April 19, 2023

Brother electronic sewing machine error codes

Brother

These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Brother electronic sewing machine. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for sewing machines, major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more. Search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your sewing machine.

Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
F1

Main motor rotation failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the sewing machine and check the wiring connections on the power supply PCB and the main PCB assembly. Reconnect any loose wires. If the problem persists, replace the power supply PCB. If the F1 code returns after replacing the power supply PCB, replace the main PCB assembly.

Possible parts
Power supply PCB, main PCB assembly
F2

Button pressed continuously with power on

Check/Repair

The F2 code appears when the reverse/reinforcement stitch button, needle position button or start/stop button is stuck. Attempt to release the stuck button. If you cannot release the stuck button, replace it. If no buttons are stuck, replace the SSVR PCB assembly. If the problem persists, replace the main PCB assembly.

Possible parts
Reverse/reinforcement stitch button, needle position button, start/stop button, SSVR PCB assembly, main PCB assembly
F3

Key pressed continuously with power on

Check/Repair

The F3 code appears when a stitch selection key, stitch length adjustment key or stitch width adjustment key is stuck. Attempt to release the stuck button. Replace the key panel if you can't release the stuck key. If no keys are stuck, replace the operation PCB assembly. If the problem persists, replace the main PCB assembly.

Possible parts
Key panel, operation PCB assembly, main PCB assembly
F4

Foot controller disconnected

Check/Repair

Plug in the foot controller jack if it's disconnected. If the foot controller jack appears damaged, replace it. Replace the foot controller if it's defective. Replace the main PCB assembly if the foot controller is connected and working properly.

Possible parts
Foot controller jack, foot controller, main PCB assembly
F5

Dirty speed sensor

Check/Repair

Unplug the sewing machine and check the timing shutter wiring connection on the main PCB assembly. If the wiring connection is okay, clean the timing shutter. Replace the timing shutter if it doesn't work after you clean it. If the problem persists, replace the main PCB assembly.

Possible parts
Timing shutter, main PCB assembly
F7

Speed VR disconnected

Check/Repair

Unplug the sewing machine and reconnect any loose wires on the SSVR PCB assembly and the main PCB assembly. If the wiring connections are okay, replace the SSVR PCB assembly. If the problem persists, replace the main PCB assembly.

Possible parts
SSVR PCB assembly, main PCB assembly
F8

Power supply failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the sewing machine and check the wiring connection between the power supply PCB assembly and the main PCB assembly. Reconnect any loose wires. If the wiring connections are okay, check the output voltage from the power supply PCB. Note: You should check this output voltage only if you're completely confident in your technical ability to safely perform this test. Follow electrical safety guidelines when checking this voltage. Wear electrical safety gloves when conducting the test. Unplug the sewing machine immediately after completing the test. Check for 5 VDC between pins 2 and 3 on PCB assembly connector CN201. Check for 30 VDC between pins 4 and 3 on the same connector. If voltage on those pins is incorrect, replace the power supply PCB assembly. If the voltage is correct, replace the main PCB assembly.

Possible parts
Power supply PCB assembly, main PCB assembly
F9

Main PCB assembly failure

Check/Repair

Replace the main PCB assembly.

Possible parts
Main PCB assembly
E1

Foot controller error

Check/Repair

With the presser foot raised, the operator pressed the foot controller and the reverse/reinforcement stitch button. Lower the presser foot lever before continuing the operation.

Possible parts
E2

Buttonhole lever error

Check/Repair

With the buttonhole lever lowered, the operator selected a stitch other than the buttonhole or bar tack stitch and pressed the foot controller. Raise the buttonhole lever or select a correct stitch.

Possible parts
E3

Buttonhole stitch error

Check/Repair

With the buttonhole lever raised, the operator selected a stitch other than the buttonhole or bar tack stitch and pressed the foot controller. Lower the buttonhole lever before continuing the operation.

Possible parts
E4

Bobbin winder shaft engaged

Check/Repair

With the bobbin winder shaft moved to the right, the operator pressed the reverse/reinforcement stitch button or needle position button. Disengage the bobbin winder shaft by moving it to the left before continuing the operation.

Possible parts
E5

Start/stop button error

Check/Repair

With the foot controller connected, the operator pressed the start/stop button. Disconnect the foot controller when using the start/stop button. Otherwise, operate the machine by using the foot controller.

Possible parts
E6

Motor locked up

Check/Repair

The motor locked up because the thread is tangled. Remove the tangled thread before continuing the operation.

Possible parts

Most common symptoms to help you fix your sewing machines

Choose a symptom to see related sewing machine repairs.

Main causes: faulty foot pedal, locked drive gears, wiring failure, bad drive motor…

Main causes: machine needs lubrication, internal gear failure…

Main causes: dirty shuttle race, improper thread routing, incorrect thread tension…

Main causes: dirty shuttle race, wrong thread tension, bad needle timing, damaged needle, using the wrong type of needle…

Main causes: problems with the feed dogs, setting stitch length to 0…

Main causes: disengaged clutch, broken drive belt, internal drive gear failure…

Main causes: lack of lubrication, lint buildup, worn drive belt, faulty drive motor…

Main causes: thread bunched up in the shuttle race, bad needle timing, internal drive gear failures…

Main causes: power supply failure, bad power cord, faulty On/Off switch…

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