Thanks nativetexan for the links. Bottom line, I will call a dealer/ repair service and see if it can be repaired. I have read that Janome no longer supports this model. Maybe it needs a tune-up...but I doubt it.
Dont really know how much I would embroider but want to learn- and don't need a combo as I have a great sewing machine that is a Viking Emerald 118. Maybe it is time to check out machines.