Repair is a term that encompasses many different things. If a machine is not working properly, and you make it work properly; that is a repair. In the vast majority of cases especially when a machine has been properly maintained, most repairs are completed without replacing any parts.

The biggest job in fixing embroidery machines is cleaning and adjusting it. Only occasionally, do you have to replace parts. Regardless, when a machine is fixed, I say it is repaired.

Embroidery machines like other sewing machines is vulnerable to debris, lint, dust, grease, grime, gunk, dried out lubricants, encrusted lubricants, and gummy stuff. It is essential that these be removed. A common temptation for technicians is to just make a quick adjustment or even replace a part and leave the insides of the machine full of crap. This is a no no. Always do a thorough cleaning and proper lubrication job. This will make the machine last much longer, work better, and cause far less frustration.

During the initial set up of the repair; the inspection and sewing test revealed subtle even obvious clues about the performance of the machine. Follow these clues to uncover the underlying problems. When the covers are removed, zero in on the causes. Look for wear. Notice breakage. Identify burn spots.

You will discover that usually no parts have to actually be replaced. When they do, however, just fix what is broke. Belts, gears, and circuit boards are the most common items. This last one is a bit less mechanical, but can usually be done quite easily.

Unplug the power cord first. Then the electronics usually wont bite. Circuit boards and electronics can fail, but with just a bit of caution, you can usually fix them.

During your diagnosis of the electrical problems in your machine, be very thorough. Examine every connection. Vibration, a pinch, a twist, a burn, or other issue may have caused connections to fail.

Every connection most be solid. Loose connections can hide deceptively, so be thorough. If you find a loose connection, make it solid. Push the connectors together until they are just right. Heat a solder connection and make it work. Use electrical tape to protect wires.

Shield yourself from static electricity. A static free mat is an essential if you are working on electronics. Bernina requires the technician to use a wrist band connected to the static free mat. Failure to use this combination may void the warranty on a Bernina machine.

When you are working on delicate electronic parts, special tools are often needed. Non-metallic probes, screw drivers, and other tools can be a big help. Your electronics supply house should have an ample supply of specialty tools, mats, and devices to make your work with electronics easier.

Your machine may have circuitry that is spread out or built into neat components or modules. The newer machines make it easy to remove and replace such electronic components.

Diagnosis is an art, but a variety of resources can be helpful. An official service manual, an authorized technician specializing in you brand, or the manufacturers technical support line may offer invaluable help.

When you are confident you have found the problem, get a new component. You may have to wait for the new component a few days, so do not remove the old one until the new one arrives. Then remove and replace the component almost in a single motion. This will make it easier to keep track of all those connective wires.