MODEL REFERENCE

Brother SQ-9000

7 errors · 14 troubleshooting topics

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

Find a code or problem on this model

Error codes

Shown on the machine display

E1presser foot raised during operation

Lower the presser foot lever before continuing.

E2buttonhole lever lowered for another stitch

Raise the buttonhole lever before continuing.

E3buttonhole lever raised for buttonhole or bar tack stitch

Lower the buttonhole lever before continuing.

E4bobbin winder shaft moved to the right

Move the bobbin winder shaft left before continuing.

E5start/stop button pressed with foot controller connected

Disconnect the foot controller before using the start/stop button, or operate with the foot controller.

E6motor locked by tangled thread

Remove the tangled thread before continuing.

F1-F9possible machine malfunction

Contact the nearest authorized service center.

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing

The sewing machine does not work4 checks

The machine is unplugged.: Connect the machine to the power outlet.
The main power switch is off.: Switch on the main power.
The bobbin winder shaft is in the right-hand position.: Shift the bobbin winder shaft left.
The foot controller is being used incorrectly.: Use the foot controller correctly.

The needle breaks11 checks

The needle is installed incorrectly.: Install the needle correctly.
The needle clamp screw is loose.: Firmly tighten the screw with a screwdriver.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
The fabric, thread, and needle are not properly matched.: Select thread and a 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 area around the needle plate hole is scratched.: Replace the needle plate. Contact your retailer or nearest authorized service center.
There are scratches around the presser foot hole.: Fit a replacement presser foot. Contact the retailer or your nearest authorized service center.
The bobbin case is scratched.: Replace the bobbin case. Contact your retailer or nearest authorized service center.
The bobbin is not designed for this machine.: Use only a bobbin designed for this machine, as other bobbins will not work properly.

The upper thread breaks11 checks

The upper thread is threaded incorrectly, such as when the spool is fitted incorrectly 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.
Thread is tangled, possibly in the bobbin case.: Remove the tangled thread. If it is tangled in the bobbin case, clean the bobbin case.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
The needle is inserted incorrectly.: Insert the needle correctly.
The area around the needle plate hole is scratched.: Replace the needle plate. Contact your retailer or nearest authorized service center.
There are scratches around the presser foot hole.: Fit a replacement presser foot. Contact the retailer or your nearest authorized service center.
The bobbin case is scratched or has a burr.: Replace the bobbin case. Contact your retailer or nearest authorized service center.
The bobbin is not designed for this machine.: Use only a bobbin designed for this machine, as other bobbins will not work properly.

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 bobbin case.
The bobbin is not designed for this machine.: Use only a bobbin designed for this machine, as other bobbins will not work properly.
The bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reset the bobbin thread correctly.

The thread is tangled on the wrong side of the fabric1 check

The upper thread is threaded incorrectly.: Rethread the upper 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 only a bobbin designed for this machine, as other bobbins will not work properly.
The bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reset the bobbin thread correctly.

The upper thread is too tight1 check

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

The fabric is wrinkled6 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 fabric, thread, and needle combination is unsuitable.: Select thread and a needle suited to the fabric.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
The stitch is too thick for thin fabric.: Place stabilizer material beneath thin fabric while sewing.
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 fabric, thread, and needle are not properly matched.: Select thread and a needle suited to the fabric.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
The needle is inserted incorrectly.: Insert the needle correctly.
Dust has collected under the needle plate or in the bobbin case.: Remove the needle plate cover, then clean the plate and bobbin case.

There is a high-pitched noise while sewing4 checks

Dust has collected in the feed dogs or bobbin case.: Clean the bobbin case.
The upper thread is threaded incorrectly.: Rethread the upper thread correctly.
The bobbin case is scratched.: Replace the bobbin case. Contact your retailer or nearest authorized service center.
The bobbin is not designed for this machine.: Use only a bobbin designed for this machine, as other bobbins will not work properly.

The needle threader can not be used2 checks

The needle holder is below its highest position.: Raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) until its mark points up, or press the needle position button once or twice.
The needle is inserted incorrectly.: Insert the needle correctly.

The stitch is not sewn correctly4 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.
Thread is tangled, possibly in the bobbin case.: Remove the tangled thread. If it is in the bobbin case, clean the case.
The stitch adjustment level is set incorrectly.: Change the stitch adjustment.

The fabric does not feed4 checks

The feed dogs are in the lowered position.: Move the feed dog position lever to [target position missing from source].
The stitch is too fine.: Increase the stitch length.
The fabric, thread, and needle are not properly matched.: Select thread and a needle suited to the fabric.
Thread is tangled, possibly in the bobbin case.: Remove the tangled thread. If it is tangled in the bobbin case, clean the bobbin case.

The sewing light bulb does not come on1 check

The sewing lamp has damage.: Contact the retailer or your nearest authorized service center.

Error codes

Troubleshooting

Manuals and sources