Possible causes of the Red Seal Light Flashing:

• The unit is overheated. Always allow 20 seconds between seals. Under heavy usage, appliance will shut off automatically and Red Light will flash. Wait for 20 min. for unit to cool off.
• The Latch has been left in OPERATE position: Gaskets may be compressed. Unlatch and allow 10 to 20 minutes for Gaskets to expand.
• Vacuum pump running more than 120 seconds. Under heavy usage, appliance will shut off automatically and Red Light will flash.

Possible causes of the machine not Vacuum Sealing:

Check for wrinkles in bag along Sealing Strip. To prevent wrinkles in the seal, gently stretch bag flat while inserting bag into Vacuum Channel.

Open unit and make sure Gaskets are inserted properly and there are no foreign objects, dirt or debris on the Upper or Lower Gasket

Latch has been left in OPERATE position: Gaskets may be compressed. Unlatch and allow 10 to 20 minutes for Gaskets to expand.

Make sure the accessory hose is not attached to accessory port.

Make sure the lid is latched down all the way. If the Latch does not catch the lid and bring it down, there will be a leak between the Gaskets.

First, close the lid of the unit without placing a bag in it. Start the appliance and let it go through its cycle. When the unit stops, gently touch the seal bar. Is it hot/warm? If the seal bar is not hot or it is too hot (and the bags have melted), then there may be something wrong with the sealing bar. Are you trying to vacuum package items that are not moist? If so, test the bag by placing a spoon in a bag and place the end of the bag into the vacuum channel, close the lid and press the ON button. Lock the side clips or press down on the lid and allow the unit to go through the entire cycle. If the bag seals, then now you are able to vacuum/seal bags. (If the bag seals, you are now able to vacuum/seal bags.) Are you trying to seal moist items, such as unfrozen meats or fish? Try placing the meat or fish in a bag, then taking a paper towel and folding it in half twice. Place the folded paper towel into the bag so it is between the item and where the bag will be sealed. Place the open end of the bag into the vacuum channel, close the lid and start the vacuum/seal process. The paper towel traps excess liquids and won't affect the flavor of the food item. If the unit seals properly, then you should be able to vacuum/seal bags. You can also slightly pre-freeze meat or fish for 15-30 minutes in order to eliminate some of the juices. While examining your appliance, check the lower gasket for any cracks, dents or food particles. Please clean the gasket by wiping it with a cloth.

To keep the gaskets free of debris, we recommend cleaning them every three to six months. To clean the gaskets, use with hot, soapy water, rinse well and let them air dry overnight.

To keep your FoodSaver® vacuuming properly, we recommend that you replace the gaskets every year.

The accessory hose is located in the packing material of your FoodSaver®. If your kit included canisters, it may inside the lid of the canister.

Press the seal button before inserting your bag.

If your FoodSaver® is not vacuuming, you may need to clean or replace the gaskets.