I took an old machine in once because I was having problems and not thinking about my husband having used it the day before. He can sew and he has upholstered car seats before. I didn't want to bother him at work but did anyway. I always ask if he's busy or has a minute. he had downloaded the manual but never printed it. So he emailed the manual to me and I promptly printed. Your manual will help with 99% of the repairs. When he got home I was running the machine. Check your manual about the automatic threader situation. Everything must align for it to work. I just go ahead and thread it myself. Did you know many sewing repair people usually check the manual. Why pay for that? hope you find out the problem.