MODEL REFERENCE

Brother AIR 1800

10 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

Fabric does not feed2 checks

Thread is tangled.: Remove the tangle and rethread the machine.
Presser foot pressure is too low.: Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase presser foot pressure.

Needles break3 checks

A needle is bent or blunt.: Replace the affected needles.
A needle is installed incorrectly.: Install the needles in the correct position.
The fabric is pulled too forcefully.: Guide the fabric without pressing or pulling it hard while sewing.

Threads break7 checks

The threading path is incorrect.: Rethread the machine in the correct sequence.
Thread is tangled.: Inspect the spool pin and thread holders, then remove tangled thread.
Thread tension is too high.: Adjust the thread tension.
A needle is installed incorrectly.: Reinstall the needles correctly.
The needle type is unsuitable.: Use the correct needles; Brother suggests type 130/705H.
A thread breaks while sewing.: Remove the fabric, rethread, then sew 3–5 cm over the previous stitches.
A looper thread breaks during sewing.: Remove the unbroken looper thread too, then rethread both loopers.

Skipped stitches6 checks

A needle is bent or blunt.: Replace the affected needles.
A needle is installed incorrectly.: Install the needles correctly.
The needles are the wrong type.: Use the correct needles; Brother suggests 130/705H.
The machine is threaded incorrectly.: Rethread the machine correctly.
Presser foot pressure is too low.: Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase pressure.
The switching plate tip is outside the upper looper eye.: Insert the two-thread switching plate tip into the upper looper eye.

Stitches are uneven2 checks

Fabric puckers3 checks

Thread tension is too high for lightweight or fine fabric.: Reduce thread tension when sewing light or fine material.
The threading is wrong or tangled.: Remove tangles and rethread the machine.
Differential feed is set to the wrong scale marking.: Set the differential feed ratio dial to the appropriate marking.

Knife does not cut fabric2 checks

The knife blade is worn.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer to replace the knife.
The knife lock lever is engaged.: Move the lever to unlock the knife.

Thread will not pass through the needle eye4 checks

The handwheel is in the wrong position for threading.: Align the mark on the handwheel correctly.
The machine has been threaded incorrectly.: Rethread the machine correctly.
The needle threader change switch is set incorrectly.: Set the needle threader change switch to the correct position.
A needle is installed incorrectly.: Install the needles correctly.

Looper does not thread6 checks

The air threading pipes are not joined.: Move the air threading lever, then turn the handwheel toward you until the pipes join.
Too little thread has entered the looper insertion hole.: Insert 1–2 cm of thread into the looper insertion hole.
There is too little spare thread before insertion.: Leave 30–40 cm of thread free before inserting it into the looper hole.
Thread has caught on part of the machine.: Free the thread from where it is caught.
Lint has built up inside the air threading pipe.: Pass the included threading wire through the looper pipe to clear lint.
The chosen thread is difficult to feed into the looper hole.: Use the threading wire or spun thread to thread the looper.

Machine does not operate4 checks

The machine is switched off.: Turn on the machine.
The power plug is not connected.: Insert the plug into a power outlet.
The presser foot lifting lever is raised.: Lower the presser foot lifting lever.
The material plate cover or front cover is open.: Check both covers and close any that are open.