MODEL REFERENCE

Brother PQ1500SL

13 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

Upper thread breaks5 checks

Upper threading is incorrect.: Rethread the machine correctly.
Thread is tangled.: Rethread, clean beneath the needle plate and around the bobbin case, and oil the machine.
Upper thread tension is too high.: Reduce the upper thread tension.
The needle, thread, and fabric do not match.: Use the manual chart to choose a suitable needle for the fabric and thread.
The bobbin case may be scratched.: Remove the needle plate and inspect the bobbin case.

Bobbin thread breaks4 checks

The bobbin thread is not feeding correctly from the case.: Remove and reinstall the bobbin properly.
Thread is tangled.: Rethread, clean the bobbin case and space under the needle plate, then oil the machine.
Bobbin tension is too high.: Reduce the bobbin tension.
The bobbin case may be scratched.: Remove the needle plate and check the bobbin case.

Skipped stitches5 checks

The needle is not installed correctly.: Reinsert the needle.
The needle is unsuitable for the fabric and thread.: Select a needle from the manual’s fabric and thread chart.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
Lint or debris has collected beneath the needle plate.: Clean the feed dog and bobbin case, then oil the machine.
The machine is threaded incorrectly.: Rethread the machine.

Fabric puckers5 checks

The threading path is wrong.: Rethread the machine.
The needle does not suit the fabric and thread.: Choose the correct needle using the manual chart.
Upper thread tension is too high.: Reduce upper thread tension.
Bobbin thread tension is too high.: Reduce bobbin tension.
The feed dog is set for heavyweight fabric while sewing lightweight fabric.: Set the feed dog for the lightweight fabric.

Fabric feeds unevenly or stitches are irregular4 checks

The stitch length is too short.: Increase the stitch length as needed.
Presser foot pressure is too low.: Increase presser foot pressure.
The feed dog is set for lightweight fabric while sewing heavyweight fabric.: Move the feed dog to the appropriate position for heavyweight fabric.
Thread is tangled.: Rethread and clean the needle plate and bobbin case.

Thread loops in seam4 checks

The upper thread is routed incorrectly.: Rethread the upper thread correctly.
The upper thread misses the take-up spring.: Pass the upper thread through the take-up spring.
The thread is not passing through the bobbin case correctly.: Reset the bobbin case and route the thread correctly.
The fabric, needle, and thread do not match.: Use the manual chart to choose the correct needle.

Needle breaks4 checks

The needle is not attached correctly.: Reattach the needle correctly.
The needle is not suitable.: Fit the correct needle.
Needle, thread, and fabric are mismatched.: Use the manual chart to choose the right needle for the thread and fabric.
The fabric is being pushed or pulled during sewing.: Guide the fabric without pushing or pulling it.

Machine does not run5 checks

The power switch is off.: Turn on the machine.
The machine is not plugged in.: Check the power connection.
The foot controller is disconnected.: Reconnect the foot controller.
The machine needs oil.: Clean and oil the machine as directed in the manual.
The safety device is activated.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer.

Machine is noisy2 checks

Debris has built up under the needle plate.: Clean the feed dog and bobbin case.
The machine needs oil.: Oil the machine as directed in the manual.

Automatic needle threader does not work4 checks

The needle is too low for the automatic threader.: Turn the handwheel to bring the needle to its highest position.
The needle is unsuitable for the thread.: Check the manual chart and fit a suitable needle.
The threader hook misses the needle eye.: Inspect the hook for bending and raise the needle fully.
The automatic threader is being used incorrectly.: Review the manual’s threader instructions.

Thread cutter does not work5 checks

The needle is not inserted properly.: Reinsert the needle and set it to its highest position.
The needle is unsuitable.: Use the manual chart to select the right needle.
The needle is bent or dull.: Change the needle.
The space under the needle plate needs cleaning.: Clean the feed dog and bobbin case.
The upper thread is routed incorrectly.: Rethread the machine.

Handwheel does not turn3 checks

Thread is tangled around the mechanism.: Rethread, clean the bobbin area and underside of the needle plate, and oil the machine.
The needle is attached incorrectly.: Reattach the needle.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.

Thread tangles beneath fabric3 checks

The upper thread is routed incorrectly.: Rethread the upper thread properly.
Upper thread tension is too low.: Increase upper thread tension.
The bobbin case may be scratched.: Remove the needle plate and inspect the bobbin case.