MODEL REFERENCE

Brother LX3817G

11 troubleshooting topics

The checks and guides below come from the official manuals for this model.

Find a code or problem on this model

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing

The sewing machine does not work3 checks

The main power switch is off.: Switch on the main power.
The bobbin-winder shaft is pushed right.: Slide the bobbin-winder shaft left.
The foot controller is being used incorrectly.: Use the foot controller correctly.

Fabric being sewn with the machine cannot be removed1 check

Thread is tangled beneath the needle plate.: Lift the fabric, cut the threads beneath it, and clean the race.

The needle breaks12 checks

The needle is installed incorrectly.: Install the needle correctly.
The needle clamp screw is loose.: Tighten the screw firmly with the screwdriver.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
The upper thread is threaded incorrectly.: Rethread the upper thread correctly.
The thread and needle do not suit the fabric.: Choose a thread and needle suited to the fabric.
The presser foot does not suit the selected stitch.: Attach the presser foot suited to the stitch.
The upper thread tension is too tight.: Reduce the upper thread tension.
The fabric is being pulled too hard.: Guide the fabric lightly.
The spool is fitted incorrectly.: Fit the spool correctly.
The area around the hole in the needle plate or the presser foot is scratched.: Replace the needle plate and contact your retailer or nearest authorized Brother Service Center.
The bobbin case is scratched.: Replace the bobbin case and contact your retailer or nearest authorized Brother Service Center.
The bobbin is not designed for this machine.: Use a bobbin designed for this machine.

The upper thread breaks9 checks

The upper thread is threaded incorrectly, such as when the spool is fitted improperly or the thread has slipped out of the guide above the needle.: Rethread the upper thread correctly.
The thread has knots or tangles.: Remove the knots or tangles.
The needle does not suit the thread being used.: Choose a needle suited to the stitch type.
The upper thread tension is too tight.: Reduce the upper thread tension.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
The needle is installed incorrectly.: Install the needle correctly.
The area around the hole in the needle plate or the presser foot is scratched.: Replace the needle plate and contact your retailer or nearest authorized Brother Service Center.
The bobbin case is scratched, or has a burr on it.: Replace the bobbin case and contact your retailer or nearest authorized Brother Service Center.
The bobbin is not designed for this machine.: Use a bobbin designed for this machine.

The lower thread is tangled or breaks5 checks

The bobbin thread is wound incorrectly.: Wind the bobbin thread correctly.
The bobbin is scratched or does not turn smoothly.: Replace the bobbin.
The thread is tangled.: Remove the tangled thread and clean the race.
The bobbin is not designed for this machine.: Use a bobbin designed for this machine.
The bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reset the bobbin thread correctly.

The thread tension is incorrect7 checks

The upper thread is threaded incorrectly.: Rethread the upper thread correctly.
The bobbin thread is wound incorrectly.: Wind the bobbin thread correctly.
The thread and needle do not suit the fabric.: Choose a thread and needle suited to the fabric.
The presser foot holder is attached incorrectly.: Attach the presser foot holder correctly.
The thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the upper thread tension.
The bobbin is not designed for this machine.: Use a bobbin designed for this machine.
The bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reset the bobbin thread correctly.

The fabric is wrinkled7 checks

The upper thread is threaded incorrectly or the bobbin is fitted incorrectly.: Thread the upper thread and wind the bobbin thread correctly.
The spool is fitted incorrectly.: Fit the spool correctly.
The thread and needle do not suit the fabric.: Choose a thread and needle suited to the fabric.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
When sewing thin fabric, the fabric does not feed correctly.: Sew with stabilizer material beneath the fabric.
The presser foot does not suit the selected stitch.: Attach the presser foot suited to the stitch.
The thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the upper thread tension.

Stitches are skipped5 checks

The upper thread is threaded incorrectly.: Rethread the upper thread correctly.
The thread and needle do not suit the fabric.: Choose a thread and needle suited to the fabric.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
The needle is installed incorrectly.: Install the needle correctly.
Dust has built up beneath the needle plate or in the bobbin case.: Remove the needle plate and clean it and the bobbin case.

The needle threader can not be used2 checks

The needle is not raised to the correct position.: Turn the handwheel toward you, counterclockwise, until its mark points up and the needle rises.
The needle is inserted incorrectly.: Insert the needle correctly.

The stitch is not sewn correctly3 checks

The presser foot does not suit the selected stitch.: Attach the presser foot suited to the stitch.
The thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the upper thread tension.
The thread is tangled.: Remove the tangled thread. If it is tangled in the bobbin case, clean the case.

The fabric does not feed4 checks

The darning plate is fitted to the needle plate.: Remove the darning plate.
The thread and needle do not suit the fabric.: Choose a thread and needle suited to the fabric.
The thread is tangled, for example, in the race.: Remove the tangled thread. If it is tangled in the race, clean the race.
The presser foot does not suit the selected stitch.: Attach the presser foot suited to the stitch.