January 10, 2024

Sewing Machine: Why won't my sewing machine turn on?

A power supply failure, bad outlet cord or a failed On/Off switch can prevent the sewing machine from powering up.

Check the power supply first. Plug a lamp or other small appliance into the electrical outlet that you're using for the sewing machine to make sure the outlet works. If the electrical outlet is dead, reset the house circuit breaker for the outlet. If the outlet still doesn't work, try using a different outlet to power the sewing machine.

If the electrical outlet is okay, unplug the sewing machine and check the outlet cord for damage. Replace the cord if it's damaged.

If the outlet cord is okay, check the On/Off switch for continuity using a multimeter (with the sewing machine still unplugged). With the switch turned to the 'on' position, the meter should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through the On/Off switch. If the meter measures infinite resistance, replace the On/Off switch because it's preventing the sewing machine from getting power.

sewing machine

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR SEWING MACHINE PROBLEM

JC-SEW-Replace-the-sewing-machine-on-off-switch

Replace the sewing machine On/Off switch

The On/Off switch turns on the work light and sends power to the foot pedal. Unplug the sewing machine and check the On/Off switch wiring if the light switch doesn't work. Replace the on/off switch if it's defective.

Sewing machine on/off switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SEW-Replace-Sewing-Machine-On-Off-Switch-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

If your sewing machine light bulb won't come on even with a new bulb, the on/off switch could be to blame. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace a sewing machine on/off switch in about 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-SEW-Replace-the-sewing-machine-outlet-cord

Replace the sewing machine outlet cord

The outlet cord attaches to the On/Off switch to provide power to the sewing machine. Examine the outlet cord regularly for damage. Broken wires in the outlet cord prevent the sewing machine from getting power. Replace the outlet cord if it's damaged or broken.

Sewing machine outlet cord

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your sewing machines

Choose a symptom to see related sewing machine repairs.

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

Main causes: machine needs lubrication, internal gear failure…

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

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

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

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

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

Most common repair guides to help fix your sewing machines

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your sewing machine.

How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

If the sewing machine is completely dead, replace the On/Off switch using these 6 steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a sewing machine drive belt

How to replace a sewing machine drive belt

You can replace a broken sewing machine drive belt in about 15 minutes. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a sewing machine drive motor

How to replace a sewing machine drive motor

If the drive motor on your sewing machine runs roughly or doesn't run at all, you can replace it in about 30 minutes usi…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your sewing machines

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your sewing machine.

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…