---
title: "Ricoma Embroidery Machine Troubleshooting: Error Messages, Thread Breaks and Fixes"
description: "Fix Ricoma embroidery errors fast - main axis not at 100, no needle, CHT2 241/256/257 codes, false thread breaks, trimmer faults, birdnests and oiling."
url: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/ricoma
updated: 2026-10-14
brand: Ricoma
class: both
origin: USA
formats: DST (Ricoma/Tajima DST is the format Ricoma tells customers to save from Chroma)
data: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/data.json
agent_playbook: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/agent.md
publisher: EasyDigitizer (https://easydigitizer.com/)
---

# Ricoma embroidery machine troubleshooting

Fix Ricoma embroidery errors fast - main axis not at 100, no needle, CHT2 241/256/257 codes, false thread breaks, trimmer faults, birdnests and oiling.

> **Short answer:** Most Ricoma stoppages clear once three things are right: the main shaft is parked at exactly 100 degrees, every take-up lever sits at the same height, and the head is locked on a real needle number (not "0" or "?"). The message you will see most is **Main axis not at 100** (often paired with **No needle**), usually after a birdnest or a needle strike on the hoop. Thread problems are almost always threading, needle orientation or bobbin tension, not the sensor.

## Model families

### EM-1010 (EM Series 10-needle)
- **Type:** Single-head, 10 needles, entry/home-business machine
- **Years:** current
- **Field:** see the EM-1010 manual for hoop sizes
- **Max speed:** not stated in the sources used here; check the spec sheet
- **Panel:** 7S colour touch panel
- **Formats:** DST
- **Manual:** [EM-1010 Operation Manual page (Ricoma support)](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/37687711106195-EM-1010-Operation-Manual)
- **Tags:** single-head, 10-needle, cap, beginner
Ricoma's best-selling starter machine. Typical calls are "Hook not in position" after a failed trim, "Main axis / No needle" after a birdnest, and an X sensor that is dirty or misaligned causing the pantograph to drive to one side and grind. The degree wheel on this model is at the back of the machine.

### Creator (10-needle)
- **Type:** Single-head, 10 needles, crafter/home business
- **Years:** current
- **Field:** see the Creator resources page
- **Max speed:** not stated in the sources used here
- **Panel:** 10.1-inch HD touch panel with Wi-Fi
- **Formats:** DST
- **Manual:** [Creator Resources (Ricoma support)](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/38013756006291-Creator-Resources)
- **Tags:** single-head, 10-needle, wifi, cap
Successor-style machine to the EM-1010. Ricoma publishes Creator-specific fixes for No needle, Color change timeout with grinding, Trim not in position, false thread breaks and an X sensor grinding check.

### TC-1501 / TC series (RCM-1501TC-7S, RCM-1201TC-7S)
- **Type:** Single-head, 15 needles (12 on 1201)
- **Years:** older RCM-1501TC-7S naming and current TC-1501
- **Field:** see the TC-1501-7S resources page
- **Max speed:** not stated in the sources used here
- **Panel:** 7S touch panel
- **Formats:** DST
- **Manual:** [TC-1501-7S Resources (Ricoma support)](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/38047824294931-TC-1501-7S-Resources)
- **Tags:** single-head, 15-needle, cap, tubular
The workhorse single-head. The 7S operation manual has a system error list (spindle, color change, stitch detection, XY driver, trim position, frame limits). Common field issues are Color change timeout from a dropped take-up lever, false thread breaks from a dusty encoder wheel, and blade build-up stopping trims.

### SWD-1501-8S
- **Type:** Single-head, 15 needles
- **Years:** current
- **Field:** see the SWD-1501-8S resources page
- **Max speed:** not stated in the sources used here
- **Panel:** 8S touch panel (emergency stop is at the bottom left of the panel)
- **Formats:** DST
- **Manual:** [SWD-1501-8S Resources (Ricoma support)](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/38048183616531-SWD-1501-8S-Resources)
- **Tags:** single-head, 15-needle, cap
Shares most fixes with the TC: same oiling routine, same No needle procedure with the red knob, same false-thread-break checks.

### Swift / SwiftXL / Swift 2
- **Type:** Single-head, 15 needles, commercial
- **Years:** current
- **Field:** Swift 2: 22 x 14.5 in (per Ricoma product page)
- **Max speed:** Swift 2: 1,350 spm (per Ricoma product page)
- **Panel:** 10.1-inch touch panel
- **Formats:** DST
- **Manual:** [Swift Resources (Ricoma support)](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/38197766247315-Swift-Resources)
- **Tags:** single-head, 15-needle, high-speed, cap
The Swift 2 uses a magnetic encoder for thread-break detection and a pickerless sewing arm. Ricoma lists Swift-specific articles for Color change timeout, Trim not in position, false thread breaks and centering the head.

### MT series (MT-1501, MT-1502, MT-2003, 15 and 20 needle)
- **Type:** Single and multi-head, 15 or 20 needles per head
- **Years:** older MT-1501/1502 through current
- **Field:** see the MT-1502 quick start manual for hoop sizes
- **Max speed:** not stated in the sources used here
- **Panel:** 7S or 8S touch panel
- **Formats:** DST
- **Manual:** [MT 15 Needle Resources (Ricoma support)](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/38048363362963-MT-15-Needle-Resources)
- **Tags:** multi-head, 15-needle, 20-needle, cap
The MT quick start guide calls the main axis fault "error 100". On multi-heads, a needle-down-at-100 problem usually points to the needle-release solenoid on the left of the head. The degree wheel is on the left side of the machine.

### Marquee (15/20-needle, 1-3 heads)
- **Type:** Single and multi-head, 15 or 20 needles
- **Years:** current
- **Field:** see Ricoma product pages
- **Max speed:** Marquee 2: up to 1,350 spm (per Ricoma product page)
- **Panel:** 10.1-inch touch panel
- **Formats:** DST
- **Manual:** see the [Ricoma Help Center](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us)
- **Tags:** multi-head, 20-needle, high-speed
Newer large-field line. Ricoma has a Marquee-specific Color change time out article; most mechanical fixes follow the MT procedures.

### CHT2 / CHS multi-head (4 to 12 heads)
- **Type:** Commercial multi-head, 15 needles per head
- **Years:** current (CHT2 replaced the earlier CHT)
- **Field:** see the CHT2 quick start manual
- **Max speed:** not stated in the sources used here
- **Panel:** touch panel with numbered errors (241, 256, 257)
- **Formats:** DST
- **Manual:** [CHT2 Quick Start Manual, common errors (ManualsLib copy)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1478043/Ricoma-Cht2.html?page=47)
- **Tags:** multi-head, 15-needle, high-volume, cap
The only Ricoma line that shows numbered codes on screen. Trimming and hook faults are detected by one shared sensor under the machine, so a birdnest on one head stops all heads. Needle position is set with a wrench on the color change gear under the panel, not a red knob.

## Error codes
| Code | Message | Meaning | Fix | Models | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Main axis not at 100 / Main axis error | The main shaft did not stop at its 100-degree home angle, so the machine will not start. Common after a needle hits the hoop, a birdnest, shipping, or someone turning the degree wheel. | Clear the message, make sure a needle number shows, then press the 100-degree key. If it repeats, power off and turn the degree wheel 2-3 full turns until the sight window/panel reads 100, check all take-up levers are level, power on and press the 100-degree key again. | All (called "error 100" in the MT guide) | MT-1502 quick start manual; Ricoma support "Main axis not at 100" |
| - | Spindle is not at 100 degree | Same condition as above as listed in the 7S panel error table. | Jog or hand-turn the shaft to 100 degrees. | TC-1501/1201 7S, EM-1010 | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual; EM-1010 owner's manual |
| - | Spindle is not rotated | The main motor got no drive: no signal or power to the spindle controller or motor, a failed controller/motor, or an unplugged encoder. | Power off, check the main motor and controller cables are seated, then power on. If it persists the controller, motor or encoder needs a technician. | TC 7S, EM-1010 | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual; EM-1010 owner's manual |
| - | Reverse rotation of spindle | The encoder A/B signals are swapped, so the machine thinks the shaft is turning backwards. | This is a wiring fault, usually after a repair. Have a technician correct the encoder phase wiring. | TC 7S, EM-1010 | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual |
| - | No needle / Needle error (needle shows 0 or ?) | The head is parked between two needle positions, so the machine cannot tell which needle is working. Often from shipping, a power dip during a color change, or bumping the color change knob. | Press ESC/OK. Watch the needle indicator and slowly turn the red color change knob on the right of the head until it shows a whole number (1-10, 1-15 or 1-20). Then press the 100-degree key. | EM-1010, Creator, TC, SWD, MT, Swift | Ricoma support "No needle TC/SWD/MT", "MT: No Needle Error"; MT-1502 quick start manual |
| 241 | Needle Error | CHT2 version of No needle: no needle is over the working position. | Bring the main axis to 100 and check all take-up levers on every head are level. Then use an open-end wrench on the color change gear under the panel and turn slowly until a needle number 1-15 appears. Press the 100-degree button to test. | CHT2, CHS | Ricoma support "CHT/CHS: No Needle / 241 Needle Error" |
| 256 | Hook Error | One head's hook did not return to rest, usually because a trim failed and the hook jammed in thread, or a Velcro (thread holder) bar is blocking it. | Remove the cover between the middle heads, find the cylindrical sensor with blue tips, and move the black arm back in front of the sensor until its amber/red light comes on. If the arm will not move, check every head for a hook caught in thread or hitting the Velcro bar. | CHT2, CHS | Ricoma support "CHT/CHS: Hook Not In Position / 256 Hook Error" |
| 257 | Cutter / Trim Blade Error | A trim blade did not retract, normally because one head has a birdnest or thread packed around the blade. | At the right rear under the machine, line the black arm up with the blue-tipped sensor until its light comes on. If it will not move, pull all needle plates and clear the thread blocking the blades. | CHT2, CHS | Ricoma support "CHT/CHS: Not Cutting or Trimming / 257 Error" |
| - | Hook not in position | The hook module is not resting where its sensor expects, usually after a trim that did not cut and pulled the hook. | Remove the left side body panel (six screws under caps). Push the black gear so its foot sits in the middle of the blue sensor's U-shaped slot. Press trim to test. Slightly tighten top tension on the needle that failed to trim. | EM-1010 and other single heads | Ricoma support "Hook Not in Position" and "EM-1010: Hook Not In Position" |
| - | Trim not in position / Trimming is not in position | The trim linkage did not return so its proximity switch is not made, or the switch is faulty. | Remove the needle plate, clear thread from the blade area and press trim to see if the blades move. If not, check the rod to the blades is connected (on MT/TC also the bar at the back of the arm). If they move, adjust the blade so only its tip shows. A dead switch needs replacing. | All single heads, MT | Ricoma support "Trim not in position"; RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual |
| - | Color change timeout / Over time for color changing | The color change motor could not finish moving to the next needle in time: a dropped take-up lever, a seized mechanism, or a cable fault. | Set the machine to exactly 100 degrees (1-2 full turns of the wheel), then check all take-up levers are level. Push a dropped lever back up; a lever sitting high needs the take-up lever adjustment. If it still grinds, check the color change cable and call service. | All | Ricoma support "Color Change Timeout" (MT, TC, SWD, Swift, EM-1010, Creator, Marquee); 7S operation manual |
| - | Emergency stop | The red emergency stop switch is pressed in (often from shipping). | Twist the button clockwise in the arrow direction until it pops out by itself. Do not pull it. On 7S panels it is top right; on 8S panels bottom left. | All | Ricoma support "Emergency Stop Error"; MT-1502 quick start manual |
| - | Thread break / T.Break | The upper thread sensor stopped the machine, or the bobbin ran out (both show as a thread break). | If the top thread is still attached to the fabric, change the bobbin. Otherwise rethread from the break, leave about 1 inch on the holding spring, back the design up 10-12 stitches and restart. | All | MT-1502 and CHT2 quick start manuals |
| - | No stitch | The stitch detection wheel is out of position or the detection board failed, so the machine sees no stitch forming. | Check the sensing wheel and its flag are seated and clean it with compressed air. If it persists the detection board needs replacing. | TC 7S, EM-1010 | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual; EM-1010 owner's manual |
| - | XY motor driver error | The X/Y driver tripped on over-voltage or over-current, or failed. | Power off, check the driver supply, power on. If it returns, the driver needs replacing by a technician. Check the hoop is not jammed first. | TC 7S, EM-1010 | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual |
| - | Tinsel needle error | The sequin (tinsel) needle setting does not match the color sequence. | Re-enter the color change sequence so the sequin needle is set correctly. | TC 7S, EM-1010 | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual |
| - | +X limit error | The frame reached the right-hand software limit. | Move the hoop back the other way with the frame keys, re-trace the design, and pick a bigger hoop or re-centre the design. | TC 7S, EM-1010, MT | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual |
| - | -X limit error | The frame reached the left-hand limit. | Move the hoop in the opposite direction, re-trace, re-centre or use a larger hoop. | TC 7S, EM-1010, MT | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual |
| - | +Y limit error | The frame reached the back limit. | Move the hoop in the opposite direction; for caps check the cap hoop Y size parameter. | TC 7S, EM-1010, MT | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual |
| - | -Y limit error | The frame reached the front limit. | Move the hoop in the opposite direction and re-trace before sewing. | TC 7S, EM-1010, MT | RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual |

## Common problems and fixes

### Main axis not at 100 keeps coming back
**Symptoms:** timing, birdnest, motor
**Likely causes:** degree wheel not exactly at 100, take-up lever out of line, needle hit the hoop, thread wrapped in the hook
1. Clear the message, confirm a needle number shows, and press the 100-degree key.
2. Power off and turn the degree wheel by hand 2-3 full turns, stopping exactly on the 100 mark in the sight window.
3. Check all take-up levers are at the same height and push any dropped lever back up.
4. If the wheel is stiff, remove the bobbin case and clear thread from the rotary hook before turning again.
**Call a technician if:** the wheel will not turn after the hook is clear, or the error returns on every start (encoder or hook timing).

### False thread breaks (machine stops but thread is fine)
**Symptoms:** sensor, thread
**Likely causes:** thread not wrapped on the sensor wheel, dusty encoder, sensor flag out of place, sensitivity setting
1. Note whether it happens on one needle or all. On one needle, rethread that needle's path and make sure the thread turns the sensor wheel while sewing.
2. On TC/SWD/MT, move to needle 14, remove the rear cover and check the sensor and wheel sit inside the black flag. Do not touch the wheel.
3. Blow dust out of the sensor with compressed air.
4. As a test only, set Thread Broken Sensitivity (EMB Param > EMB Param2) to 0 / No check and run. If it now sews, the sensor needs service.
**Call a technician if:** the sensor is damaged or the flag is bent. Do not leave the sensor turned off in production.

### Upper thread breaking or shredding
**Symptoms:** thread, needle, tension
**Likely causes:** needle backwards or bent, missed tension disc or guide, burr in needle plate hole, old thread, tension too tight
1. Replace the needle with a DBxK5, long groove facing front, pushed all the way up.
2. Rethread the whole path and make sure the thread sits behind the pin between the tension discs and through the take-up lever.
3. Check the needle plate hole is smooth; replace the plate if it has a groove.
4. Try fresh thread; if lots of thread spills off the spool at once, the spool is the problem.
5. Run Ricoma's tension test file on two layers of cutaway and balance top and bobbin tension.
**Call a technician if:** it shreds on every needle with a new needle and good thread (hook timing).

### Bird nesting under the plate
**Symptoms:** birdnest, tension, bobbin
**Likely causes:** top thread outside the tension discs, top tension too loose, bobbin case not clicked in, loose hooping
1. Find out whether it is one needle or all.
2. Rethread with the thread through the take-up lever, between the tension plates and behind the tension pin.
3. Tighten top tension on the affected needle first, then check bobbin tension.
4. Push the bobbin case in until it clicks.
5. Rehoop drum-tight with the right backing.
**Call a technician if:** nests continue on all needles after the above.

### Bobbin thread breaks or bobbin shows on top
**Symptoms:** bobbin, tension
**Likely causes:** bobbin tension too tight or uneven, damaged bobbin case spring, scratched sewing arm, Length after trim too low
1. Check bobbin tension and set it so the case drops slowly when held by the thread.
2. Replace a bobbin case with a bent spring or nicked edge.
3. In Emb Param, check the Length setting after Trim is not set too low.
4. Look for scratches on the sewing arm around the hook and polish or replace.
**Call a technician if:** the hook raceway is damaged.

### Needles breaking on flats
**Symptoms:** needle, timing, hoop
**Likely causes:** bent needle, needle in wrong, tension too high, presser foot too high, poor hooping, timing off, too fast
1. Use 75/11 or 80/12 DBxK5 needles, scarf to the back, fully seated.
2. Rebalance top and bobbin tension.
3. Lower the presser foot so it holds the fabric as the needle enters.
4. Hoop firmly with the right stabilizer.
5. Slow the machine down.
**Call a technician if:** needles keep hitting the hook (hook timing per the EM, TC/SWD or MT/CHT2 timing guide).

### Needles breaking on caps
**Symptoms:** needle, cap, speed
**Likely causes:** too fast, cap bouncing, wrong needle, design not made for caps, frame limit wrong
1. Drop speed to about 450-600 spm on structured caps.
2. Lower the cap driver closer to the sewing arm and lower the presser foot.
3. Use 80/12 titanium DBxK5 needles.
4. Sew a design that is digitized centre-out and bottom-up for caps.
5. Set the cap hoop Y size (85 mm on most models, 80 mm on CHT/CHS) so the machine stops before hitting the frame.
**Call a technician if:** the cap driver is bent or the needle hits metal on the frame.

### Not trimming / long tails
**Symptoms:** trimmer, thread
**Likely causes:** thread packed around blades, blade misadjusted, feed length or length-after-trim too long, picker or Velcro bar not catching
1. Remove the needle plate, clean around the blades and press trim to watch them move.
2. Adjust the blade so only its tip shows.
3. Reduce the Length After Trim parameter on the panel.
4. Check the Velcro bar, spring lever and picker (run the Pick Test).
**Call a technician if:** the blade linkage is disconnected or the trim switch is faulty.

### Color change grinding / can't move needles
**Symptoms:** colour-change, motor, noise
**Likely causes:** shaft not at 100, take-up lever popped down or up, seized color change parts
1. Turn the wheel to exactly 100 degrees.
2. Look along the take-up levers and reset any that are out of line.
3. Retry the color change.
**Call a technician if:** it still grinds with all levers level (take-up lever adjustment or color change motor).

### Needle stays down at 100 degrees
**Symptoms:** needle, sensor
**Likely causes:** shaft not exactly at 100, needle-release solenoid misadjusted or dead
1. Turn the wheel 1-2 full turns, stop precisely at 100 and press the 100-degree button.
2. On MT, move to needle 15 and watch the solenoid on the left of the head while pressing the 100-degree button.
3. If it moves, loosen its two screws with a 3 mm Allen key and slide it until the needle releases, then tighten.
**Call a technician if:** the solenoid does not move at all (replace it).

### Pantograph runs to one side and grinds
**Symptoms:** frame, sensor, noise
**Likely causes:** X sensor flag not passing through the sensor slot, dirty sensor
1. Power off and remove the pantograph cover.
2. Move the pantograph by hand and check the metal flag passes into the sensor's black slot.
3. Clean the sensor with compressed air or 70%+ isopropyl alcohol.
**Call a technician if:** the sensor is broken or loose.

### Design shifts / loses registration
**Symptoms:** registration, frame, hoop
**Likely causes:** loose hooping, wrong backing, too fast, garment catching, loose arms, belt or sensor problem
1. Rehoop with suitable backing and make sure nothing can snag the garment.
2. Slow down and check the hoop arms are straight and tight.
3. With power off the pantograph should move smoothly by hand; with power on it should hold.
4. Random shifts usually point to electrical faults; consistent shifts point to mechanical ones such as belt tension.
**Call a technician if:** shifts continue after the X/Y belt adjustment.

### Machine will not read the USB stick
**Symptoms:** usb, file
**Likely causes:** large or wrongly formatted stick, locked embroidery status, loose panel cable
1. Use a stick of 16 GB or smaller, reformatted as FAT32, with only design files on it.
2. Save designs as Ricoma/Tajima DST.
3. Unlock the embroidery status (lock icon) before loading a new design.
4. Check the wiring behind the panel back cover is seated.
**Call a technician if:** no stick is ever recognised (panel main board).

### Machine is noisy
**Symptoms:** noise, oiling
**Likely causes:** dry hook, dry reciprocator or rails
1. Oil the hook and needle bars per the schedule below.
2. Grease the T-bar/head rail and needle selector bearings.
3. If it is still noisy, let the oil settle for 24 hours before running again.
**Call a technician if:** noise continues after full lubrication.

## Maintenance schedule
| Interval | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start of every day | Oil the rotary hook and the port behind the needle plate | Remove the bobbin case. On TC/SWD put 3-5 drops at 11 o'clock and a few at 1 o'clock on the hook. |
| Every 3-4 hours of running | Re-oil the hook | Ricoma's general rule is daily plus every 4 hours of continuous use. |
| Daily (TC/SWD) | Oil all 15 needle-bar springs and the main shaft oil point | About 3 drops each; keep the felt pad under the needle bars wet. |
| Every other day (TC/SWD) | Oil the reciprocator holes and T-bars | 2-3 drops per hole; T-bars whenever they look dry. |
| Weekly | Remove the needle plate and clean lint from the blades; oil the blades, hook and needle bars | Lint around the knife causes trim failures. Clean the bobbin case slit with a card, not your breath. |
| Monthly (EM-1010) | Oil the T-bar and grease the head rail and needle-selector bearings at needle 1 and needle 10 | Use white lithium grease. |
| As needed (TC/SWD) | Grease the head rail at needles 1 and 15, the color change wheel and pegs | Grease should look white, not dark or dry. |
| Yearly | Remove covers and oil bearings, pulleys and moving parts | EM-1010 schedule; use a technician if unsure. |
| After oiling | Sew a test swatch | Stops excess oil staining garments. |

## Settings that cause stitch problems
- **Thread Broken Sensitivity** (EMB Param > EMB Param2): too sensitive gives false stops; 0 / No check turns detection off. Use 0 only as a test.
- **Length After Trim** and feed length: too long leaves tails on the front; too low causes bobbin and top thread to pull out after trims.
- **Cap hoop Y size:** Ricoma tells cap users to set it to 85 mm (80 mm on CHT/CHS). Too small and the design trips the limit; too large and the needle can hit the cap frame.
- **Stop Frame of Moving / beyond-hoop setting:** controls whether the frame stops at the hoop edge. Turned off, an oversize design can drive into the frame.
- **Speed:** structured caps and dense designs need lower speed (Ricoma suggests 450-600 spm on caps). Running flat-out causes needle breaks and registration loss.
- **Filter 0 Stitch Data:** decides whether zero-length stitches are skipped. Piles of zero-length stitches in a file stack thread in one hole, so leave filtering on unless a design needs them.
- **Embroidery status lock:** when locked, the panel will not load a new design, which looks like a USB fault.
- **Needle size:** the machines are timed for 75/11 and 80/12. Other sizes may need hook timing changes.

## Official manuals, FAQs and support
- [Ricoma Help Center](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us) - Ricoma's searchable article base for every machine line
- [MT: No Needle Error](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/39977226000403-MT-No-Needle-Error) - clearing a needle position error with the red knob
- [Main Axis not at 100 / No Needle Error Fix on the EM-1010](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408667626899-Main-Axis-not-at-100-No-Needle-Error-Fix-on-the-EM-1010) - degree wheel procedure for the EM-1010
- [CHT/CHS: No Needle / 241 Needle Error](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/40005843864211-CHT-CHS-No-Needle-241-Needle-Error) - fixing error 241
- [CHT/CHS: Hook Not In Position / 256 Hook Error](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/39975899312147-CHT-CHS-Hook-Not-In-Position-256-Hook-Error) - fixing error 256
- [CHT/CHS: Not Cutting or Trimming / 257 Error](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/39973010037651-CHT-CHS-Not-Cutting-or-Trimming-257-Error) - fixing error 257
- [Why Do I Keep Getting a "Hook Not in Position" Message?](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408619526163-Why-Do-I-Keep-Getting-a-Hook-Not-in-Position-Message) - hook sensor alignment
- [Trim not in position error](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/9608824344595-Why-is-my-machine-not-cutting-my-designs-Trim-not-in-position-error) - blade checks
- [How To Fix A "Color Change Time Out" Error - MT series](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/9544460220435-How-To-Fix-A-Color-Change-Time-Out-Error-MT-series) - take-up lever check
- [Emergency Stop Error](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/4434565929363-How-Do-I-Clear-An-Emergency-Stop-Error-on-My-Machine) - releasing the e-stop
- [False Thread Break (TC/SWD/MT)](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/37451227118867-What-Do-I-Do-When-My-TC-SWD-MT-Machine-Has-a-False-Thread-Break) - sensor and sensitivity checks
- [EM-1010 Maintenance](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/37685875965075-EM-1010-Maintenance) and [TC Machine Routine Maintenance](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/37685955336723-TC-Machine-Routine-Maintenance-Procedure) - oiling and greasing schedules
- [Why Is My Machine Not Reading the Designs From My USB Drive?](https://support.ricoma.com/hc/en-us/articles/218264447-Why-Is-My-Machine-Not-Reading-the-Designs-From-My-USB-Drive) - USB size and format
- [RCM-1501TC-7S operation manual, system errors list (ManualsLib copy)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2202374/Ricoma-Rcm-1501tc-7s.html?page=47) - 7S panel error and countermeasure table
- [MT-1502 quick start manual, common errors (ManualsLib copy)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3019576/Ricoma-Mt-1502.html?page=79) - e-stop, needle, main axis and thread break procedures

## Frequently asked questions
### What does "Main axis not at 100" mean on a Ricoma?
The main shaft must rest at 100 degrees to start and stop a stitch, and the machine has found it somewhere else. Press the 100-degree key first; if that fails, turn the degree wheel by hand to 100 with the power off. A recurring error usually means thread is wrapped in the hook or a take-up lever has dropped.

### How do I fix a Ricoma "No needle" error?
The head is sitting between two needles. Clear the message, then slowly turn the red color change knob on the right of the head until the panel shows a needle number instead of 0. On CHT2 multi-heads use a wrench on the color change gear under the panel.

### What are Ricoma errors 241, 256 and 257?
They are CHT2/CHS multi-head codes. 241 is a needle position error, 256 means a hook did not return, and 257 means a trim blade did not retract. For 256 and 257, realign the black arm on the blue-tipped sensor under the machine and clear any thread from the heads.

### Why does my Ricoma stop for a thread break when the thread is not broken?
That is a false thread break. Check the thread wraps the sensor wheel, clean the sensor with compressed air, and confirm the wheel sits in its flag. Turning Thread Broken Sensitivity to 0 is a test, not a fix.

### What file format does a Ricoma embroidery machine use?
Ricoma tells customers to save from Chroma as "Ricoma/Tajima (DST)". Keep an editable copy in Chroma's own format, because DST cannot be re-edited cleanly.

### How often should I oil a Ricoma embroidery machine?
Oil the rotary hook at the start of every day and again every 3-4 hours of running. Needle bars and reciprocator points are daily or every other day depending on model, and rails get white lithium grease when they look dry.

### Why does my Ricoma not read my USB stick?
Large or exFAT/NTFS sticks often fail. Use 16 GB or less formatted FAT32, and unlock the embroidery status icon before loading a new design.

## Diagrams

- [Five-minute diagnosis](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/diagnose-flow.svg): Where to start when the machine stops or sews badly.
- [Upper thread path](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/thread-path.svg): Every guide from the cone to the needle eye — the fix for most breaks and nests.
- [Why birdnests happen](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/birdnest.svg): What a nest is, the usual causes in order, and how to clear one safely.
- [The I-test for tension](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/tension-test.svg): Read the back of a satin column to balance top and bobbin tension.
- [Bobbin drop test](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/bobbin-drop-test.svg): Set bobbin tension before you touch the top tension.
- [Needle orientation](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/needle-orientation.svg): Long groove to the front, scarf to the hook, pushed fully up.
- [Hook timing](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/hook-timing.svg): What correct hook-to-needle timing and clearance look like.
- [Presser foot height](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/presser-foot-height.svg): Too high causes flagging and loops; too low drags and breaks thread.
- [Hooping layers](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/hooping.svg): Firm, flat and square — the root of most puckering and registration faults.
- [Caps: frame and sequence](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/cap-frame.svg): Cap frame set-up, centre-out sewing and safe sew height.
- [Cleaning and oiling points](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/maintenance-points.svg): Daily and weekly care points on a multi-needle head.

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Part of the EasyDigitizer embroidery machine troubleshooter: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/ · Agent playbook: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/agent.md · Not affiliated with any machine maker; the machine's own manual takes priority. Design-related sew-out problems (density, underlay, pull compensation): https://easydigitizer.com/help