April 01, 2015

How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the on/off switch on a sewing machine. The on/off switch turns on the sewing machine's power and work light. If the work light won't come on with a new bulb when you turn on the on/off switch, replace the switch with the manufacturer-approved replacement part.

Use these steps to replace the on/off switch in common Kenmore and Brother sewing machines.

Quick links
Tools required
Phillips screwdriver
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
Replacing an on/off switch in a sewing machine

This video explains how to replace the on/off switch in a sewing machine.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off the electricity

    Unplug the sewing machine’s power cord from the wall outlet.

  2. 02.

    Remove the drive belt cover

    Remove the screws securing the belt cover to the sewing machine and pull the belt cover off.

    PHOTO: Remove the front screw from the belt cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the front screw from the belt cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the bottom screw from the belt cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the bottom screw from the belt cover.

  3. 03.

    Remove the On/Off switch

    Remove the screws securing the On/Off switch to the mounting bracket.

    Remove the terminal block mounting screws and remove the terminal block.

    Disconnect the On/Off switch wires from the terminal block and remove the On/Off switch.

    PHOTO: Remove the terminal block mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the terminal block mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the on/off switch wires from the terminal block.

    PHOTO: Remove the on/off switch wires from the terminal block.

    PHOTO: Remove the on/off switch from the sewing machine.

    PHOTO: Remove the on/off switch from the sewing machine.

  4. 04.

    Install the new On/Off switch

    Connect the new On/Off switch wires to the terminal block.

    Reinstall the terminal block and screws. Position the new On/Off switch on the mounting bracket and reinstall the mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Reconnect the on/off switch wires.

    PHOTO: Reconnect the on/off switch wires.

    PHOTO: Install the new on/off switch.

    PHOTO: Install the new on/off switch.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the terminal block.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the terminal block.

  5. 05.

    Reinstall the belt cover

    Position the belt cover on the sewing machine and reinstall the belt cover mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the drive belt cover.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the drive belt cover.

  6. 06.

    Restore power

    Plug the sewing machine into the electrical outlet.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

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

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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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