914900.pdf this is the manual for your model

Godbless

Problem: Clean solution won’t
dispense
Problem: Brushes/brush indicator
won’t rotate during floor cleaning
Possible cause
Possible solution
• Not firmly plugged in
• Plug unit in firmly
• No voltage In wall plug
• Check fuse or breaker
• Blown fuse/tripped breaker
• Replace fuse/reset breaker
Possible cause
Possible solution
• Recovery tank full/automatic
shut off engaged
• Remove and empty recovery tank
• Blockage In tool on end of hose
• Remove tool and clear blockage
• Recovery tank lid not on
correctly
• Make sure lid is on securely
• Recovery tank front panel not
replaced after stair or upholstery
cleaning
• Replace recovery tank front panel
(page 14)
Possible cause
Possible solution
• Solution tank not firmly in place
• Make sure tank is securely locked in
position
• Solution tank empty
• Refill tank according to instructions for
surface being cleaned
• Recovery tank lid not on
correctly
• Make sure lid is firmly in place
• Pump needs to be “primed” (when
using tool)
• See “Before using tool” section, p. 13

The tank has an automatic shutoff float (red) that will stop the suction if the water level gets too high. this can also happen if the tank is not level or clean as the float can bounce around and jam at the top. I've actually had this one happen). I would make sure the float is down during the cleaning and see if the suction comes back. if not, please provide more details and we'll get 'er fixed!

http://geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=40664&thid=657597
Automatic shut off
Posted by clean mama on Jun 09, 2008
When the recovery tank is full the yellow float disc is supposed to raise to the top of the tank lid... it does not. Other than that, the machine is working fine...
Ever since I hooked up the hose and attachment to clean some upholstery, now that I am back to cleaning carpet... I have this issue with the yellow disc

Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. Hoover F5912-900 Upright Steam Vacuum. The yellow disc is supposed to act like a float when the water raises the yellow disks will let you know the water recovery tank is full, and not actually turn off the system. You may want to check with your local vacuum dealer to see if the yellow disk is broken or find out why it is not working correctly. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
http://www.hoover.com Telephone
Contact our Customer Service Department at 1.330.499.9499
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. - 7 p.m. EST
Thanks, Don the Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

Check the filters, make sure they aren't clogged. Also if this has the foam filter on the inside of the tank lid, make sure it has at least a 1/4 is gap from the top.

When you put the filter back on, you must have put it all of the way to the top. There needs to be about a 1/4 in. gap from the top of the filter to the top of the lid.

Check the filter on the inside of the lid for the dirty water tank. It needs to have a 1/4 in. gap from the top of the lid to the top of the filter.