patricej

I confess to being very fond of needle threaders that work properly.
I also admit to getting very irritated when they don't.

however ... if that's the only thing about a machine that doesn't please me, i wouldn't even think about plunking down new $$$ to replace it. i'd just "suck it up" and thread it the old fashioned way.

the malfunction you describe could have any one (or combination) of several causes:

1. incompatible [most likely too "fat"] thread, as suggested by Sabrina.

2. the needle is not shoved up all the way when you put it in.

3. brand or size of needle that won't line up with the little wire no matter what you do. (i have good luck with both schmetz and organ on my janome MC11000. there's one size that doesn't line up, but i can't remember which it is. on my janome Horizon, organ needles are the only ones that line up consistently.)

4. the little wire hook is bent, so will not line up with the needle's eye. grab a magnifying glass to see if that's the case. if you are very careful, you can tweak it back into alignment by gently nudging with the tip of your seam ripper, or the tip of your smallest screw driver.

5. the little wire is just plain broken. the little plastic part that includes the wire can be easily replaced. it just snaps off and on. any dealer should be able to order one for you.