If the needle up/down is not positioning the needle, you might have a little bend in the wire..be sure your needle is 'straight on' as well. But if it is the threader mechanisim, it is very easily repaired and you can do it yourself. I've now replaced mine twice and the little part cost only about $6 from the dealer. Your dealer will probably be glad to instruct you...eezy peezy. Do not fret. It's such a small thing....yet sooooooo necessary for us who are getting ''sight impaired''---or those of us whose arms are just too short..haha