MODEL REFERENCE

Brother PE800

26 errors · 27 troubleshooting topics

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

Find a code or problem on this model

Errors and messages

Shown on the machine display

—A malfunction occurred. Turn the machine off, then on again.

Turn the machine off and on. If the message returns, contact authorized Brother service.

—Cannot change the configuration of the characters.

Reduce the number of characters or change the layout.

—Cannot change the font since some letters are not included to the selected font.

Choose a font that includes every character in the embroidery text.

—Cannot recognize the data for the selected pattern. The data may be corrupted. Please turn off the power and turn on again.

Check the pattern data for damage or incompatibility, then restart the machine.

—Check and rethread the upper thread.

Check for a broken upper thread and rethread the machine.

—Data volume is too large for this pattern.

Reduce the amount of pattern data being edited.

—Lower the presser foot lever.

Lower the presser-foot lever before continuing.

—Not enough available memory to save.

Delete saved patterns to free memory before saving another.

—Not enough available memory to save the pattern. Delete another pattern?

Delete another saved pattern to make room.

—OK to recall and resume previous memory?

Use OK to restore the embroidery position after an interrupted session.

—Pattern extends to the outside of embroidery frame.

Choose a larger embroidery frame or reduce the pattern size.

—Pattern extends to the outside of embroidery frame. Add no additional characters.

Remove characters or line breaks until the text fits the frame.

—Pattern extends to the outside of embroidery frame. This function cannot be used at this time.

Resize or reorient the character pattern so it fits the frame.

—Preventive maintenance is recommended.

Arrange a maintenance check with an authorized Brother dealer or service center.

—Selected pattern field extends to the outside of the embroidery frame.

Reduce the pattern size or choose a different pattern that fits the selected frame.

—The bobbin thread is almost empty.

Replace the bobbin before its thread runs out.

—The bobbin winder safety device has activated. Is the thread tangled?

Stop bobbin winding and clear thread tangled around the winder.

—The carriage of the embroidery unit will move. Keep your hands etc. away from the carriage.

Keep hands and objects clear while the embroidery carriage moves.

—The pockets are full. Delete a pattern.

Delete a stored pattern to free space.

—The safety device has been activated. Is the thread tangled? Is the needle bent?

Stop and inspect for tangled thread or a bent needle before continuing.

—There is a pattern included that cannot be saved to USB media. Save the pattern in the machine's memory.

Save the pattern in machine memory when USB storage is unavailable for that pattern.

—This pattern cannot be used.

Choose an embroidery pattern supported by this machine.

—This USB media cannot be used.

Use compatible USB media.

—USB media error

Check or replace the USB flash drive after a media error.

—USB media is not loaded. Load USB media.

Insert USB media before recalling or saving a pattern.

F**f**

Stop using the machine and contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center.

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing

Cannot thread the needle6 checks

Needle is not in the correct position.: Raise the needle using the needle-position button.
Needle is installed incorrectly.: Remove and install the needle correctly.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
The needle threader hook is bent and does not pass through the eye of the needle.: Ask an authorized Brother dealer or service center to inspect the fault.
The needle threader lever cannot be moved or returned to its original position.: Ask an authorized Brother dealer or service center to inspect the fault.

Bobbin thread does not wind neatly on the bobbin3 checks

The thread is not passed through the bobbin winding thread guide correctly.: Route the thread through the bobbin-winding guide correctly.
The thread that was pulled out was not wound onto the bobbin correctly.: Wrap the thread around the bobbin five or six times clockwise before winding.
The empty bobbin was not set on the pin properly.: Seat the empty bobbin on the pin and turn it until it clicks.

While winding the bobbin, the bobbin thread was wound below the bobbin winder seat1 check

You have not wound the bobbin thread properly. While initially winding thread on the bobbin the bobbin thread is not properly inserted into the guides.: Remove thread caught under the winder seat, then use the machine diagrams to thread and wind the bobbin again.

The bobbin thread cannot be pulled up1 check

Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Remove and seat the bobbin correctly.

Nothing appears in the LCD2 checks

Main power switch is not turned on.: Switch the machine power on.
The plug of the power cord is not inserted into an electrical outlet.: Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.

The LCD screen is fogged up1 check

Condensation has formed on the LCD screen.: Allow the screen to clear as the condensation evaporates.

The operation keys do not respond1 check

A glove is worn when the keys are pressed. The keys are pressed with a fingernail. A non-electrostatic touch pen is being used.: Use a fingertip on the touch keys or a pen compatible with capacitive screens.

The operation keys do not respond, or the sensitivity is too strong1 check

The sensitivity of the operation keys is not set for the user.: Adjust the touch-key sensitivity in the machine settings.

The sewing light does not come on2 checks

The sewing light is damaged.: Ask an authorized Brother dealer or service center to inspect the fault.
“Light” is set to “OFF” in the settings screen.: Turn the sewing-light setting on.

Embroidery unit does not operate2 checks

Embroidery unit is not attached correctly.: Remove and reconnect the embroidery unit correctly.
Embroidery frame was attached before the unit was initialized.: Remove the frame, then initialize the embroidery unit before reattaching it.

Machine does not operate4 checks

“Start/Stop” button was not pushed.: Press Start/Stop to begin sewing.
The bobbin winder shaft is pushed to the right.: Shift the bobbin winder shaft left.
There is no pattern selected.: Select an embroidery pattern before starting.
Presser foot is not lowered.: Lower the presser foot before starting.

Needle breaks16 checks

Needle is installed incorrectly.: Remove and install the needle correctly.
Needle clamp screw is not tightened.: Tighten the needle clamp screw securely.
Needle is turned or bent.: Replace the needle.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Use a needle and thread suited to the selected fabric.
Upper thread tension is too tight.: Adjust the thread tension.
Spool cap is set incorrectly.: Check the spool-cap instructions and fit the cap correctly.
There are scratches around the opening in the needle plate.: Have the scratched needle plate replaced by an authorized Brother dealer.
There are scratches around the opening in the presser foot.: Replace the scratched presser foot or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.
There are scratches on the bobbin case.: Replace the scratched bobbin case or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.
Needle is defective.: Replace the needle.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Remove and seat the bobbin correctly.
Embroidery foot is attached incorrectly.: Attach the embroidery foot correctly.
Stabilizer is not attached to fabric being embroidered.: Attach stabilizer to the fabric before embroidering.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound.: Replace it with a bobbin wound correctly.

Upper thread breaks11 checks

Machine is not threaded correctly (used the wrong spool cap, spool cap is loose, the thread did not catch the needle bar threader, etc.).: Rethread the machine from the spool through the needle.
Knotted or tangled thread is being used.: Remove the knots or tangles.
Upper thread tension is too strong.: Adjust the thread tension.
Thread is tangled.: Cut and remove tangled thread from the race.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Needle is installed incorrectly.: Remove and install the needle correctly.
There are scratches near the hole in the embroidery foot.: Replace the damaged embroidery foot or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.
There are scratches on the bobbin case.: Replace the scratched bobbin case or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Use a needle and thread suited to the selected fabric.
While embroidering, the thread became knotted or tangled.: Rethread both the upper and bobbin threads.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.

The thread is tangled on the wrong side of the fabric2 checks

Upper threading is incorrect.: Raise the embroidery foot and rethread the upper thread so it seats in the tension mechanism.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Use a needle and thread suited to the selected fabric.

The upper thread is too tight1 check

The bobbin thread is incorrectly installed.: Refit the bobbin thread correctly.

Bobbin thread breaks5 checks

Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Remove and seat the bobbin correctly.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound.: Replace it with a bobbin wound correctly.
There are scratches on the bobbin or it doesn’t rotate properly.: Replace the bobbin.
Thread is tangled.: Cut and remove tangled thread from the race.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.

Fabric puckers3 checks

There is a mistake in the upper or bobbin threading.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine correctly.
Spool cap is set incorrectly.: Check the spool-cap instructions and fit the cap correctly.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.

Skipped stitches5 checks

Machine is threaded incorrectly.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine correctly.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Needle is installed incorrectly.: Remove and install the needle correctly.
The needle is worn/damaged.: Replace the needle.
Dust or lint has collected under the needle plate.: Brush lint from beneath the needle plate.

No stitching3 checks

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Remove and seat the bobbin correctly.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.

High-pitched sound while sewing4 checks

Pieces of thread are caught in the race.: Clean lint from the bobbin race.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.
There are needle holes or friction scratches in the bobbin case.: Replace the scratched bobbin case or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.

The needle contacts the needle plate2 checks

The needle clamp screw is loose.: Tighten the needle clamp screw and replace a bent or blunt needle.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.

The handwheel feels sluggish when it is turned1 check

Thread is tangled in the bobbin case.: Clear thread from the bobbin case and reinstall the case in the correct position.

Thread tension is incorrect7 checks

Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Remove and reseat the bobbin.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Use a needle and thread suited to the selected fabric.
Thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the thread tension.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound.: Replace it with a bobbin wound correctly.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.

Embroidery pattern does not sew out correctly11 checks

Thread is twisted.: Cut and remove twisted thread from the bobbin case.
Thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the thread tension.
Fabric was not inserted into the frame correctly (fabric was loose, etc.).: Rehoop the fabric so it is taut in the embroidery frame.
Stabilizing material was not attached.: Attach suitable stabilizer before embroidering.
There was an object placed near the machine, and the carriage or embroidery frame hit the object during sewing.: Clear objects from the area swept by the embroidery frame.
Fabric outside the frame edges interferes with the sewing arm, so the embroidery unit cannot move.: Rehoop with excess fabric away from the arm and rotate the pattern 180 degrees.
Fabric is too heavy, so the embroidery unit cannot move freely.: Support a heavy fabric under the embroidery arm so the unit stays level.
Fabric is hanging off the table.: Support hanging fabric so it cannot drag on the moving embroidery unit.
Fabric is snagged or caught on something.: Stop and free fabric caught on the machine or frame.
Embroidery frame was removed during sewing (for example, to reset the bobbin). The embroidery foot was bumped or moved while removing or attaching the embroidery frame, or the embroidery unit was moved.: Keep the embroidery foot and unit steady when removing or replacing the frame.
Stabilizer is incorrectly attached, for example, it is smaller than the embroidery frame.: Attach the stabilizer to the fabric correctly.

Loops appear on the surface of the fabric when embroidering2 checks

The thread tension is incorrectly set.: Adjust the thread tension.
The combination of the bobbin case and bobbin thread is incorrect.: Use the bobbin case and bobbin thread combination specified for the machine.

Two or four beeps after an incorrect operation1 check

The machine rejected the last operation.: Follow the LCD advice and correct the operation.

Four-second beep and machine stops1 check

The machine locked, possibly on tangled thread.: Check and clear the cause before restarting.

Errors and messages

Troubleshooting

Manuals and sources