Finding The Problem
Troubleshooting a sewing machine that will not run is not difficult. A simple two step process will locate the problem.
- If the sewing machine light comes on and you hear a hum when you press the foot control, there is a bind in the sewing machine preventing the machine from turning. This is a mechanical problem.
- If you press the foot control and hear no hum and the sewing machine light is not on, the problem lies in the electrical system.
Mechanical Problems
If your sewing machine is hard to turn by hand, the machine is in a bind and the motor can not turn it.
- The most common cause for this is thread being caught in the hook. Remove the upper thread and bobbin case, turn the handwheel backward and forward by hand and remove any thread in the bobbin case area.
- Lack of oil can also cause sewing machine binds. Using your manual as a reference, oil your machine and rotate it using the handwheel until it is easy to turn.
- Check for lint build up between the feed dog and needle plate and also in the hook area.
Electrical Problems
If the sewing machine light is not on and you do not hear the motor hum whe you press the foot control, check these items first:
- Is the sewing machine plugged into the wall outlet?
- Is the sewing machine turned on?
- Check the wall outlet with a lamp or other electrical device to see if the problem is in the outlet.
- Some electronic sewing machines have a circut breaker that you can reset if they trip.
After following the steps above, if your sewin machine still has no power to it the problem could be with:
- The sewing machine cord
- The foot control
- The motor
- On electronic machines a control board may be bad.
I recommend that you do not attempt to repair any of the problems listed above. Take your sewing machine to a qualified repairman.