Brother Quattro 3 User Manual

							TROUBLESHOOTING
349
Appendix
9
qInsert the tabs on the needle plate cover 
into the needle plate, and then slide the 
cover back on.
rCheck the condition of the needle, and then 
install it.
If the needle is in a poor condition, for example, if it is 
bent, be sure to install a new needle.
* Refer to “CHANGING THE NEEDLE” on page 67.
■ Checking machine operations
If the needle plate has been removed, check 
machine operations to confirm that installation has 
been completed correctly.
aTurn on the machine.
bSelect .
cSlowly turn the handwheel toward you 
(counterclockwise), and look from all sides 
to check that the needle falls at the center 
of the hole in the needle plate.
If the needle contacts the needle plate, remove the 
needle plate, and then install it again, starting with 
step 
m in “Removing the fabric from the machine” on 
page 347.
a Hole in the needle plate
b Handwheel
dSelect zigzag stitch  . At this time, 
increase the stitch length and width to their 
maximum settings.
eSlowly turn the handwheel toward you 
(counterclockwise) and check that the 
needle bar and feed dogs operate correctly.
If the needle or feed dogs contact the needle plate, the 
machine may be malfunctioning; therefore, contact 
your dealer or nearest authorized service center.
fTurn off the machine, and then install the 
bobbin and presser foot.
* Refer to “Setting the Bobbin” and “CHANGING THE 
PRESSER FOOT” on page 65.
gCorrectly thread the machine.
* For details on the machine, refer to “UPPER 
THREADING” on page 57.
hPerform trial sewing with normal fabric.
Note
• If the needle plate has been removed it is especially important to reinstall the needle 
plate and tighten the screws prior to 
installing the bobbin case.
 CAUTION
• Never use bent needles. Bent needles can 
easily break, possibly resulting in injuries.
Note
• After completing this procedure, continue with the following procedure in “Checking 
machine operations” to check that the 
machine is operating correctly.
Memo
• Since the needle may have been damaged when the fabric was caught in the machine, 
we recommend replacing it with a new one.
Note
• Do not yet install the presser foot and 
thread.
Note
• The thread may have become tangled as a result of incorrect upper threading. Make 
sure that the machine is correctly threaded.
Note
• Incorrect sewing may be the result of incorrect upper threading or sewing thin 
fabrics. If there are poor results from the 
trial sewing, check the upper threading or 
the type of fabric being used. 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING
350
List of Symptoms
If you have a minor problem with your sewing machine, check the following solutions. If the solutions 
suggested do not correct the problem, contact your authorized dealer. Press   →   → 
 for advice about minor sewing problems during sewing. Press   at any time to return to 
the original screen.
ProblemCauseSolutionPage
The thread is tangled 
on the wrong side of 
the fabric. Upper threading is incorrect.
Check the steps for threading the machine 
and rethread the machine. 57
Using improper needle or thread for the 
selected fabric. Check the “Fabric/Thread/Needle 
Combinations” chart.  69
The upper thread is 
too tight. The bobbin thread is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the bobbin thread.
54
Cannot thread the 
needle  Needle is not in  the  correct  position. 
Press the “Needle Position” button to raise the 
needle.  15
Needle is installed incorrectly.  Reinstall the needle correctly.  67
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. Replace the needle. 67
Cannot lower the 
presser foot with the 
presser foot lever Presser foot was raised using the “Presser Foot 
Lifter” button.
Press the “Presser Foot Lifter” button to lower 
the presser foot. 15
Thread tension is 
incorrect  Upper threading is incorrect. 
Check the steps for threading the machine 
and rethread the machine.  57
Bobbin is set incorrectly.  Reset the bobbin. (If needle plate was 
removed, reinstall needle plate and tighten 
screws prior to installing bobbin case.) 54
Using improper needle or thread for the 
selected fabric.  Check the “Fabric/Thread/Needle 
Combination” chart.  69
Presser foot holder is not attached correctly.  Reattach the presser foot holder correctly.  66
Thread tension is set incorrectly.  Adjust the thread tension.  79, 233
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound. Use a correctly wound bobbin. 48
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. Replace the needle. 67
Upper thread breaks Machine is not threaded correctly (used the  wrong spool cap, spool c ap is loose, the thread 
did not catch the needle bar threader, etc.) Rethread the machine correctly.
57
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. Replace the needle. 67
There are scratches on the race. Replace the race, or consult your authorized 
dealer. 338
Upper thread tension is too strong. Adjust the thread tension. 79, 233
Using improper needle or thread for the 
selected fabric. Check the “Fabric/Thread/Needle 
Combinations” chart. 69
Thread is twisted. Use scissors, etc., to cut the twisted thread 
and remove it from the race, etc. —
There are scratches near the hole of the needle 
plate. Replace the needle plate, or consult your 
authorized dealer. 97
There are scratches near  the hole in the presser 
foot. Replace the presser f
oot, or consult your 
authorized dealer. 65
Needle is installed incorrectly. Reinstall the needle correctly. 67
Thread is knotted or tangled. Rethread upper and lower thread. 54, 57
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine 
is not used. Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only 
use a bobbin designed specifically for this 
machine. 54
Bobbin thread breaks Bobbin is set incorrec tly.Reset the bobbin thread correctly. 54
There are scratches on the bobbin or it doesn’t 
rotate properly. Replace the bobbin.
54
Thread is twisted. Use scissors, etc. to cut the twisted thread 
and remove it from the race, etc. —
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine 
is not used. Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only 
use a bobbin designed specifically for this 
machine. 54 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING
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Appendix
9
Bobbin thread does 
not wind neatly on the 
bobbin.The thread is not passed through the bobbin 
winding thread guide correctly.
Correctly pass the thread through the bobbin 
winding thread guide. 49
Bobbin spins slowly. Press [+] in the bobbin winding window to 
increase the bobbin winding speed. 50
The thread that was pulled out was not wound 
onto the bobbin correctly. Wind the thread that was pulled off around the 
bobbin 5 or 6 times clockwise. 50
Skipped stitches Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. Replace the needle. 67
Using improper needle or thread for the 
selected fabric. Check the “Fabric/Thread/Needle 
Combination” chart. 69
Machine is threaded incorrectly. Check the steps for threading the machine 
and rethread it correctly. 57
Dust or lint has collected under the needle plate. Remove the dust or lint with the brush. 338
Needle is installed incorrectly. Reinstall the needle correctly. 67
Needle is defective. Replace the needle. 67
Thin or stretch fabrics are being sewn. Sew with one sheet of thin paper under the  fabric. 76
Needle breaks  Needle is installed incorrectly.  Reinstall the needle correctly.67
Needle clamp screw is not tightened.  Tighten the needle clamp screw. 68
Needle is turned or bent.  Replace the needle.  67
Using improper needle or thread for the 
selected fabric.  Check the “Fabric/Thread/Needle 
Combination” chart.  69
Wrong presser foot was used.  Use the recommended presser foot. 
“STITCH SETTING 
CHART”
Upper thread tension is too strong.  Adjust the thread tension setting. 79, 233
Fabric is pulled during sewing.  Do not pull the fabric during sewing.  —
Spool cap is set incorrectly.  Check the method for attaching the spool cap, 
then reattach the spool cap.  57
There are scratches around the holes in the 
needle plate.  Replace the needle plate, or consult your 
authorized dealer.  97
There are scratches around the hole(s) in the 
presser foot.  Replace the presser f
oot, or consult your 
authorized dealer.  65
There are scratches on the race.  Replace the race, or consult your authorized 
dealer.  338
Needle is defective.  Replace the needle.  67
Upper threading is incorrect. Check the steps for threading the machine 
and rethread the machine. 57
Bobbin is set incorrectly. Reset the bobbin thread correctly. 54
Presser foot is attached incorrectly. Attach the presser foot correctly. 65
Screw of the presser foot holder is loose. Securely tighten the screw of the presser foot. 66
Fabric is too thick. Use fabric that the needle can pierce when 
the handwheel is turned. 75
Fabric is fed forcefully when sewing thick fabric 
or thick seams. Allow the fabric to be fed without being 
forcefully pushed.
Stitch length is too short. Adjust the stitch length. 79
Stabilizer is not attached to fabric being 
embroidered. Attach stabilizer.
161, 200
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound. Use a correctly wound bobbin. 48
Fabric does not feed 
through the machine  Feed dogs are set in the down position. 
Press  , and then turn the handwheel to 
raise the feed dogs. 116
Stitches are too close together.  Lengthen the stitch length setting. 79
Wrong presser foot was used.  Use the correct presser foot.
“STITCH SETTING 
CHART”
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.  Replace the needle.  67
Thread is entangled.  Cut the entangled thread and remove it from 
the race.  —
ProblemCauseSolutionPage 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING
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Fabric puckers  There is a mistake in the upper or bobbin threading.  Check the steps for threading the machine 
and rethread it correctly. 54, 57
Using improper needle or thread for the 
selected fabric.  Check the “Fabric/Thread/Needle 
Combination” chart.  69
Thread tension is set incorrectly.  Adjust the thread tension.  79, 233
Stitches are too long when sewing thin fabrics.  Shorten the stitch length.  79
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.  Replace the needle. 67
Spool cap is set incorrectly.  Check the method for attaching the spool cap, 
then reattach the spool cap.  57
Wrong presser foot.  Use the correct presser foot. “STITCH SETTING 
CHART”
High-pitched sound 
while sewing  Dust or lint is caught in the feed dogs.  Remove the dust or lint. 
338
Pieces of thread are caught in the race.  Clean the race.  338
Upper threading is incorrect.  Check the steps for threading the machine 
and rethread the machine.  57
There are scratches on the race.  Replace the race, or consult your authorized 
dealer.  338
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine 
is not used. Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only 
use a bobbin designed specifically for this 
machine. 54
Character pattern 
does not turn out  Wrong presser foot was used.
Attach the correct presser foot. “STITCH SETTING 
CHART”
Pattern adjustment settings were set incorrectly.  Revise the pattern adjustment settings.  162
Did not use a stabilizer material on thin fabrics 
or stretch fabrics.  Attach a stabilizer material. 
161
Thread tension is set incorrectly.  Adjust the thread tension.  79, 233
Fabric was pulled, pushed or fed at an angle 
while it was being sewn. Sew while guiding the fabric with your hands 
so that the fabric is fed in a straight line. 72
Embroidery pattern 
does not sew out 
correctly  Thread is twisted. 
Use scissors, etc., to cut the twisted thread 
and remove it from the race, etc.  —
Fabric was not inserted into the frame correctly 
(fabric was loose, etc.).  If the fabric is not stretched tight in the frame, 
the pattern may turn out poorly or there may 
be shrinkage of the pattern. Set the fabric into 
the frame correctly.  203
Stabilizing material was not attached.  Always use stabilizing material, especially  with stretch fabrics, lightweight fabrics, fabrics 
with a coarse weave, or fabrics that often 
cause pattern shrinkage. See your authorized 
dealer for the proper stabilizer. 200
There was an object placed near the machine, 
and the carriage or embroidery frame hit the 
object during sewing.  If the frame bumps something during sewing, 
the pattern will turn out poorly. Do not place 
anything in the area where the frame may 
bump it during sewing.  218
Fabric outside the frame edges interferes with 
the sewing arm, so the embroidery unit cannot 
move.  Reinsert the fabric in the embroidery frame so 
that the excess fabric is away from the sewing 
arm, and rotate the pattern 180 degrees. 203
Fabric is too heavy, so the embroidery unit 
cannot move freely.  Place a large thick book or similar object 
under the arm head to lightly lift the heavy 
side and keep it level. —
Fabric is hanging off the table.  If the fabric is hanging off the table during 
embroidery, the embroidery unit will not move 
freely. Place the fabric so that it does not hang 
off the table or hold the fabric to keep it from 
dragging.  218
Fabric is snagged or caught on something.  Stop  the machine and place the fabric so that 
it does not get caught or snagged.  —
Embroidery frame was removed during sewing 
(for example, to reset the bobbin). The presser 
foot was bumped or moved while removing or 
attaching the embroidery frame, or the 
embroidery unit was moved.  If the presser foot is bumped or the 
embroidery unit is moved during sewing, the 
pattern will not turn out. Be careful when 
removing or reattaching the embroidery frame 
during sewing.  229
St

abilizer is incorrectly attached, for example, it 
is smaller than the embroidery frame. Attach the stabilizer correctly.
200
ProblemCauseSolutionPage 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING
353
Appendix
9
Loops appear on the 
surface of the fabric 
when embroideringThe thread tension is incorrectly set.
Adjust the thread tension. 233 - 235
The tension of the upper thread is incorrectly set 
for the combination of the fabric, thread and 
pattern being used. Use the embroidery needle plate cover.
219
The combination of the bobbin case and bobbin 
thread is incorrect. Change the bobbin case or bobbin thread so 
that the correct combination is used. 218
Machine does not 
operate  There is no pattern selected. 
Select a pattern. 91, 156, 190, 265
“Start/Stop” button was not pushed.  Press the “Start/Stop” button.  15
Main power switch is not turned on.  Turn the main power to ON.  26
Presser foot is not lowered.  Lower the presser foot.  15
“Start/Stop” button was pushed with the foot 
controller attached.  Remove the foot controller, or use the foot 
controller to operate the machine.  73
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 instead of the “Start/
Stop” button to operate the machine, or set 
the Width control to OFF in the Sewing 
settings. 35, 73
All keys and buttons have been locked by  . Press   to unlock all keys and 
buttons. 65, 67
Embroidery unit does 
not operate  There is no pattern selected. 
Select a pattern.  190, 265
Main power switch is not turned on.  Turn the main power to ON.  26
Embroidery unit is not attached correctly.  Reattach the embroidery unit correctly.  188
Embroidery frame was attached before the unit 
was initialized.  Perform the initialization process correctly. 
188
Nothing happens, 
even if the LCD 
display is pressed  The screen  has  been locked. 
Press either of the following keys to unlock the 
screen.   —
The fabric feeds in the 
opposite direction. The feed mechanism is damaged.
Contact your dealer or the nearest authorized 
service center. —
The LCD screen is 
fogged up. Condensation has formed on the LCD screen. After a while, the cloudiness will disappear.
—
 CAUTION
 This machine is equipped with a thread detection device. If the “Start/Stop” button is pushed before the 
upper threading is done, the machine will not operate properly. Also, depending on the pattern selected, 
the machine may feed the fabric even if the needle is raised. This is due to the needle bar release 
mechanism. At these times, the machine will make a sound different from what is made during normal 
sewing. This is not the sign of a malfunction. 
 If the power is disconnected during sewing: Turn the main power to OFF and unplug the machine. 
If you restart the machine, follow the instructions for operating the machine correctly. 
ProblemCauseSolutionPage 
						

							ERROR MESSAGES
354
ERROR MESSAGES
If the machine is not properly set and the “Start/Stop” button or the “Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button 
is pressed, or if the operation procedure is incorrect, the machine does not start. An alarm sounds and an 
error message is displayed on the LCD. If an error message displays, follow the instructions in the 
message. 
Below is an explanation of error messages. Refer to these when necessary (if you press   or do the 
operation correctly while the error message is displayed, the message disappears). 
 CAUTION
 Be sure to rethread the machine. If you press the “Start/Stop” button without rethreading the machine, the thread tension may be wrong or the needle may break and cause injury. 
This message is displayed 
when the motor locks due to 
tangled thread or for other 
reasons related to thread 
delivery. 
This message is displayed 
when the embroidery unit is 
initializing. 
This message is displayed 
when you try to sew with a 
stitch other than a middle 
needle position stitch while 
the single-hole needle plate is 
installed. 
This message is displayed 
when the needle plate is 
removed with the machine on 
or when the machine is 
turned on and embroidery or 
embroidery edit mode is 
selected (see page 54).
This message is displayed 
when the machine needs to 
be maintained. (see page 
341)This message is displayed 
when the needle plate cover 
is not attached.
This message is displayed 
when you try to combine 
more than 71 patterns. 
This message is displayed 
when the buttonhole lever is 
up, a buttonhole stitch is 
selected, and the “Start/ 
Stop” button or “Reverse/
Reinforcement Stitch” button 
is pushed. 
This message is displayed 
when the speed control lever 
is set to control the zigzag 
stitch width, and the “Start/ 
Stop” button is pushed. Use 
the foot controller to operate 
the machine.  
						

							ERROR MESSAGES
355
Appendix
9
This message appears when 
there are not enough colors in 
the custom thread table, to 
display the color scheme you 
have selected to display.
In this case, set more colors 
in the custom thread table 
(See page 278), or select 
less colors in the color 
shuffling function. (See 
page 283.)
This message appears when 
there are not enough colors in 
the thread table, to display 
the color scheme effect you 
have selected.
In this case, select another 
effect or the custom thread 
table (300 color palette) or 
less colors in the Color 
Shuffling function. (See 
page 283.)
If there are not enough 
number of colors set in the 
custom thread table, set more 
colors in the table. (See 
page 278.)
This message is displayed 
when the automatic needle 
threading button is pushed 
while twin needle sewing is 
set.
This message is displayed 
when the “Start/Stop” button 
is pressed before the edge of 
the fabric is detected. To 
detect the edge of the fabric 
using the built-in camera, 
press  , raise the 
presser foot, and then 
perform the operation again. 
(see page 148)This message is displayed 
when the built-in camera 
cannot detect the edge of the 
fabric.
If this message appeared 
after sewing has reached 1 to 
2 cm (about 3/8 to 3/4 inch) 
from the edge of the fabric, 
refer to step 
m in “Edge 
Sewing” on page 154.
If this message appeared 
during edge sewing, the edge 
of the fabric cannot be 
detected by the built-in 
camera. Press  , raise 
the presser foot, raise the 
needle if it is lowered, and 
then perform the procedure 
described in “Edge Sewing” 
on page 150 starting from 
step 
f.
If this error message appears 
again, sew without using 
edge sewing function.
This message appears when 
you try to save more than 100 
camera image or settings 
screen image files in the USB 
media. In this case, delete a 
file from the USB media or 
use different USB media. 
(See page 39 and 87)
This message appears when 
 or   is 
pressed to delete the settings 
for a utility stitch. To delete 
the selected settings, press 
.
This message is displayed 
when an unusable 
embroidery card is inserted.  
						

							ERROR MESSAGES
356
This message is displayed 
when the “Reverse/
Reinforcement Stitch” button 
is pushed while the 
embroidery unit is attached.
This message is displayed 
when the foot controller is 
pressed while the embroidery 
unit is attached and machine 
is set up for embroidering.
This message is displayed 
when the patterns you are 
editing take up too much 
memory, or if you are editing 
too many patterns for the 
memory. 
This message is displayed 
when a key on the LCD 
display is touched while the 
needle is in the down 
position. This message is displayed 
when there are too many 
characters and the curved 
character configuration is 
impossible. 
This message is displayed 
when the machine is in 
embroidery mode, and the 
character pattern 
combination is too large to fit 
in the embroidery frame. 
This message is displayed 
when the machine is in 
embroidery mode and the 
combined character pattern is 
too large for the embroidery 
frame. You can rotate the 
pattern 90 degrees and 
continue combining 
characters. 
This message is displayed 
when the machine is in 
embroidery mode and the 
embroidery unit tries to 
initialize while the embroidery 
frame is attached. 
This message is displayed 
when the machine is ready to 
sew an embroidery pattern, 
and the “Start/Stop” button is 
pushed while the embroidery 
frame is not attached.  
						

							ERROR MESSAGES
357
Appendix
9
This message is displayed 
when the machine is in 
embroidery edit mode, and 
you try to use an editing 
function when the pattern is 
not completely within the red 
outline. 
This message is displayed 
when you try to save a 
copyright protected pattern to 
USB media/Computer. 
According to copyright laws, 
patterns that are illegal to 
reproduce or edit cannot be 
saved to USB media or 
computer. If this message 
displays, save the pattern in 
the machine’s memory. 
This message is displayed 
when the machine is in 
embroidery mode and the 
small frame is attached, and 
the selected pattern does not 
fit in the small frame. 
This message appears when 
embroidery frame (small) is 
attached while aligning the 
embroidery position using the 
built-in camera.
This message is displayed 
when  is pressed 
when changing thread colors.
This message appears if the 
machine is turned off while 
sewing, then turned on again. 
Press   to return the 
machine to the condition 
(pattern position and number 
of stitches) when it was 
turned off. Follow the 
procedure described in “If the 
Thread Breaks During 
Sewing” on page 230 to align 
the needle position and sew 
the remainder of the pattern.This message is displayed 
when the “Start/Stop” button 
is pushed and the machine is 
in embroidery mode, but the 
embroidery unit is not 
attached.
This message is displayed 
when replacing the 
embroidering bobbin thread.
This message is displayed 
when rotating a saved 
combined pattern in the 
Embroidery screen.
This message is displayed 
when the embroidery frame is 
attached. 
						

							ERROR MESSAGES
358
This message is displayed 
when the machine failed to 
recognize the embroidery 
positioning mark.
- Confirm that the embroidery positioning mark is in the 
selected area. If problem 
persists, see page 215 to 
reposition mark.
- Machine failed to recognize 
printed positioning mark. 
Set “Page Scaling” to “None 
(100%)”, and try printing the 
embroidery positioning 
mark again. (see page 226)
This message is displayed 
when the machine has 
recognized the embroidery 
position mark. Remove the 
embroidery positioning 
sticker and press   to 
continue. To remove the 
embroidery positioning 
sticker more easily, press  . (see page 215)
This message appears when 
the built-in camera is being 
used to align the embroidery 
position, but the embroidery 
positioning sticker is too near 
an edge or the pattern 
extends from the embroidery 
frame. Change the 
positioning of the embroidery 
position sticker, and then try 
aligning the position again. 
See page 208.
This message is displayed 
when the upper thread is 
broken or not threaded 
correctly, and the “Start/Stop” 
button or the “Reverse/ 
Reinforcement Stitch” button 
is pressed. 
This message is displayed 
when the “Presser Foot Lifter” 
button is pushed while the 
presser foot lever is raised/
the needle is lowered.This message is displayed 
when the “Start/Stop” button 
is pushed to sew Utility 
stitches or Character/
Decorative stitches while the 
foot controller is connected. 
(This message does not 
appear when embroidering).
This message is displayed 
when the “Start/ Stop” button 
is pushed while the machine 
is in embroidery edit mode 
and a pattern is being edited. 
This message is displayed 
when there is no stitch or 
embroidery pattern selected 
and the “Start/Stop” button or 
the “Reverse/Reinforcement 
Stitch” button is pressed. 
This message is displayed 
when the bobbin thread is 
running out. 
This message is displayed 
when the memory is full and 
the stitch or pattern cannot be 
saved.