must drive 2 hours to the nearest Brother service center. i could send it by UPS but i don't want it banged around in shipping. But i have my brother sewing machine with 70 fancy stitches that will keep me busy in the meantime. It's covered under warranty i just need to get it there at my expense. If it's not one thing it's another. No embroidery this weekend but did get some nice designs at emblibrary. I hope everyone else is going to have a better weekend than I will. So Sad!

Bev,
A few years back, my Brother PC8500D locked up. Needle would not go up nor down and the motor would just hum. I VERY carefully removed the upper left metal cover near top of the machine above the needle. This reveals the machines gears. I found that a stray thread had wrapped several times in and around these gears. The thread pulled so tightly around it locked these gears. I very carefully snipped and removed the thread pieces from the gears, then replaced the cover. My machine has worked great ever since. A tedious, but easy fix. This may be your problem. Good luck!
Angel

1 comment

by anangel 23 Jul 2011

I think it goes without saying, but be SAFE! sSut off and unplug machine before you do this!!!
Angel

Sorry for your troubles - had something similar with my Quattro (but I am lucky to only be about half hour from my dealer). Try taking off the needle plate (the silver thing under the needle) and be sure nothing is caught in there (you may not be able to see it with just the bobbin case out). You should also be able to take off the plastic cover from the left side of the machine and be able to see the thread lifter part - check to be sure there is not a bunch of thread caught there that is keeping the needle bar stuck. Also try to work the manual wheel on the right side of the machine to see if you can get it to unjam by turning it. My machine "doctor" did all of these things and he oiled it in a bunch of places and it freed up (he thought the needle bar was bent but after waiting for the part to arrive - and trying it again before he installed it - the silly thing works just fine - it probably just needed oil and a rest). Good Luck to you.

That happened to my on the babylock. Thread got jammed underneath and the machine locked to protect it. I had to go to the dealer for them to unlock it for me. Has not happened since. I have learned the sound of my machine and as soon as I hear something I shut it down and check. Good luck! Suzanne

Same thing happened to me with my Brother LB-6770! I'd had it about 15 months at the time, and live at least 45 minutes from the nearest repair center, whom I don;t know if they could fix it because they don't sell any Brother machines. The nearest Brother Sewing Center is about 2 hours from me as well. SOOO I took it apart and oiled it just a little and gentley worked it free. Its been running fine since. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!!!

bEV THATS WHAT HAPPENED TO MINE IT NEEDS ALL THE KNOBS ,JOINTS WHATEVER THERE CALLED MAYBE BALL BEARINGS??OILED NOW I TAKE COVER OFF ONCE A WEEK AND OIL THEM BUSHING THATS WHAT THERE CALLED LOL.
IT SHOULD TAKE HIM AN HOUR TOPS TO FIX CAROLYN

OH NO !!! Wish I knew what to tell you to fix it ! Looks like you got some good suggestions here.. I wish you Luck my friend !
Jo

1 comment

by bevintex 22 Jul 2011

I'll get it into the shop soon but in the meantime i can still collect designs.Thanks Jo and i can use that Luck.
Bev

First check your bobbin to make sure no upper threads are wound up . I have a Brother and get this also. Remove your hoop. If you can't, then GENTLY slip a scissor under your hoop to cut the threads that are holding it in place. You probably have a bird's nest under there that has to be cleaned out. If that doesn't help you, send me an email at docsjoy@gmail.com

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by bevintex 22 Jul 2011

I did have to cut the fabric away and remove the needle to get hoop off. I took out the bobbin case and there is nothing there. Took off the outside casing as far as i could but was afraid to take off too much and I could not get it back together. I feel like thread is jammed in the top part somewhere that i can't get too. I need an expert and will take it in next week.

Sorry to see your Brother is giving you troubles. My ole Brother PC-8500 does what you are describing...I think. Here's what I do and he unlocks. First remove the needle. Then I press the thread cutter button and walla, he unlocks. With mine, the tread cutter sometimes 'jams over the bobbin carrier and all sorts of bells go off and grinding, and alerts me about the safety device.
Try it and see if it helps. I sure hope so!
Big Hugs!!!

Sympathise with you. I will be totally lost without my embroidery machine. It keeps me from being depressed and I look forward to working on it every day. Hope that you will be able to get it fixed very soon. Susie.

1 comment

by bevintex 22 Jul 2011

Thank you, the worst part is I have 2 embroidery machines broke down at the same time.

Tough luck! Hope you can get it fixed quickly! Maybe the repairman might be able to help you fix it over the phone - always a possibility - especially once he finds out how far you have to travel.
Good luck!

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by bevintex 22 Jul 2011

Thanks I hope so too!

I am so sorry for your problem. But do U want a laugh, I have just had a senior moment when I read your letter and I thought how could U have a 6 month old Brother ( as in sibling) Well this is what happens when we start on the downhill slide HaHaHa ?????

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by bevintex 22 Jul 2011

I'm sliding down along with you. Too funny.

Call them before you load her up to make sure there is someone there. My dealer has more then one location and service guys alternate days at each location. Also take the project in that you were stitching. It helps!!! Kay

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by bevintex 22 Jul 2011

Thanks I will call ahead. I hope the Service center is nicer than the lady at Brother customer service on the phone.She was bordering on just being Rude. I must have interupted her lunch or something.

Well, after reading all of the issues with machines today, I do think that there is a machine embroidery gremlin out there. I don't know if I want to start on the project I have laid out to do. LOL Good luck, hope it get done qickly for you.

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by bevintex 22 Jul 2011

I think that old Gremlin is making his rounds. I'll tell him to skip your house. LOL

Hugs and good luck - have a nice "other" weekend

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by bevintex 22 Jul 2011

Thank you. I'll be OK just a bit peeved at the moment. I was hoping they had a JoAnns in Wichita Falls Tx where I need to go but no such luck. It's a 144 mile drive so i hope they can fix it while I'm there.You have a good weekend too!
Bev