Stuck reverse button on kenmore 158.17011 - Kenmore Sewing Machines

I believe your Kenmore is an older mechanical machine. If so, how long has it been since you've given it a good cleaning and oiling? Mechanical machines need frequent TLC, otherwise the old oil turns into a glue-like substance and starts sticking things together, including your selector levers and dials. Give your machine's bobbin area a good cleaning with a soft brush to remove dust and lint.

Then, use ONLY fresh good quality sewing machine oil. Open the case top and free arm cover (if it has one--if it is a flat bed, tilt the machine back so you can access the moving parts under the sewing surface), gently handrotate the handwheel toward you, watch where metal rubs metal and apply 1-2 drops of oil. (Your owner's manual may have instructions for oiling and your machine may also have oil ports--little holes-- where oil should be applied.) Do not skip the feed dog moving parts. Also, there is usually an oil port behind the bobbin mechanism next to the case. Put a single drop of oil on the bobbin race. Do NOT oil plastic, rubber, or belts! Be sure to move the selector levers and dials and, if possible, apply a couple of drops to their moving parts as well. To help loosen things quicker, direct hot air from a handheld hairdryer into the internal mechanics of the machine. Repeat the oil/heat process until things are moving freely.

In the future, be sure to give your machine a thorough cleaning and oiling after about 40 hours of sewing use. A drop of oil on the bobbin race is good every 8 hours. If your machine sets unused, oil every six months to keep it operating.

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