---
title: "SWF Embroidery Machine Troubleshooting: Error Codes, Thread Breaks and Fixes"
description: "SWF embroidery error codes 100-954 explained - 102 overload, 103 trim return, 200-203 frame limits, 650 USB, 900 CAN errors - plus fixes and oiling."
url: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/swf
updated: 2026-10-14
brand: SWF
class: commercial
origin: South Korea (SunStar)
formats: DST (Tajima T-code), SST (SWF native); panels also report ZSK and Barudan data errors
data: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/data.json
agent_playbook: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/agent.md
publisher: EasyDigitizer (https://easydigitizer.com/)
---

# SWF embroidery machine troubleshooting

SWF embroidery error codes 100-954 explained - 102 overload, 103 trim return, 200-203 frame limits, 650 USB, 900 CAN errors - plus fixes and oiling.

> **Short answer:** On SWF machines most stops come back to three things: the main shaft not parked at 100 degrees, thread wrapped in the hook (which throws **102 overload**), and trimmer knives that did not return (**103**). Park the shaft on the red 100 mark, clear the hook and knives, and power-cycle. Frame limit codes **200-203** just mean the design ran past the set limit, and **650** means the USB stick is not FAT16-friendly.

## Model families

### E-T single-head (E-T1501C, E-T1201C, compact and full size)
- **Type:** Commercial single-head, 12 or 15 needles
- **Years:** E-series era to present
- **Field:** see the E-T manual for your frame set
- **Max speed:** 1,200 rpm default maximum (compact, bridge and regular single-head E-series)
- **Panel:** OP box with screen and USB
- **Formats:** DST, SST
- **Manual:** [E-T Compact single-head user manual (PDF, via Stitch It)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1236/6284/files/E_Compact_User_Manual.pdf?v=1590179588)
- **Tags:** single-head, 15-needle, 12-needle, cap, tubular
The most common SWF in small shops. Error codes follow the standard SWF table (100s main shaft, 200s frame, 600s media, 700s memory, 900s communication). Typical failures are birdnests causing 102, trim knives not returning (103) and USB sticks not recognised (650).

### E-T full-size single-head
- **Type:** Commercial single-head, 15 needles
- **Years:** E-series era to present
- **Field:** see the full-size manual
- **Max speed:** 1,200 rpm default maximum
- **Panel:** OP box with screen
- **Formats:** DST, SST
- **Manual:** [E-T full-size user manual (PDF, via Stitch It)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1236/6284/files/E_Series_Full_Size_User_Manual.pdf?v=1590179548)
- **Tags:** single-head, 15-needle, cap
Same control logic as the compact with a larger field. The manual's troubleshooting chapter is symptom-based (bad color change, thread breaks, skipped stitches, trimming failure) and is the best guide for mechanical faults.

### E-U bridge single-head
- **Type:** Bridge-type single-head
- **Years:** E-series era
- **Field:** see the bridge manual
- **Max speed:** 1,200 rpm default maximum
- **Panel:** OP box
- **Formats:** DST, SST
- **Manual:** [Single-head E-series operating manual, covers bridge (PDF, via Stitch It)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1236/6284/files/Single_Series_MEE.pdf?v=1590179650)
- **Tags:** single-head, bridge, large-field
Has an upper thread holder solenoid above the needle bar; a dead holder solenoid or blown F3 fuse causes thread pull-outs after trims.

### E Dual Function
- **Type:** Multi-head with two head types (e.g. embroidery plus cording/sequin)
- **Years:** E-series era
- **Field:** see the dual function manual
- **Max speed:** per machine parameter
- **Panel:** OP box with 10-entry error log
- **Formats:** DST, SST
- **Manual:** [E Dual Function operation manual (PDF, via Stitch It)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1236/6284/files/Dual_Series_Opertion_Manual.pdf?v=1590180507)
- **Tags:** multi-head, cording, sequin
Uses the same error numbering as the single-heads, including valve (107) and air pressure (108) errors for the pneumatic devices.

### E-series multi-head (2, 4, 6, 8 heads; compact 6-head)
- **Type:** Commercial multi-head
- **Years:** E-series era
- **Field:** see the E-series multi-head manual
- **Max speed:** per machine parameter
- **Panel:** OP box
- **Formats:** DST, SST
- **Manual:** [E-series 2/4/6/8/6C multi-head user manual (PDF, via Stitch It)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1236/6284/files/E_Series_Multi_Head_Manual.pdf?v=1590180091)
- **Tags:** multi-head, 15-needle, cap
All heads share one trim linkage and one trim sensor, so a birdnest on one head gives error 103 for the whole machine. The trim plunger collecting grease is a classic multi-head fault.

### MAS-12 and MAS-15
- **Type:** Compact single-head, 12 (MAS-12) or 15 (MAS-15) needles
- **Years:** recent
- **Field:** MAS-12: 360 x 230 mm tubular; wide cap frame 360 x 75 mm; semi-wide cap 180 x 83 mm
- **Max speed:** MAS-12: 1,000 rpm
- **Panel:** OP box with USB memory stick input
- **Formats:** DST, SST
- **Manual:** [MAS-12 user manual, error display (ManualsLib copy)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2326804/Swf-Mas-12.html?page=70)
- **Tags:** single-head, 12-needle, 15-needle, cap, compact
Brushless main motor and stepper frame motors. Uses the same code table as larger SWFs; in this manual 109 is listed as an AC line (power) error.

### SB series and K / KS / KX multi-heads
- **Type:** Commercial multi-head (also covers DM, K-series and multi-head E on the same manual)
- **Years:** various
- **Field:** see the SB series manual
- **Max speed:** per machine parameter
- **Panel:** OP box with USB and network
- **Formats:** DST, SST
- **Manual:** [SB series user manual, error messages (ManualsLib copy)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1573541/Swf-Sb-Series.html?page=156)
- **Tags:** multi-head, network, sequin
Largest published SWF code table (main shaft, frame, color change, encoder, media, network, USB, memory, sequin and CAN communication codes).

### MA-6 and other compact/older lines (MAN-12, A, B, C, HC, UI)
- **Type:** Compact single-heads and older series
- **Years:** various
- **Field:** see model manual
- **Max speed:** MA-6: 1,000 rpm default maximum
- **Panel:** varies by generation
- **Formats:** DST, SST
- **Manual:** [Stitch It SWF support library](https://stitch-it-support-site.web.app/)
- **Tags:** single-head, 6-needle, older
The MA-6 shares the E-series parameter set with lower speed limits (jump speed default 650 rpm). Older series have their own manuals in the Stitch It library.

## Error codes
| Code | Message | Meaning | Fix | Models | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Main shaft motor stop position error | The machine stopped with the main shaft somewhere other than 100 degrees. | Turn the shaft with the lever or wheel until the red 100 mark lines up, then power-cycle. | All E-series, MAS, SB | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual; E-T compact manual |
| 101 | Main shaft motor driver error | The main motor driver reported a fault. Dealer experience: usually thread jammed in the hook. | Clear any thread from the hook, then switch the main power off and on. Repeated 101 needs a technician to check the driver. | All | SB series manual; Stitch It "Errors 102 & 103" |
| 102 | Main shaft motor overload | The main shaft could not turn freely: thread wrapped in the hook, a bad needle bar drive, or thread tangled during a trim. | Cut away the nest under the needle plate, pull and clean the bobbin case, reset bobbin tension, check the hook on every head, then power-cycle. Reset top pre-tension and main tension before sewing. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual; Stitch It "Errors 102 & 103" |
| 103 | No trimming system recovery / Trimming return | The trim sensor did not see the knives return after a trim. Usually thread under the fixed knife or grease on the trim plunger. | Pull the needle plates, swing the moving knife out and clear thread under the fixed knife. Check the under-thread presser is not bent up. Wipe grease off the trim plunger and cam groove, oil the plunger, then run the trim solenoid test until you hear two clicks. | All, especially multi-heads | Stitch It "Errors 102 & 103"; SB series manual |
| 104 | Start switch error | The start button was held or stuck when the machine powered on. | Release the button and check it is not shorted at its connector. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 105 | Stop switch error | The stop button was held or stuck at power-on. | Release it and check its connector. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 107 | Valve error | A pneumatic valve is open. | Check the valve and air device (sequin/boring). | Machines with air devices | SB series manual |
| 108 | Air pressure error | Supply air pressure is below the required level for the sequin device. | Check the compressor, regulator and hoses. | Sequin-equipped | SB series manual |
| 109 | Pulley ratio error (AC line error on MAS-12) | The set pulley ratio does not match the machine; on MAS-12 the same number is a power supply or power measuring circuit fault. | Have a technician check the pulley ratio setting, or on MAS-12 the incoming power and circuit. | SB, E-T compact; MAS-12 | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 110 | AC line error | A fault on the joint board. | Technician to replace the joint board. | SB, E-T compact | SB series manual |
| 200 | (+X) frame limit | The frame hit the +X limit. | Jog the frame in the -X direction and re-centre the design. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 201 | (-X) frame limit | The frame hit the -X limit. | Jog the frame in the +X direction. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 202 | (+Y) frame limit | The frame hit the +Y limit. | Jog the frame in the -Y direction. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 203 | (-Y) frame limit | The frame hit the -Y limit. | Jog the frame in the +Y direction. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 204 | X-axis driver error | The X drive reported a fault. | Power-cycle. If it returns, a technician should test the X driver board and motor. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 205 | Y-axis driver error | The Y drive reported a fault. | Power-cycle; repeat errors need the Y driver and motor checked. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 206 | Wiper return error | The wiper did not return. | Free or repair the wiper mechanism. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 207 | Trimmer return error | The trimmer motor or solenoid did not return. | Clear thread from the knives and repair the trimmer mechanism. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 300 | Needle bar stop position error | After a color change the needle bar did not land in position. | Turn the needle bar by hand, feel for a tight spot, and set it on a needle position. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 400 | Main shaft encoder A error | Signal problem on encoder channel A. | Check the encoder cable and power-cycle. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 401 | Main shaft encoder Z error | Signal problem on encoder channel Z (the once-per-turn signal). | Check the encoder cable and power-cycle. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 501 | Repeat work setting error | The X count times Y count in repeat work is over 99. | Lower the repeat counts so their product is under 99. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 600 | No diskette | No floppy disk in the drive. | Insert a disk. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 601 | No sectors on the diskette | The disk is unformatted or in another format. | Format or swap the disk. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 602 | No design data in the diskette | No embroidery design on the disk. | Use a disk with designs saved in a machine format. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 603 | Remove the write protect tab | The disk is write-protected during a copy. | Slide the write-protect tab off. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 604 | Diskette damaged | The disk is damaged. | Format or replace it. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 605 | Insufficient memory capacity (disk) | Not enough free space on the disk for the copy. | Use a new disk. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 606 | Diskette removed from FDD | The disk was pulled out mid-operation. | Reinsert it and restart the job. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 607 | Bad sector during reading | Bad sector on read. | Format or replace the disk. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 608 | Bad sector during writing | Bad sector on write. | Format or replace the disk. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 609 | Diskette error, unknown cause | Unexplained disk error. | Format or replace the disk. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 610 | Diskette error | General disk error. | Format or replace the disk. | Floppy-drive machines | SB series manual |
| 611 | ZSK design error | Problem reading a ZSK-format design. | Re-save the design in DST or SWF format and reload. | All | SB series manual; Dual Function manual |
| 612 | BARUDAN design error | Problem reading a Barudan-format design. | Re-save in DST or SWF format and reload. | All | SB series manual; Dual Function manual |
| 613 | Bad sector error | Media sector error. | Replace or reformat the media. | All | SB series manual |
| 614 | Operating program install error | The program file to install is missing or misnamed. | Check the program file name matches what the machine expects (the Dual Function manual names it swf_tb.bin). | All | SB series manual; Dual Function manual |
| 630 | Error found in the read data | Data read through the tape reader is corrupt. | Re-read the tape. | Tape-reader machines | SB series manual |
| 640 | Network device error | Network devices are not connected. | Check the network cable and device status. | Networked machines | SB series manual |
| 650 | USB error | The USB driver is not ready or the stick's file system is not supported. | Reformat the stick as FAT16 (FAT), plug it straight into the OP box (no hub or extension), and try a major-brand stick. | All USB machines | SB series manual; E-T compact manual |
| 700 | No embroidery data in memory | The memory has no design. | Load a design from USB or disk. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 701 | Insufficient memory capacity | Not enough memory to copy the design in. | Delete unneeded designs. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 702 | 100 memory rooms are full | All design slots are used. | Delete unneeded designs. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 703 | Error in design memory system | A copy or delete between memories failed. | Press Reset or power-cycle. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 704 | Bad memory battery | The backup battery ran flat while powered off, so stitch count and frame position were not kept. | Have the dealer replace the battery; if it keeps happening the CPU board may need replacing. | All | SB series manual; Dual Function manual |
| 801 | Sequin design error | The sequin design has an error. | Fix the design's sequin commands. | Sequin-equipped | SB series manual |
| 900 | Communication error 0 | CAN bus messages between boards are not arriving regularly. | Check the cables and power-cycle. | MAS-12, Dual Function | MAS-12 manual; Dual Function manual |
| 901 | MC1 communications error / Comm. error 1 | CAN communication fault. | Check cables and power-cycle. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 902 | MC2 communications error / Comm. error 2 | CAN communication fault. | Check cables and power-cycle. | All | SB series manual; MAS-12 manual |
| 903-915 | Comm. error 3 to 15 | CAN communication faults on other board addresses. | Power-cycle; if a number repeats, have a technician trace that board's cable. | MAS-12, Dual Function | MAS-12 manual; Dual Function manual |
| 952 | Unsupported disk format or I/O error | The USB file system is not supported (lettering). | Reformat the stick as FAT16. | E-T single-heads | E-T compact manual |
| 953 | Key disk should be initialized | The USB lock key for lettering is not inserted. | Insert the correct USB lock key. | E-T single-heads | E-T compact manual |
| 954 | Wrong key value | The USB lock key does not match this model. | Use the lock key issued for this machine. | E-T single-heads | E-T compact manual |

## Common problems and fixes

### Error 102 overload after a birdnest
**Symptoms:** birdnest, motor, bobbin
**Likely causes:** thread wrapped in the hook, bobbin seated wrong, dirty bobbin case, wrong bobbin tension
1. Power off and cut the nest out from under the needle plate.
2. Remove the bobbin case, take out the bobbin and clean lint from the case.
3. Reinsert the bobbin correctly and reset bobbin tension.
4. Reset top pre-tension, then main tension.
5. Turn the shaft back to the red 100 mark and power on.
**Call a technician if:** 102 returns with a clean hook (needle bar drive or driver fault), or the driveline was knocked off its factory marks.

### Error 103 / thread not trimming
**Symptoms:** trimmer, birdnest, sensor
**Likely causes:** thread under the fixed knife, bent under-thread presser, grease on the trim plunger, worn fixed knife, failed trim solenoid, blown fuse
1. Remove the needle plates and swing the moving knife out. Clear thread and lint from under the fixed (SWF-engraved) knife.
2. Check the thin under-thread presser is not bent up.
3. On multi-heads, move the knife shaft under the table fully left then back right and confirm the trim sensor flag lines up and its LED lights.
4. Wipe grease off the plunger and the cam groove, oil the plunger and its lever.
5. Run Machine Test > Trim Sol. Test and listen for two clicks each time (fire, then drop back).
6. Turn heads off and run a few manual trims while watching the knives.
**Call a technician if:** the solenoid does not fire, the fixed knife is nicked, or fuses F1/F3 on the joint board keep blowing.

### Upper thread breaking
**Symptoms:** thread, needle, tension
**Likely causes:** wrong or damaged needle, needle in wrong, dense stitching, poor or right-twist thread, tension too high, burr in the thread path, dry hook, timing
1. Change the needle and install it correctly; use a size that suits the thread.
2. Use quality left-twist (Z) embroidery thread; right-twist thread unravels on SWF hooks.
3. Lower top tension and balance it against the bobbin.
4. Check for burrs at the presser foot, needle plate hole, head guides and tension discs.
5. Oil the hook raceway.
6. If it breaks in the same spot every time, fix the stitch density in the design.
**Call a technician if:** breaks continue after the above (hook timing, lower dead point, hook clearance 0.5-0.7 mm).

### Skipped stitches
**Symptoms:** needle, timing, tension
**Likely causes:** bent or wrong needle, timing off, damaged hook point, weak presser foot spring, fabric flagging
1. Replace the needle and check it is in straight.
2. Check top thread feeds freely and take-up spring stroke is not excessive.
3. Make sure the presser foot holds the fabric down.
**Call a technician if:** the hook point is damaged or needle-hook timing is off.

### Loose or uneven stitch tension
**Symptoms:** tension, looping, bobbin
**Likely causes:** dirt in the tension discs, weak bobbin tension, dirty bobbin case spring, poor thread, dry hook
1. Clean the main and sub tension discs on the tension plate.
2. Clean the bobbin case and spring and reset bobbin tension.
3. Oil the hook raceway.
4. Change to better thread.
**Call a technician if:** tension still varies with clean parts (timing).

### Needle breaks
**Symptoms:** needle, timing
**Likely causes:** bent or poor needle, needle too small, needle touching hook point or needle plate hole
1. Replace with a quality DBxK5 needle sized for the fabric.
2. Check the needle plate is screwed down tight.
3. Make sure the needle is fully seated and facing correctly.
**Call a technician if:** the needle strikes the hook or the needle bar position needs adjusting.

### Puckering
**Symptoms:** puckering, tension, hoop
**Likely causes:** tension too high, presser foot pressing too hard, needle too large for the thread
1. Lower top tension.
2. Fit a lighter presser foot spring if fitted with a heavy one.
3. Match needle to thread (SWF needle holes suit about #9-#14 DBxK5).
4. Hoop firmly with the right backing.
**Call a technician if:** puckering stays with balanced tension and a fresh needle.

### Bad color change / error 300
**Symptoms:** colour-change, motor
**Likely causes:** shaft not at 100, take-up lever out of line, needle position signal not sensed, blown color change fuse
1. Set the main shaft back to 100 degrees.
2. Run a manual color change and check the panel shows a normal needle position.
3. Look along the take-up levers; a lever out of line needs adjusting to match the others.
4. Turn the needle bar by hand and feel for binding.
**Call a technician if:** fuse F3 on the joint board blows or the color change motor does not move.

### Thread pulls out after trims / long tails
**Symptoms:** trimmer, thread
**Likely causes:** trimmed thread length setting, upper thread holder dirty or solenoid failed, picker position, too-short bobbin tail
1. Set the trimmed thread length to Medium (default) or Long if threads pull out; Short if tails show.
2. Clean the Velcro strip in the upper thread holder.
3. Check bobbin thread unwinds smoothly and the bobbin case spring is not too tight.
**Call a technician if:** the holder solenoid or picker does not fire (check fuse F3).

### Upper thread break not detected
**Symptoms:** sensor, thread
**Likely causes:** dirty detector roller, poor tension plate connection, sensor setting at 0
1. Clean the thread detector roller and its bushing.
2. Run the Thread Sensing Test and watch each head's lamp.
3. Check the thread break sensor setting is not 0.
**Call a technician if:** the tension plate circuit board fails the test.

### Frame limit errors 200-203
**Symptoms:** frame, hoop
**Likely causes:** design start point too close to the edge, design larger than the set limit, wrong frame type selected
1. Jog the frame back inside the limit.
2. Use the design trace; any red section of the outline means it will hit a limit.
3. Move the start point or choose a bigger frame.
4. Check the frame setting is Cap when sewing caps (it auto-rotates designs 180 degrees).
**Call a technician if:** the limits trip in the middle of the field (frame origin lost).

### USB stick not recognised (650 / 952)
**Symptoms:** usb, file
**Likely causes:** wrong file system, extension cable or hub, worn port, off-brand stick
1. Format the stick FAT16 and copy only designs to it.
2. Plug directly into the OP box port and check its LED lights.
3. Try a major-brand stick.
4. Save designs as DST or SWF format.
**Call a technician if:** no stick is ever recognised (port or board).

### Machine will not run at all
**Symptoms:** power, motor
**Likely causes:** emergency stop pressed, blown fuse, loose main belt, shaft not at 100, frame outside limit, loose connector
1. Check the emergency stop is released.
2. Set the shaft to 100 degrees.
3. Check the power fuses (control box front) and the main motor fuse.
4. Check the main drive belt is tight and reseat connectors.
**Call a technician if:** fuses blow again on power-up.

## Maintenance schedule
| Interval | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every 3-4 hours of running | Put a small amount of oil on the hook raceway | Remove the bobbin case first. Too much oil in the hook causes trim faults and thread breaks. |
| Daily | Blow lint out around the hook with compressed air | Power off first. |
| Daily (E-T full size) | Fill the oil funnel | MAS-12 tank: fill when below the red line, about every 2 weeks. |
| Every 3 days | Oil the needle plate lubrication holes / bed cover holes | Three holes on the E-T bed cover. |
| Weekly | Oil the take-up lever guide rail | |
| Every 2-3 weeks | Oil the joint between moving and fixed trim knives | |
| Periodically | Grease the take-up lever cam and drive parts; check drive belt tension | Belt tension checked with a sound-wave tension gauge on E-T. |
| After oiling | Run 2-3 minutes without stitching | Stops oil staining thread and fabric. |
| Oil type | SWF spindle oil or ISO VG18 | SWF does not cover damage from poor oiling. |

## Settings that cause stitch problems
- **Thread break sensor (stitches):** default 3 stitches. Setting it to 0 turns detection off, so a broken thread can sew empty for a whole color.
- **Thread break method (sensitivity):** Low, Medium or High. Too high gives false stops on slick or thin threads.
- **Trimmed thread length:** default Medium. Short causes thread to pull out of the needle after trims; Long leaves tails on the front.
- **Trimming by jump frequency / jump length:** controls when a run of jump codes in a DST becomes a trim. Set wrong, the machine either trims constantly or drags long jumps across the work.
- **Start/end filter:** default 0.0 mm. Raising it (up to 0.5 mm) filters tiny first and last stitches that cause thread breaks at start points.
- **Inching speed and inching stitches:** the slow start after a trim (default 180 rpm, 2 stitches). Too fast and the thread pulls out before it locks.
- **Max speed / embroidery speed:** single-heads default to 800 rpm working speed with a 1,200 rpm ceiling (MA-6: 1,000). Caps and dense designs need lower speed. "Speed switching data" drops speed 30-50 rpm for heavy items.
- **Frame setting:** must be Cap for caps; it rotates designs 180 degrees. Leaving it on Flat makes cap designs sew upside down and hit limits.
- **Frame start angle (A/B area):** default 240 degrees; changing it alters when the frame moves relative to the needle and can cause registration or needle-deflection problems.
- **Power-on auto origin:** if enabled with a wrong origin, the machine can reset settings; set the frame origin correctly first.

## Official manuals, FAQs and support
- [Stitch It International SWF support library](https://stitch-it-support-site.web.app/) - SWF's US distributor (swfemb.com redirects to Stitch It); manuals and parts books by series
- [E-T Compact single-head user manual (PDF)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1236/6284/files/E_Compact_User_Manual.pdf?v=1590179588) - parameters, error table, USB FAQ
- [E-T full-size single-head user manual (PDF)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1236/6284/files/E_Series_Full_Size_User_Manual.pdf?v=1590179548) - oiling chart and symptom-based troubleshooting
- [E Dual Function operation manual (PDF)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1236/6284/files/Dual_Series_Opertion_Manual.pdf?v=1590180507) - error tables including 900-915
- [SWF Errors #102 & #103 (Stitch It dealer PDF)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/helpscout.net/docs/assets/586fdcdb90336009736c3504/attachments/587189c790336009736c3cbd/211201974-Error-102-103.pdf) - birdnest, trim plunger and trim test procedure
- [SWF SB series user manual, error messages (ManualsLib copy)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1573541/Swf-Sb-Series.html?page=156) - full numbered code table
- [SWF MAS-12 user manual, error display (ManualsLib copy)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2326804/Swf-Mas-12.html?page=70) - MAS-12 codes, specs and oiling chart

## Frequently asked questions
### What does SWF error 102 mean?
It is a main shaft overload: the shaft could not turn freely. The SWF distributor says the usual cause is thread wrapped in the hook from a birdnest. Cut the nest out, clean and reseat the bobbin case, reset tensions, set the shaft to 100 and power-cycle.

### How do I fix SWF error 103?
The trim knives did not return to their home position, so the trim sensor never reset. Pull the needle plates, clear thread from under the fixed knife, then clean grease off the trim plunger and oil it. Use the trim solenoid test to confirm it fires and drops back.

### What do SWF errors 200, 201, 202 and 203 mean?
They are frame limit stops in +X, -X, +Y and -Y. Jog the frame back the opposite way, then trace the design and move it or use a larger frame before restarting.

### What are SWF errors 204 and 205?
X-axis and Y-axis driver faults. Power-cycle first; if they come back, a technician needs to test the driver boards and frame motors.

### Why won't my SWF read my USB stick?
SWF panels expect a FAT16 file system and a direct connection to the OP box. Reformat a small major-brand stick, avoid hubs and extension cables, and save designs as DST or SWF format.

### What file format does an SWF embroidery machine use?
SWF machines read Tajima DST and save in either SWF format (.SST) or Tajima format (.DST). They also recognise ZSK and Barudan data and show error 611 or 612 if those files are bad.

### How often should I oil an SWF embroidery machine?
Oil the hook raceway every 3-4 hours of running, the needle plate holes every three days, the take-up lever rail weekly and the trim knives every two to three weeks. Use SWF spindle oil or ISO VG18 and run the machine empty for a few minutes afterwards.

## 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