MODEL REFERENCE

Brother Innov-is NQ550PRW / Innov-is NQ550

12 errors · 31 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

E01e01: Presser foot raised

Lower the presser foot before continuing.

E02e02: Buttonhole lever lowered for another stitch

Raise the buttonhole lever before using the selected ordinary stitch.

E03e03: Buttonhole lever raised for buttonhole stitch

Lower the buttonhole lever before sewing a buttonhole.

E04e04: Bobbin-winder shaft engaged

Slide the bobbin-winder shaft left before continuing.

E05e05: Foot controller connected

Disconnect the foot controller to use Start/Stop, or operate the machine with the controller.

E06e06: Motor locked by tangled thread or bent needle

5 checks

The upper thread or take-up lever was threaded incorrectly.: Switch off, clear any tangle, check the handwheel and bobbin case, then raise the needle and rethread the upper path.
Thread is tangled beneath the needle plate.: Switch off, remove the caught fabric and upper thread, clear thread from the bobbin case, clean the race, and reassemble and rethread.
A needle bends or breaks against the needle plate because the fabric, thread, and needle do not match.: Fit a needle and thread suited to the fabric before sewing again.
The stitch is too short and thread clogs the feed.: Increase stitch length.
The feed dogs are lowered.: Raise the feed dogs before sewing.

E07e07: No stitch pattern selected

Select a stitch pattern before using Start/Stop.

E08e08: Width Control prevents Start/Stop

Turn Width Control off in settings before pressing Start/Stop, or use the foot controller.

E09e09: Twin-needle mode conflicts with stitch

Switch to single-needle mode and fit a single needle for the selected stitch.

E10e10: Needle plate does not match straight stitch

Switch the machine off, fit the needle plate appropriate for the selected straight stitch, then restart.

E11e11: Needle-plate cover removed

Switch off the machine and secure the needle-plate cover before restarting.

F**f**: Possible machine malfunction

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

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing

Cannot thread the needle7 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.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center for repair or controller replacement.
The needle threader lever cannot be moved or returned to its original position.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center for repair or controller replacement.
A size 65/9 needle is being used.: Thread a size 65/9 needle by hand because the needle threader cannot be used with it.

Bobbin thread does not wind neatly on the bobbin4 checks

The thread is not passed through the bobbin winding thread guide correctly.: Route the thread through the bobbin-winding guide correctly.
Bobbin spins slowly.: Move the sewing-speed slider right to increase bobbin-winding speed.
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 up2 checks

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
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 on1 check

The sewing light is damaged.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center for repair or controller replacement.

Machine does not operate6 checks

“Start/Stop” button was not pressed.: 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.
“Start/Stop” button was pushed with the foot controller attached.: Unplug the foot controller before using Start/Stop, or operate the machine with the controller.
The “Start/Stop” button was pressed while the machine is set for the sewing speed controller to control the zigzag stitch width.: Use the foot controller, or turn Width Control off before pressing Start/Stop.

Needle breaks21 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.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
Wrong presser foot was used.: Fit the presser foot recommended for the selected stitch.
Upper thread tension is too tight.: Adjust the thread-tension setting.
Fabric is pulled during sewing.: Guide the fabric without pulling it.
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. * There is a notch on the left side of the opening in the needle plate. This is not a scratch. a 1 Notch: 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.: Fit a bobbin specified for this Brother model.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reset the bobbin thread correctly.
Presser foot is attached incorrectly.: Attach the presser foot correctly.
Screw of the presser foot holder is loose.: Tighten the presser-foot holder screw securely.
Fabric is too thick.: Use fabric the needle can pierce when the handwheel is turned.
Fabric is fed forcefully when sewing thick fabric or thick seams.: Let the feed dogs move thick fabric without forcing it.
Stitch length is too short.: Adjust the stitch length for the fabric.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound.: Replace it with a bobbin wound correctly.

Upper thread breaks13 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.
The selected needle is not appropriate for the thread being used.: Fit a needle suitable for the thread in use.
Upper thread tension is too tight.: 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 around the opening in the needle plate. * There is a notch on the left side of the opening in the needle plate. This is not a scratch. a 1 Notch: 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.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
While sewing, the thread became knotted or tangled.: Rethread both the upper and bobbin threads.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Fit a bobbin specified for this Brother model.

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

Upper threading is incorrect.: Raise the presser foot and rethread the upper thread so it seats in the tension mechanism.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.

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.: Fit a bobbin specified for this Brother model.

Fabric puckers7 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.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Stitches are too long when sewing thin fabrics.: Shorten the stitch length.
Thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the thread tension.
Wrong presser foot.: Fit the presser foot suited to the selected stitch.

Skipped stitches7 checks

Machine is threaded incorrectly.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine correctly.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
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.
Thin or stretch fabrics are being sewn.: Place one sheet of thin paper beneath thin or stretch fabric while sewing.

No stitching3 checks

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

High-pitched sound while sewing5 checks

Dust or lint is caught in the feed dogs.: Remove lint from the feed dogs.
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.: Fit a bobbin specified for this Brother model.
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.

Fabric does not feed through the machine7 checks

Feed dogs are set in the down position.: Slide the feed-dog position switch right to raise the feed dogs.
Stitches are too close together.: Increase the stitch length.
Wrong presser foot was used.: Fit the presser foot suited to the selected stitch.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Thread is entangled.: Cut and remove thread tangled in the race.
Zigzag foot “J” is slanted on a thick seam at the beginning of stitching.: Keep zigzag foot “J” level while sewing by using its locking pin, the black button on the left side.
Presser foot pressure is set incorrectly for fabric.: Set presser-foot pressure for the fabric with the pressure dial.

The fabric feeds in the opposite direction1 check

The feed mechanism is damaged.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center for repair or controller replacement.

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.

Fabric being sewn with the machine cannot be removed1 check

Thread is tangled below the needle plate.: Lift the fabric, cut the threads beneath it, and clean the race.

A broken needle has fallen into the machine1 check

–: Switch off the machine and remove the needle plate.
If visible, lift out the fallen needle with tweezers.
Refit the plate, install a new needle, and turn the handwheel by hand to check smooth movement and needle alignment before powering on.
If the needle cannot be removed or the handwheel binds, contact authorized Brother service.

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.

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 the selected stitch.
The thread tension is incorrect.: Adjust the upper thread tension.
The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin case.: Clear the thread tangle and clean the race if the bobbin case is involved.
Feed dogs are set in the down position.: Slide the feed-dog position switch right to raise the feed dogs.

Thread tension is incorrect8 checks

Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reseat the bobbin. If the needle plate was removed, secure it before installing the bobbin case and check that the needle enters the center opening.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
Presser foot holder is not attached correctly.: Refit the presser-foot holder correctly.
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.: Fit a bobbin specified for this Brother model.

Character or decorative patterns are misaligned1 check

Pattern adjustment settings were set incorrectly.: Correct the pattern-adjustment settings to align the design.

Pattern does not turn out5 checks

Wrong presser foot was used.: Fit the presser foot specified for the pattern.
Did not use a stabilizer material on thin fabrics or stretch fabrics.: Place stabilizer beneath thin or stretch fabric.
Thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the thread tension.
Fabric was pulled, pushed or fed at an angle while it was being sewn.: Guide the fabric with both hands so it feeds straight.
The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin case.: Clear the thread tangle and clean the race if the bobbin case is involved.

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.

Error codes

Troubleshooting

Manuals and sources