- Appliances
- Sewing machines
1103
BERNINA sewing machine #1103: needle threader out of position
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
On BERNINA sewing machines such as the 735 PRO, error message #1103 indicates that the automatic needle threader mechanism is not in the correct position and needs to be confirmed on screen and gently repositioned before rethreading the needle.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Switch off the machine before working in the needle area. BERNINA safety instructions require setting the power switch to 0 before threading or changing the needle, changing the presser foot, or working near moving parts in the needle area.
- Never use compressed air spray or sharp tools to clean the machine. The manual warns to use only a brush or a soft cloth to remove lint and thread remnants, as compressed air sprays and sharp instruments can damage mechanical and electronic components.
Safe checks you can perform
- Confirm message #1103 and press the Automatic Needle Threader button
- Reposition the needle threader gently and rethread the needle
- Clean the needle threader and thread clamp and check needle installation
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Inspection and replacement of a defective threader head by a BERNINA dealer
- Do not attempt this professional task: Alignment of the needle holder, thread clamp, and threader mechanism travel
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Inspection and replacement of a defective threader head by a BERNINA dealer
What they doInspect the automatic needle threader mechanism and replace the threader head if it is bent or defective and continues to trigger #1103.
They must show youpressing the Automatic Needle Threader button smoothly threads the needle eye and returns the mechanism without error #1103.
In writingthe threader mechanism adjustment or replacement of the threader head using original BERNINA spare parts.
Alignment of the needle holder, thread clamp, and threader mechanism travel
What they doVerify the alignment between the needle holder, thread clamp, and automatic threader shaft in accordance with BERNINA servicing rules for double-insulated machines.
They must show yourepeated automatic needle threading cycles completing cleanly without binding or error messages.
In writingthe mechanical alignment results for the needle threader assembly and thread clamp.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Confirm message #1103 and press the Automatic Needle Threader button
- Who:
- You
- How:
- Confirm message #1103 on the BERNINA touchscreen, press the Automatic Needle Threader button, and check the position of the threader mechanism.
- Result that matters:
- Determine whether the threader mechanism returns to its resting position automatically or stays stopped at the front or below.
- If the threader mechanism returns into place when pressing the Automatic Needle Threader button, rethread the needle normally.
- If the needle threader remains out of position, gently reposition it by hand following the manual instructions for its location.
- Evidence to keep:
- Photo of the #1103 screen message and the position where the needle threader stopped.
Evidence: BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
Reposition the needle threader gently and rethread the needle
- Who:
- You
- How:
- If the needle threader is at the front, turn the needle threader slightly to the left until it is perpendicular to the machine head; if it is not at the front, place your finger below the needle threader and gently press it upward.
- Result that matters:
- Needle threader mechanism aligned perpendicular to the machine head and in its upper position without forcing the head.
- If the needle threader moves back into place smoothly, confirm the error message if necessary and rethread the needle.
- If the mechanism stops again or fails to pull thread through the needle eye, clean the threader and inspect the needle.
- Evidence to keep:
- Short video or photo showing the needle threader repositioned perpendicular to the machine head.
Evidence: BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
Clean the needle threader and thread clamp and check needle installation
- Who:
- You
- How:
- Run Settings > Machine > Maintenance > Cleaning the Needle Threader/Thread Catcher > Cleaning the Needle Threader and Thread Clamp according to the screen instructions, then switch off the machine (power switch to 0) and verify that a straight single BERNINA needle is pushed all the way up with the flat side to the back.
- Result that matters:
- Needle threader and thread clamp free of lint and a straight single needle properly seated and selected.
- If automatic threading succeeds without error #1103 after cleaning the threader and replacing a bent needle, lint or needle alignment was the cause.
- If error #1103 persists with a clean threader and a new properly inserted needle, contact your authorized BERNINA dealer.
- Evidence to keep:
- Needle system/size used and confirmation that the Cleaning the Needle Threader and Thread Clamp routine was completed.
Evidence: BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Appliances
- Brand
- BERNINA
- Product type
- Sewing machines
Known code variants
- #1103
- Error #1103
- Error 1103
- mecanismo de enhebrado #1103
- threader mechanism #1103
What it means
The official BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (Section 16 Error messages, page 91, and Section 17 Troubleshooting, page 92) documents that message #1103 appears when the threader mechanism is not in the correct position. The manual instructs the user to confirm the message, press the Automatic Needle Threader button, check whether the needle threader is at the front or below, gently guide it back into alignment, and check for lint or a bent needle. Other BERNINA models may differ, and error #1103 alone never proves that the threader head is defective without first checking its position and cleanliness.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Highsource verified
Switch off the machine before working in the needle area. BERNINA safety instructions require setting the power switch to 0 before threading or changing the needle, changing the presser foot, or working near moving parts in the needle area.
Evidence: BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
- Mediumsource verified
Never use compressed air spray or sharp tools to clean the machine. The manual warns to use only a brush or a soft cloth to remove lint and thread remnants, as compressed air sprays and sharp instruments can damage mechanical and electronic components.
Evidence: BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Automatic needle threader mechanism out of its home positionCommon
The needle threader mechanism has stopped at the front or mid-travel instead of returning to its perpendicular or upper resting position.
Evidence: BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
- Lint on the needle threader and thread clamp or bent/misaligned needlePossible
Lint and thread remnants on the needle threader or a bent needle or needle not inserted all the way up with the flat side to the back prevents smooth threading travel.
Evidence: BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
- Defective automatic needle threader headLess common
The BERNINA 735 PRO troubleshooting table states that if the automatic needle threader still fails after checking position, needle installation, and cleaning, the threader head is defective.
Evidence: BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
Virtual technician
Does 1103 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
BERNINA 735 PRO Instrucciones de uso (PDF)
BERNINA · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
BERNINA 735 PRO User Manual (PDF)
BERNINA · 2026 · official_doc
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