Husqvarna Viking 990S Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Are you experiencing issues with your Husqvarna Viking 990S sewing machine? This article is here to help. Whether you’re encountering stitching irregularities, threading difficulties, or any other common problems, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the potential causes and troubleshooting solutions specific to the Husqvarna Viking 990S.
Causes of Common Problems with the Husqvarna Viking 990S
1. Thread Tension Issues
- Description of the problem:
Inconsistent thread tension, resulting in loose or tight stitches.
- Cause of the problem:
Improper threading, worn tension discs, or incorrect tension settings.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Re-thread the machine following the threading diagram in the manual.
- Clean the tension discs to remove any debris or lint buildup.
- Adjust the tension settings according to the fabric and thread being used.
2. Needle Breakage
- Description of the problem:
Frequent breaking of needles during sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect needle size or type, bent or damaged needle, or improper needle insertion.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure you are using the correct needle size and type for the fabric.
- Inspect the needle for any signs of damage and replace if necessary.
- Make sure the needle is inserted correctly and securely into the machine.
3. Bobbin Jamming
- Description of the problem:
The bobbin gets stuck or jams during sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Improper bobbin insertion, tangled thread, or debris in the bobbin area.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Remove the bobbin and re-insert it following the correct orientation as per the manual.
- Clean out any lint or debris from the bobbin case and surrounding area.
- Ensure the bobbin thread is wound smoothly and without any tangles.
4. Feed Dog Malfunction
- Description of the problem:
The feed dogs fail to move the fabric properly during sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Dirt or debris obstructing the feed dogs, incorrect stitch length setting, or mechanical issues.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Clean the feed dogs and surrounding area to remove any obstructions.
- Check and adjust the stitch length setting as needed.
- If the issue persists, consult the machine manual for further troubleshooting or seek professional assistance.
5. Stitch Skips
- Description of the problem:
Sections of stitches are missing or incomplete.
- Cause of the problem:
Improper needle threading, dull or damaged needle, or incorrect needle and thread combination.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Re-thread the needle, ensuring it passes through all necessary guides and tension discs.
- Replace the needle with a new one if it is dull or damaged.
- Ensure the needle and thread are compatible with each other and the fabric being used.
6. Uneven Stitching
- Description of the problem:
Inconsistency in the length or tension of stitches across the fabric.
- Cause of the problem:
Uneven pressure on the presser foot, improperly adjusted tension, or worn sewing machine parts.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Check and adjust the pressure on the presser foot according to the fabric thickness.
- Re-thread the machine, ensuring proper tension adjustment.
- If the issue persists, inspect and replace any worn or damaged sewing machine parts.
7. Thread Bunching Underneath
- Description of the problem:
Excess thread accumulating underneath the fabric, forming loops or knots.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect bobbin tension, improper bobbin threading, or debris in the bobbin case.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Adjust the bobbin tension following the machine manual’s instructions.
- Re-thread the bobbin, ensuring the thread is properly seated in the tension spring.
- Clean the bobbin case and surrounding area to remove any lint or debris.
8. Motor Issues
- Description of the problem:
The sewing machine motor operates erratically or fails to start.
- Cause of the problem:
Electrical issues, worn motor brushes, or mechanical faults.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Check the power supply and ensure it’s properly connected and functioning.
- Inspect the motor brushes for wear and replace if necessary.
- If the motor still doesn’t operate correctly, consult a qualified technician for further diagnosis and repair.
9. Buttonhole Malfunctions
- Description of the problem:
Difficulty in creating buttonholes with consistent size and shape.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect buttonhole foot attachment, improper machine settings, or fabric thickness.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the correct buttonhole foot is attached securely to the machine.
- Adjust the machine settings according to the fabric and desired buttonhole size.
- If the fabric is too thick, consider using a stabilizer or interfacing to improve buttonhole quality.
10. Thread Cutter Not Working
- Description of the problem:
The automatic thread cutter feature fails to cut the thread after sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Blunt or misaligned thread cutter blade, debris buildup, or mechanical issues.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Inspect the thread cutter blade for any dullness or misalignment and replace if necessary.
- Clean the thread cutter area to remove any lint or debris that may be obstructing the blade.
- If the problem persists, consult the sewing machine manual for further instructions or seek professional assistance.
11. Thread Spool Jamming
- Description of the problem:
The thread spool gets stuck or does not rotate smoothly during sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect placement of the thread spool, tangled thread, or debris in the spool pin area.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the thread spool is placed correctly on the spool pin, allowing it to rotate freely.
- Check the thread for any tangles or knots and re-thread if necessary.
- Clean the spool pin area to remove any lint or debris that may be causing obstruction.
12. Stitch Length Variation
- Description of the problem:
Inconsistency in the length of stitches, resulting in uneven sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect stitch length setting, worn feed dogs, or mechanical issues.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Adjust the stitch length setting on the machine to the desired length.
- Inspect the feed dogs for wear and replace if necessary.
- If the problem persists, consult the sewing machine manual for further troubleshooting or seek professional assistance.
13. Bobbin Winding Problems
- Description of the problem:
Issues with winding thread onto the bobbin, such as uneven winding or thread tangling.
- Cause of the problem:
Improper bobbin winding technique, worn bobbin winder parts, or incorrect bobbin placement.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the bobbin is placed securely on the bobbin winder spindle.
- Use a consistent and smooth winding technique to prevent thread tangling.
- If the bobbin winder parts are worn, replace them according to the machine manual’s instructions.
14. Needle Threader Malfunction
- Description of the problem:
The automatic needle threader fails to thread the needle properly.
- Cause of the problem:
Misaligned or damaged needle threader mechanism, incorrect threading technique, or debris buildup.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the needle threader mechanism is aligned properly with the needle.
- Review the machine manual for the correct threading technique and try threading manually if the automatic threader fails.
- Clean the needle threader area to remove any lint or debris that may be obstructing the mechanism.
15. Fabric Jamming in the Feed Dogs
- Description of the problem:
Fabric gets stuck or caught in the feed dogs, hindering the sewing process.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect fabric positioning, worn feed dogs, or debris accumulation in the feed dog area.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the fabric is positioned correctly and smoothly fed into the machine.
- Inspect the feed dogs for wear and replace if necessary.
- Clean the feed dog area to remove any lint or debris that may be causing fabric jamming.
16. Uneven Feed
- Description of the problem:
The fabric does not feed evenly under the presser foot during sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Worn or damaged feed dogs, incorrect presser foot pressure, or uneven fabric thickness.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Inspect the feed dogs for any signs of wear or damage and replace if necessary.
- Adjust the presser foot pressure according to the fabric thickness and type.
- If the fabric is uneven, consider using a fabric stabilizer or adjusting the tension settings.
17. Bobbin Case Issues
- Description of the problem:
Difficulty in inserting or removing the bobbin case from the machine.
- Cause of the problem:
Improper installation of the bobbin case, debris buildup, or mechanical issues.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the bobbin case is inserted correctly and securely into the machine.
- Clean the bobbin case area to remove any lint or debris that may be obstructing movement.
- If the issue persists, consult the sewing machine manual for further instructions or seek professional assistance.
18. Stitching Skipping Stitches
- Description of the problem:
The sewing machine skips stitches intermittently during sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect needle size, dull or bent needle, or improper threading.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the correct needle size and type for the fabric being used.
- Inspect the needle for any signs of dullness or damage and replace if necessary.
- Re-thread the machine, ensuring the thread passes through all necessary guides and tension discs.
19. Loud Noise During Operation
- Description of the problem:
The sewing machine produces loud or unusual noises while in use.
- Cause of the problem:
Loose or damaged machine parts, lack of lubrication, or mechanical issues.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Check for loose screws or other parts and tighten them if necessary.
- Apply lubrication to the moving parts as per the machine manual’s instructions.
- If the noise persists, consult a qualified technician for further diagnosis and repair.
20. Jammed Handwheel
- Description of the problem:
The handwheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn, hindering sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Thread tangle, debris accumulation, or mechanical issues within the handwheel mechanism.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Carefully remove the fabric and check for any thread tangles around the handwheel area.
- Clean the handwheel area to remove any lint or debris that may be obstructing movement.
- If the handwheel remains jammed, consult the sewing machine manual for further troubleshooting or seek professional assistance.
21. Thread Breaking
- Description of the problem:
The thread frequently breaks during sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect threading, tension too tight, or using low-quality thread.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Re-thread the machine, ensuring the thread passes through all necessary guides and tension discs.
- Adjust the tension to a slightly looser setting.
- Use high-quality thread suitable for the fabric being sewn.
22. Bobbin Running Out Too Quickly
- Description of the problem:
The bobbin thread runs out faster than expected.
- Cause of the problem:
Bobbin not wound properly, incorrect bobbin tension, or using too much thread tension.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the bobbin is wound evenly and tightly.
- Check the bobbin tension and adjust if necessary.
- Reduce the tension setting on the machine if it’s too high.
23. Thread Fraying
- Description of the problem:
The thread unravels or frays during sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Using a needle with a dull point, incorrect thread tension, or rough fabric surfaces.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Replace the needle with a new one with a sharp point suitable for the fabric.
- Adjust the thread tension to a slightly tighter setting.
- If possible, choose smoother fabric surfaces to reduce thread friction.
24. Needle Striking Fabric Plate
- Description of the problem:
The needle hits the fabric plate or foot, causing damage or breakage.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect needle insertion, needle too long for the fabric, or sewing at high speed.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Ensure the needle is inserted correctly with the flat side facing the back.
- Use a shorter needle if the current one is too long for the fabric thickness.
- Reduce sewing speed to prevent the needle from striking the fabric plate or foot.
25. Fabric Puckering
- Description of the problem:
The fabric gathers or puckers unnaturally while sewing.
- Cause of the problem:
Incorrect tension settings, using the wrong needle size, or sewing over bulky seams.
- Troubleshooting step-by-step:
- Adjust the tension settings to achieve a balanced stitch appearance.
- Use a smaller needle size if the current one is causing excessive fabric distortion.
- When sewing over bulky seams, lift the presser foot slightly to ease fabric feeding.
Husqvarna Viking 990S Sewing Machine Manual
The operating instructions for the Husqvarna Viking 990S sewing machine can be found on the manufacturer’s website. Please visit the official website of Husqvarna Viking and navigate to the support or downloads section to access the manual for your specific model.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Husqvarna Viking 990S
1. How do I adjust the thread tension on my Husqvarna Viking 990S?
To adjust the thread tension on your Husqvarna Viking 990S, refer to the instruction manual for detailed steps. Typically, you can adjust the tension using the tension dial located on the machine’s front panel.
2. What should I do if my needle keeps breaking?
If your needle keeps breaking, ensure you are using the correct needle type and size for your fabric. Additionally, check for any bent or damaged needles and replace them as needed. Proper threading and tension adjustment can also help prevent needle breakage.
3. Why is my sewing machine making unusual noises?
Unusual noises from your sewing machine could indicate various issues, such as loose parts, lack of lubrication, or mechanical problems. Refer to the troubleshooting section of your manual for guidance on identifying and resolving the issue.
4. How do I clean and maintain my Husqvarna Viking 990S?
To clean and maintain your Husqvarna Viking 990S, regularly remove lint and debris from the bobbin area, feed dogs, and needle plate. Use a soft brush or lint roller for cleaning, and refer to the manual for specific maintenance tasks, such as oiling moving parts.
5. What should I do if my stitches are skipping?
If your stitches are skipping, first ensure proper threading of the machine and correct needle insertion. Adjust the tension settings as needed, and check for any obstructions in the bobbin area or feed dogs. If the problem persists, consult the troubleshooting section of your manual.
Conclusion
For any issues with your Husqvarna Viking 990S sewing machine, it’s recommended to always refer to the manual first for troubleshooting guidance. If the problem persists or if you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact customer service or visit a certified service center for professional support.
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