Aaarrrggghhh!!!

[MartySews2]

My Ellisimo froze up on me tonight as I started to do a clothing repair for my husband. It would not even sew a straight stitch with or without the foot pedal. I have put over 3 million stitches on it since I got in Oct 2010. I am just heart-sick. None of the buttons for the needle threader, the scissors, the needle up/down or presser foot up/down features would work. It would just tell me that my needle was down or it would refuse to sew. I unplugged it, turned it off and turned it on again. Vacumned the insides of any dust or lint. Tried it over and over again and it just would not sew. I am heart sick over this. I know if it is the circuit board, it is covered by warranty but a cleaning will cost several hundred dollars (I asked after Christmas). I just had to spend $485 today to get my stove repaired and we have to pay for tuition and books this week. It's just not in the budget for repairs to my sewing machine. I know that I can use my Sofia for now but it is in its case and I cannot get it out until the windows are replaced as I will have to set it on the dining table. I have several projects that I want to complete but cannot do so at this time. I am just so very frustrated right now. Anyone else have this happen and what did you do to get it fixed?
Marty

[missfleecy]

Marty, that's too bad. Are you charged for a diagnosis? Whenever I've had problems with a sewing machine (or really anything honestly), if I bring it in they'll usually look it over and tell me how much it will cost to repair it, before I pay anything. Sometimes, a place will charge some small amount for a diagnosis--for their time--but it is always refundable if I have the work done there, and free if it turns out to be a warranty issue (assuming the warranty includes labor). Sometimes I'll sign a paper authorizing repairs up to (for example) $75 and if it is any more, call me first. I'd think you should be able to find out if it is a warranty issue or not without being obligated to pay anything more than perhaps a refundable $25 diagnostic fee.

As far as your problem, is your screen white or is it normal? If it has turned white the machine may somehow be stuck in the middle of thinking you are changing the needle or presser foot, thus locking all of the buttons. There is also, of course, the lock key, which I am assuming you didn't press. Have you tried removing all of the thread and rethreading the machine? If the thread somehow got in the wrong place, the thread detection system could be locking the machine also. Does the display show any error messages?

~ Miss Fleecy

[MartySews2]

Miss Fleecy, I tried all of the troubleshooting recommendations in my manual plus a few myself. This morning, I talked to my repairman and he thinks that a pin on the circuit board has gone bad. I would be charged for cleaning & labor. Cleaning is $200+ and he didn't know the labor charge. My machine needs cleaning. Normally, they charge about $65 an hour or more for labor. The part is under warranty but not the labor. There are only 3 dealers in the Memphis area and each charge about the same. I trust my dealer as I have been doing business with them since 1998. Their technicians (family business) attend the training seminars in the St Louis area every year and take whatever repair classes are offered on the Babylock, Pfaff or Singer machines which they sell. I'll just use one of my other machines until it is in the budget for the repair. It just makes me sad that my wonderful machine is not functioning properly.
Marty

[Magot]

This is some bad juju, Marty. You have my sympathy.

[MartySews2]

Hubby said that we will take my machine tomorrow to get an estimate on the repair. He knows how upset that I am.
Marty

[sewingrandma]

Good luck Marty getting your machine fixed. I know it is frustrating to have to wait. I spent several years trying to find a certified service person for my Viking. Brother took over most of the sew/vac shops locally and they aren't certified for Vikings but do work on them, but after talking to several different servicemen I didn't feel comfortable taking it to them as I felt I had more knowledge about the machines than they did.

[MartySews2]

Finally, got my machine fixed. Hubby and I took it in yesterday and they got it repaired right away. Hubby picked it up today and also bought me the adjustable bias binder foot that Skye had shown in another thread plus a package of bobbins. He is so good to me. Cannot wait to sew and embroider on it.
Marty

[pinecone]

Wow, so nice to hear. You have a great sewing machine person. Now to have fun with your baby. Give your DH an extra hug for being so good to you.

piney

[MartySews2]

The adjustable bias binder foot and bobbins was an early Valentine's Day gift according to hubby. My machine just needed a bad pin in the circuit board replaced and a good cleaning. I am so glad that it was covered under warranty. Now, "Miss Ellie" is purring so sweetly.
Marty

[sewingrandma]

Glad you got Miss Ellie back so quickly and that the repairs were covered. Let us know what you think of the adjustable bias tape foot. Inquiring minds want to know!