How do i take apart the Kenmore 19606 to fix the fuse?
The first time is a little difficult; but it get's easier every time. I found after mine blew its first fuse, it blew more and more often; then almost any time it got jammed; while sewing real heavy material; and when I tried to sew real fast. So might as well buy several fuses when you go to buy one. I had a hard time finding a fuse locally, until I just happened to call Radio Shack and they had them. There are usually 2 fuses, so check to see which one is blown and take it with you. Make sure you buy fuse that does not blow as easily -- think they called it a slow blowing fuse. Radio Shack helped me to buy the right one. I purchased a higher rating the last time and it seemed to do better -- but I could not find where this was recommended and I am no expert on fuses, so let Radio Shack advise you. Just do not buy a lower rated fuse.
Make sure you note where each screw goes back at, I didn't and had some screws left over the first time I finished. Take masking tape and write on it where the screw goes, then use that piece of tape to stick the screw to a piece of paper or aluminum foil. Trust me, it will help. Now how to to do this:
I didn't remove the top cover, I just loosened the screws enough to get the side panel off. I don't recommend taking the top off all the way, because my dimmer knob came lose when I took it all the way off. If you want to take the top off you can by removing the 2 large screws, plus the small one under the handle.
Remove the small screw on the bottom that screws into the right side. Remove the right cover, where the power plug is.
Lay the machine on its back and remove the screws on the bottom. Make sure when you take these screws out you do not move the embroidery arm; or you will have to adjust the feed dogs before it fits back together.
CAREFULLY move the bottom cover out of the way.
Inside the body of the machine you will see a black box held in place by three screws. Remove the screws and, as you slowly pull the box out. One of the wires on mine was not removable. One wire was real short and it was tricky to make sure I had it plugged back in when I put it back together. MAKE NOTE OF WHICH WIRES PLUG IN WHERE.
On the other side of the box, remove the two screws that hold the cover on.Inside, remove the two screws that hold the board. Be careful not to touch anything on the board
Looking into the machine from the right side (where the plug is) you will see two fuses. One will be blown. I used some real long needle nose pliers to take them out. Use the tweezers to replace with the new fuse and reassemble. Make sure it touches the metal on both sides or it will not work.
When refitting the base unit, make sure the feed dogs are in the right position -- this is what I was referring to when I said embroidery arm.
I didn't replace all my screws in the bottom until I made sure it worked. If it doesn't check the short wire where you took the box out; and check to make sure the fuses are in the slot correctly (these are some errors I made the first time.)
**ALSO DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN YOUR SCREWS. I did and mine got stripped out.
The local sewing shop wanted $120 to replace the fuse; which is about all you can get for the sewing machine if you try to sell it. I am a retired single 62 year old lady so if I can figure it out so can you. It took me almost an hour the first time, but now I can do it in 15 minutes. I still have my machine, but purchased a newer model and only use this one for straight easy sewing.
Good luck and let me know if you need any more help.