I only get suction from the hose and nothing from the normal vacuum mode

Sounds like the exhaust side is clogged. Remember a vacuum pulls air into the cavity, but for it to work properly it also has to be able to exhaust the same amount of air it takes in. If the exhaust is blocked it will continue to suck air inside and collapse on itself, which is why your hoses are getting shorter and harder to move. Check the exhaust system for any blockages, perhaps the hole you taped was the exhaust.

There is a ball valve between the wand hose and the base hose. It can get stuck in the "base" mode, which won't then redirect suction to the wand hose. There is a spring under the cup that the open end of the hose rests in. When you release the wand from the holster with the one-touch quick release, that spring pushes the cup up and turns the ball valve to the wand setting.

1. Unplug the vacuum.
2. Using the one-touch quick release, remove the wand from the holster.
3. Verify that the wand "cup" is indeed in the higher position. Do this by pushing on the bottom of the cup with your finger. It should easily depress.
4. Remove the wand hose from the main unit using the quick disconnect feature. Put your fingers into the hole and feel to the right. You will feel the closed valve, verifying that it is stuck in "base" mode.
5. Using a screw driver, insert the tip at the TOP of this valve and gently pry it downward. This shouldn't take much force.
6. Reassemble the hose wand using the quick connect feature and reholster the wand.
7. Plug in the unit and verify that the base unit has suction.
8. Remove the wand from the holster and verify IT has suction.

Hey Courtney! Sorry to hear about the suction problem on your SpotBot. Here's a quick link to troubleshooting steps to assist you.

http://www.bissell.com/FAQDetail.aspx?id=1040&cid=ccsocial

Since you've checked all the normal things, I presume you mean making sure the hose is unblocked. Now, have you checked the hose for the suction vent/adjustor? There is usually a vent with a movable cover that moves away from the vent and back over the vent. If the vent is open, the suction decreases. If the vent is covered, the suction improves. Many times I accidentally move the cover so that the vent is open and then I wonder what is wrong with the vacuum!
Hope this helps. If it does, please rate my suggestion! Thanks.

I had a different vacuum that did this. I took all manner of things apart looking for blockages and the like .I found that by having the vacuum handle in the full upright position shuts off the suction to this area and doesn't power the brush BY DESIGN. I think this is to get more suction to the hose.

If there no blockages in the hoses, then the next thing to check would be any filters in the vacuum. When these get clogged, you will experience this problem.

Dave

make sure the brush roller is turning.if not the belt ie either broke or it might have come off the motor shaft.feel free to call me at 314-628-9153

Clean your round filter and make sure there is nothing in the elbow tube in the bottom/back of the vacuum.

There has to be a clog in the hose, Unhook the hose and drop like a big marble in it to see if it comes out the other end.

There must be a clog in either the hose, dirt inland by the brush roll, or bad filters. If you have suction at the end of the hose, then look lower all the way to the brush roll.