MODEL REFERENCE

Brother XL-3500/ t/ i/3510/3520

12 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

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 pushed right.: Slide the bobbin-winder shaft left.
The foot controller is being used incorrectly.: Use the foot controller correctly.

The needle breaks12 checks

The needle is installed incorrectly.: Install the needle correctly.
The needle clamp screw is loose.: Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly 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 spool is fitted incorrectly.: Fit the spool 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.: 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.: 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.
The thread is tangled.: Remove the tangled thread. If it is tangled in the bobbin case, clean the 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 was 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 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.: Refit 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 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 thread and needle do not suit the fabric.: Choose a thread and needle suited to the fabric.
The needle is bent or dull.: Replace the needle.
When sewing thin fabric, the stitch is too thick.: Place stabiliser material under the 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.: Turn the handwheel toward you, counterclockwise, until the needle holder reaches its highest position.
The needle is inserted incorrectly.: Insert the needle correctly.

The stitch is not sewn correctly3 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.
The thread is tangled.: Remove the tangled thread. If it is tangled in the bobbin case, clean the case.

The fabric does not feed4 checks

The stitch is too fine.: Increase the stitch length.
The darning plate is fitted to the needle plate.: Remove the darning plate.
The fabric, thread, and needle are not properly matched.: Select thread and a needle suited to the fabric.
The thread is tangled.: Remove the tangled thread. If it is tangled in the bobbin case, clean the case.

The sewing light bulb does not come on1 check