Toyota Sewing Machine Troubleshooting (Fix And Repair Guide)
Sewing machines are just machines. No matter how well they are made or how reputable the company is, sewing machines will break down, stop working, or just skip stitches. Learning how to fix your Toyota sewing machine keeps you on schedule and in a good mood.
As always, you should first look at the simple sources for your sewing machine trouble. Fixing the simple items can save you a trip to the repairman and a high repair bill. Then you should always maintain and oil your Toyota regularly to make sure it runs smoothly all the time.
To learn how to fix common or simple sewing machine issues, just continue to read our article. It provides many answers to your sewing machine ills. Plus, it helps you find the right spots to place the oil
Troubleshooting Toyota Sewing Machines 101
Common Toyota Sewing Machine Problems
There are many Toyota common problems when it comes to their sewing machines. The first one that will be looked at is skipped stitches. When these occur your needle may be bent or dull. All you have to do is replace it.
Next, you may have knotting or breaking thread issues. The source for this is usually found in the quality of thread you are using or you did not thread the upper or lower threads correctly. Finally, the bobbin may be wearing out and cutting the thread.
Just replace the thread with a better quality, re-thread your machine or change the bobbin to fix this minor problem. Then if your machine doesn’t start, check your connections and make sure you plugged it in or pushed the button to the on position.
Toyota Sewing Machine Manual Download
A quick search on the internet will turn up quite a few results where you can get a Toyota manual as a downloadable file. The first place to check is one of our go-to manual sources as it allows you to read the manual first. It is at this link.
A second location is found here and it has about 3 pages of manuals for you to look through. A final source that will be linked to here is found at this company. Right now there is only one but it is free.
How to Open a Toyota Sewing Machine
This is not as complicated or as risky as it sounds. Each Toyota sewing machine may have different methods or opening order than another one so do not assume they are all the same.
The process starts with finding the right screws that hold the cover in place. There may be a specific order for those covers so be careful. Usually, the base cover needs to be removed first before you remove the back or front covers.
Once you get the screws off, the covers should snap right out and then snap right back in when you are done.
How to Repair a Toyota Sewing Machine
The first step in the process is to unplug the machine. You do not want any electrical surprises when trying to work on the device. When you need to check to see if you got the repair right, you can plug it back in.
Next, go to the spot where you think the problems lie. If re-threading is needed then do that and start sewing again. If you need to replace a needle, make sure you insert all the way in and in the right direction.
The process is dependent on what is wrong. All you have to do may be clean the machine. Old thread, lint, and dirt have a way of stopping any sewing machine from working as it should.
Toyota Bobbin Problems
Some problems may only need for you to replace the bobbin. If you are having trouble with the thread or the machine won’t sew, check to see if there are scratches on the bobbin and replace it if there are. The same goes for a worn bobbin.
Also, you should check to see if the bobbin and the bobbin case have been inserted correctly. You should hear a click when it is. The bobbin needs to be wound correctly so double check your work there. Rewind if it isn’t.
Another source for bobbin issues is that the tension is off slightly. Do a test ton a scrap piece of fabric to make sure you have the right setting.
Bobbin Not Winding
One of the simplest mistakes that creates this problem is that you are using the wrong size bobbin or one made from the wrong material. A metal bobbin does not work in a plastic bobbin case and vice versa. Make sure you have the right material for your machine.
Then, you may have the wrong size of bobbin and you need to pull that one out and replace it with the right size. Next, make sure the bobbin winder lever is not broken, and if it is you will need to replace that part.
Of course, the most common source is that the bobbin area is dirty. Cleaning your machine solves many sewing machine problems before they get started. A dirty bobbin area will stop the winding process.
Not Picking Up Bobbin Thread
There are several sources for this problem and one of them is that your needle is not straight. Check your needle to see if it is bent or broken and if so simply replace the needle and try again.
Next, your upper thread could be tangled and you need to stop what you are doing and spend a little time untangling it or re-threading your machine. Another possibility is that you're holding the needle thread too tight or the needle is not threaded right.
Check to see which direction you are supposed to thread the needle and re-do it if you have to. Or lighten up on your grip a little bit so the thread can move freely. If those aren’t the problem, check to see if your bobbin is threaded properly If not, re-thread the bobbin.
Toyota Sewing Machine Jammed (keeps jamming)
When this happens you should pull your fabric out from under the needle and check to see if any of the thread is tangled. If so, clip away till the thread is normal again. Then while you are there you should check to see if the needle is bent.
If it is, that may be the source of your problem. Replace the needle. A dirty machine can jam a sewing machine so check your cleaning schedule to see if your machine needs cleaning again.
Also, you may have forgotten to oil the machine the last time you cleaned it. Some parts may be stuck due to a lack of lubrication. Heat those parts to get rid of old oil and then re-oil your machine.
Needle Not Moving
Again, you have several sources for this issue. One is that the bobbin winder was not put back into the sewing position. This is a common mistake many sewers make from time to time.
Or the machine broke a belt and all you need to do is replace that belt and you should be fine. Next on the list is a lack of power and this has several suspects as well. You may not be plugged in, turned the power button on, or even forgot to connect the foot pedal.
The worst-case scenario is that you may have a wire short or loose wire to deal with. A final source may be due to the upper thread kill switch safety feature. When the thread runs out, the machine stops.
Toyota Sewing Machine Going Backwards
One of the key sources for this problem is the reverse lever or button. These can break even though they are made to be durable. Or they get stuck in one position and won’t move to the other. Or the backstitch spring is damaged.
This repair should be handled by a qualified repairman. Then if those items are fine, check your feed dogs to see if they are dirty. If they are that will prevent your sewing machine from returning to the forward direction.
Clean the feed dog area to solve that problem. Then check the stitch pattern you are using. If your machine has a buttonhole option, you may not have changed it. The buttonhole pattern starts in reverse and will stay that way until you change the stitch.
Toyota Machine Needle Hitting Plate
Here you have to start with the needle and check to see if one or several issues are at fault. First, check the needle clamp to see if it is loose. If it is, then tighten it up. While you are checking that, double-check to see if the needle is in correctly. If not, reverse its position.
Also, the needle could be bent and needs replacing or you do not have the right fabric, thread needle combination. You would need to look in your manual for the right combination.
Other simple fixes are you are pulling the fabric too hard and moving the needle so it hits the plate or your tension is too tight. Loosen up both and see if that solves the problem.
Toyota Sewing Machine Needle Size
Many sewers go to a universal needle as that makes their needle selection a lot easier. The size for a Toyota fits in with those universal sizes and you should be fine using one of many different brands.
For example, the Schmetz or CHDHALTD universal sizes 14, 16, and 18 will work on many models of Toyota sewing machines. The best thing to do if you are not sure is to look in your manual and see what size the company recommends.
The common size on the American scale is between 12 and 14, while on the European scale it is between 60 and 120. Of course, the needle size will vary when you are sewing with different fabrics. Delicate to lightweight fabrics will require between a 9 and an 11 sized needle.
How to Change the Needle On a Toyota Sewing Machine
This set of instructions is for the Toyota RS 2000 sewing machine. Check with your manual to see if those instructions are different from the ones we are about to give you.
The first step is to raise the needle to its highest position using the hand wheel. Next, you hold the needle and use the needle clamp screwdriver to loosen the screw. Then remove the current needle.
After that, pick up your replacement needle and face the flat side to the rear of the machine. Now push all the way up till you feel the needle coming in contact with the pin. Finally, use the screwdriver to tighten the screw and you are done.
Just be careful and do not poke your fingers with either needle.
Toyota Sewing Machine Tension Problems
One thing about sewing machines, they give you plenty of signs telling you there may be a problem. For tension, you may see bunches of thread underneath your fabric, in your bobbin area or looping of stitches.
All of those and other signs tell you there is a tension problem. If you see bobbin thread on top, your upper tension is too tight. If you see looping, then it is too loose. Or if your bobbin thread bunches up it is either not threaded right or the area s dirty.
A screwdriver is all you need to adjust the bobbin tension. On top of that, you may have put your spool of thread on wrong and the thread is coming out counter-clockwise instead of clockwise or vice versa. Reverse the spool to solve that issue.
Also, check your fabric type to see if it is causing any tension problems. If so, change the setting on the dial to fit the fabric you are working with.
Sewing Machine Thread keeps Breaking
You may be using a cheap and very inferior quality of thread. This may save you a few pennies but in the long run, it is costing you time and creating a lot of frustration in you. Go with top quality thread and this issue should not be as frequent.
Other sources may be the needle. If it is bent or broken the thread may get cut by the sharp edge or the needlepoint. Change the needle in this case. Even a burr can cause a broken thread.
Next, check your tension setting. It may be too tight and needs to be loosened. You should check both the upper and lower tension settings to make sure they are correct for the needle and the fabric.
After that, check to see if your bobbin wound correctly. If not it could snap the thread in an instant. Re-wind the bobbin if this is the case. Also, check the bobbin for any sharp edges that come in contact with the thread.
How do You Oil a Toyota Sewing Machine
The first thing you need to do is to make sure you buy proper sewing machine oil. This is the only oil you should use in any sewing machine including Toyota. Next, set up an oiling schedule and keep a written record.
A good rule of thumb is to oil your machine once every 100 hours. If you sew 4 hours a day then every 25 days you should lubricate your machine again. Then make sure not to over oil. Sewing machines are precision devices and do not require a lot of oil to function at peak capacity.
The amount of oil you use should be specified in your owner’s manual but most sewing machines only need 1 drop while others may need 2 each time you lubricate. Wipe the machine down after you are done just n case any extra drops spilled out and hit the machine.
Toyota Oiling Points
Your owner’s manual should have those points all diagrammed out for you. The manuals we were able to see online did not show any oiling points and there may be a good reason for that.
Some manufacturers state in their manuals that you are not to do any oiling. When you see those words, you oil at your own risk. This is why it is important to read your owner’s manual carefully. Modern machines are not built like vintage ones and there may be some changes that you do not expect.
Some Final Words
Repairing your Toyota sewing machine is going to happen someday. As fine a machine as they are Toyota’s will have problems like any other brand. It can’t be avoided.
Learn what you can do by yourself to save you time and money but make sure to check your warranty so you do not void it by being a DIY troubleshooter.
