MODEL REFERENCE

Brother SE2000

23 errors · 33 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 once; if the message returns, contact authorized Brother service.

—Cannot change the configuration of the characters

Reduce the number of characters in the curved layout.

—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 file for corruption or incompatible design data, then restart the machine.

—Data volume is too large for this pattern

Reduce the number or size of patterns being edited to fit memory.

—OK to recall and resume previous memory?

Choose to resume the saved embroidery position, then align the needle before continuing.

—Pattern extends to the outside of embroidery frame

Choose a larger compatible frame or a smaller pattern.

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

Reduce or rearrange the characters, or select a larger compatible frame.

—Preventive maintenance is recommended

Arrange a regular maintenance check with authorized Brother service.

—Wireless authentication or encryption method unsupported

Set the router to a method this machine supports, then reconnect; verify the SSID and network key if the connection still fails.

—The bobbin thread is almost empty

Replace the nearly empty bobbin with a wound bobbin; cut and remove the embroidery frame first if embroidering.

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

Stop the winder and clear tangled thread before trying again.

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

Stop and clear tangled thread, then inspect the needle and thread delivery path.

—The "Start/Stop" button does not operate with the foot controller attached. Remove the foot controller

Disconnect the foot controller to operate with Start/Stop.

—Wireless SSID or network key incorrect

Re-enter the router SSID and network key exactly as shown in its settings.

—Wireless access point or router not detected

Check that the router is on, move the machine nearer and clear obstructions, then recheck the SSID and security settings.

—Wireless security information incorrect

Match the router’s authentication, encryption, and network key settings to supported machine settings, then reconnect.

—Wireless network setting disabled

Activate wireless networking in the machine settings.

—Custom stitch pattern extends beyond editing area

Select a different stitch pattern or delete an existing stitch point so the design fits the editing area.

—This pattern cannot be used

Choose a pattern this model can load; split patterns cannot be combined on the machine.

—This USB media cannot be used

Use compatible USB media.

—Straight stitch needle plate conflicts with selected stitch

Turn the machine off and fit the needle plate appropriate for the selected stitch before sewing.

—When the speed controller is set to control the zigzag stitch width, the "Start/Stop" button does not operate

Turn Width Control off in settings or operate with the foot controller.

F**f**: possible machine malfunction

Contact authorized Brother service about the F** malfunction display.

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing

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 respond, or the key response is too sensitive1 check

Keys were touched through a glove, with a fingernail or unsuitable pen, or sensitivity is mis-set.: Use a bare fingertip or electrostatic touch pen and adjust key sensitivity in settings.

The sewing light does not come on1 check

[Light] is set to [OFF] in the settings screen: Turn the sewing light on in the settings screen.

Embroidery unit does not operate1 check

Embroidery unit is not attached correctly: Remove and reattach the embroidery unit correctly.

Cannot thread the needle7 checks

Needle is not in the correct position: Raise the needle using the needle-position button.
Needle is installed incorrectly: Reinstall the needle securely.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull: Replace a bent, turned or dull needle.
Upper threading is incorrect. The needle threader lever is not lowered until it clicks: Rethread the upper path and lower the threader lever until it clicks.
The needle threader hook is bent and does not pass through the eye of the needle: Have an authorized Brother service center inspect the bent threader hook.
The needle threader lever cannot be moved or returned to its original position: Have an authorized Brother service center inspect the stuck threader lever.
A size 65/9 needle is being used: Thread a size 65/9 needle by hand; this threader does not fit that needle.

Bobbin thread does not wind neatly on the bobbin3 checks

The thread is not passed through the bobbin winding thread guide correctly: Pass the thread through the bobbin-winding guide as shown in the manual.
The thread that was pulled out from the bobbin- winding thread guide was incorrectly wound onto the bobbin: Wind the free thread around the bobbin correctly before starting the winder.
The empty bobbin was not set on the pin properly: Seat the empty bobbin fully on its winding pin.

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

The thread was incorrectly passed under the pretension disk on the bobbin-winding thread guide: Remove trapped thread, route the thread beneath the pretension disk, then wind again.

The bobbin thread cannot be pulled up2 checks

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull: Replace a bent, turned or dull needle.
Bobbin is set incorrectly: Remove and reinstall the bobbin in the correct direction.

Nothing appears in the LCD2 checks

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

Machine does not operate6 checks

“Start/Stop” button was not pressed: Press Start/Stop to begin the selected stitch.
The bobbin winder shaft is pushed to the right: Slide the bobbin-winder shaft back to the left.
There is no stitch selected: Select a stitch before pressing Start/Stop.
Presser foot is not lowered: Lower the presser foot.
“Start/Stop” button was pressed with the foot controller attached: Disconnect the foot controller before using Start/Stop, or use the connected controller.
The “Start/Stop” button was pressed while the machine is set for the sewing speed controller to control the zigzag stitch width: Turn width control off in settings or use the foot controller.

Needle breaks21 checks

Needle is installed incorrectly: Reinstall the needle securely.
Needle clamp screw is not tightened: Tighten the needle clamp screw.
Needle is turned or bent: Fit a straight, undamaged needle.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric: Use needle and thread sizes suitable for the selected fabric.
Wrong presser foot was used: Attach the presser foot specified for the stitch.
Upper thread tension is too tight: Reduce the upper thread tension.
Fabric is pulled during sewing: Guide the fabric gently without pulling it.
Spool of thread is set incorrectly: Seat the spool correctly.
There are scratches around the opening in the needle plate: Check for a true burr, excluding the normal notch; ask Brother service about a damaged needle plate.
There are scratches around the opening in the presser foot: Have an authorized Brother service center replace the scratched presser foot.
There are scratches on the bobbin case: Have an authorized Brother service center replace the scratched bobbin case.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used: Use a bobbin made for this model.
Upper threading is incorrect: Rethread the upper thread along the manual path.
Bobbin is set incorrectly: Remove and reinstall the bobbin in the correct direction.
Presser foot is attached incorrectly: Reattach the presser foot correctly.
Screw of the presser foot holder is loose: Tighten the presser foot holder screw.
Fabric is too thick: Use the correct needle, foot and fabric handling for thick material.
Fabric is fed forcefully when sewing thick fabric or thick seams: Guide thick fabric gently; do not force it under the foot.
Stitch length is too short: Increase the stitch length.
Stabilizer is not attached to fabric being embroidered: Attach stabilizer to the fabric before embroidering.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound: Wind the bobbin again with the thread correctly placed.

Upper thread breaks12 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 with the right spool cap and guide path.
Knotted or tangled thread is being used: Discard the knotted thread and use smooth thread.
The selected needle is not appropriate for the thread being used: Choose a needle matched to the thread.
Upper thread tension is too tight: Reduce the upper thread tension.
Thread is tangled: Stop, remove tangled thread and clean the bobbin area if needed.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull: Replace a bent, turned or dull needle.
Needle is installed incorrectly: Reinstall the needle securely.
There are scratches around the opening of the needle plate: Check for a true burr, excluding the normal notch; ask Brother service about a damaged needle plate.
There are scratches around the opening in the presser foot: Have an authorized Brother service center replace the scratched presser foot.
There are scratches on the bobbin case: Have an authorized Brother service center replace the scratched bobbin case.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric: Use needle and thread sizes suitable for the selected fabric.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used: Use a bobbin made for this model.

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

Upper threading is incorrect: Rethread the upper thread along the manual path.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric: Use needle and thread sizes suitable for the selected fabric.

The upper thread is too tight1 check

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

Bobbin thread breaks5 checks

Bobbin is set incorrectly: Remove and reinstall the bobbin in the correct direction.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound: Wind the bobbin again with the thread correctly placed.
A scratched bobbin is being used: Replace the scratched bobbin.
Thread is tangled: Stop, remove tangled thread and clean the bobbin area if needed.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used: Use a bobbin made for this model.

Fabric puckers8 checks

There is a mistake in the upper or bobbin threading: Rethread both the upper and bobbin paths.
Spool of thread is set incorrectly: Seat the spool correctly.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric: Use needle and thread sizes suitable for the selected fabric.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull: Replace a bent, turned or dull needle.
Stitches are too long when sewing thin fabrics: Shorten the stitch length for thin fabric.
Thread tension is set incorrectly: Adjust upper thread tension for the fabric and stitch.
Wrong presser foot was used: Attach the presser foot specified for the stitch.
The fabric is not held flat under the presser foot.: Keep the fabric flat and properly held under the presser foot before sewing.

The stitch is not sewn correctly4 checks

The presser foot that is used is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you wish to sew: Fit the presser foot specified for this stitch.
The thread tension is incorrect: Adjust the upper thread tension.
The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin case: Remove the thread tangle and clean the bobbin race.
Feed dogs are set in the down position: Raise the feed dogs with the feed-dog switch on the right.

Skipped stitches6 checks

Machine is threaded incorrectly: Rethread the machine following the upper and lower paths.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric: Use needle and thread sizes suitable for the selected fabric.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull: Replace a bent, turned or dull needle.
Needle is installed incorrectly: Reinstall the needle securely.
Dust or lint has collected under the needle plate: With the machine off, clean lint from beneath the needle plate.
Thin or stretch fabrics are being sewn: Use stabilizer behind thin or stretch fabric.

Not stitching3 checks

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull: Replace a bent, turned or dull needle.
Bobbin is set incorrectly: Remove and reinstall the bobbin in the correct direction.
Upper threading is incorrect: Rethread the upper thread along the manual path.

High-pitched sound while sewing5 checks

Dust or lint is caught in the feed dogs: Clean lint from the feed dogs.
Pieces of thread are caught in the race: With the machine off, remove thread scraps from the bobbin race.
Upper threading is incorrect: Rethread the upper thread along the manual path.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used: Use a bobbin made for this model.
There are needle holes or friction scratches in the bobbin case: Have Brother service inspect the rough bobbin case.

Fabric does not feed through the machine7 checks

Feed dogs are set in the down position: Raise the feed dogs with the feed-dog switch on the right.
Stitches are too close together: Lengthen the stitch.
Wrong presser foot was used: Attach the presser foot specified for the stitch.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull: Replace a bent, turned or dull needle.
Thread is entangled: Stop and remove entangled thread from the bobbin area.
Zigzag foot “J” is slanted on a thick seam at the beginning of stitching: Level zigzag foot J over the thick seam using the manual procedure.
Presser-foot pressure does not suit the fabric.: Adjust Presser Foot Pressure in sewing settings for the fabric.

The fabric feeds in the opposite direction1 check

The feed mechanism is damaged: Contact an authorized Brother service center about the damaged feed mechanism.

The needle contacts the needle plate2 checks

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

Fabric being sewn with the machine cannot be removed1 check

Thread is tangled below the needle plate: Turn the machine off, then clear thread tangled beneath the needle plate.

A broken needle has fallen into the machine1 check

A broken needle is inside the machine.: Turn the power off, remove the plate and retrieve the broken needle if visible. Fit a new needle and check the handwheel; seek Brother service if it still catches.

The handwheel does not turn smoothly1 check

Thread is tangled in the bobbin case: Turn the power off and clear thread tangled in the bobbin case.

Thread tension is incorrect8 checks

Upper threading is incorrect: Rethread the upper thread along the manual path.
Bobbin is set incorrectly: Remove and reinstall the bobbin in the correct direction.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric: Use needle and thread sizes suitable for the selected fabric.
Presser foot holder is not attached correctly: Reattach the presser foot holder correctly.
Thread tension is set incorrectly: Adjust upper thread tension for the fabric and stitch.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound: Wind the bobbin again with the thread correctly placed.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull: Replace a bent, turned or dull needle.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used: Use a bobbin made for this model.

Character or decorative stitch patterns are misaligned2 checks

Wrong presser foot was used: Attach the presser foot specified for the stitch.
Stitch pattern adjustment settings were set incorrectly: Adjust the stitch-pattern alignment using the manual procedure.

Stitch pattern is irregular5 checks

Wrong presser foot was used: Attach the presser foot specified for the stitch.
Thin or stretch fabrics are being sewn: Use stabilizer behind thin or stretch fabric.
Thread tension is set incorrectly: Adjust upper thread tension for the fabric and stitch.
Fabric was pulled, pushed or fed at an angle while it was being sewn: Feed the fabric straight without pushing or pulling it.
The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin case: Remove the thread tangle and clean the bobbin race.

Embroidery pattern does not embroider correctly10 checks

Thread is twisted: Untwist the thread and rethread the embroidery path.
Thread tension is set incorrectly: Adjust upper thread tension for the fabric and stitch.
Fabric was not inserted into the frame correctly (fabric was loose, etc.): Hoop the fabric tautly and evenly.
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 embroidering: Move objects clear of the carriage and embroidery frame travel.
Material coming out of the embroidery frame is causing problems: Rehoop fabric so it cannot snag, then reposition the pattern if needed.
A heavy fabric is being embroidered, and the fabric is hanging off the table: Support heavy fabric on the table while embroidering.
Fabric is snagged or caught on something: Stop and free fabric caught on the machine or frame.
The carriage was moved while the embroidery frame was being removed or attached during embroidery: Keep the carriage steady when fitting or removing the frame.
Stabilizer is incorrectly attached, for example, it is smaller than the embroidery frame: Use stabilizer at least as large as the embroidery frame.

Loops appear on the surface of the fabric when embroidering2 checks

The thread tension is incorrectly set: Adjust embroidery thread tension.
Embroidery bobbin thread intended for use with this machine is not being used: Use the embroidery bobbin thread specified for this machine.

Cannot retrieve an embroidery pattern via wireless network1 check

The transferred pattern is unavailable for this machine.: Check the pattern data and the transfer application message, then choose a compatible pattern.

Embroidery pattern does not embroider in a particular position1 check

The fabric is not aligned with the target position in the embroidery frame.: Use the embroidery sheet to position the fabric correctly in the frame.

Errors and messages

Troubleshooting

Manuals and sources