If you use a magnifying glass to see the little wire you will know whether it is in the proper position. Mine is automatic and I use it all the time. However the wire that goes thru the needle may be out of allinment.

Is the little wire hook going through the eye of the needle?

i have a babylock and that was #1 on my list that i had to have. the first machine i had trouble with but the replacment machine works like a charm. ( the first machine was a lemon in more ways that this ) it may just need to be adjusted that the hook is not hitting the eye.

I just got my machine in July. Did not know that was on today's sewing machine. I love it. The shop did warn me about not having the needle in correctly could bend the threader if it hit wrong. but the machine knows where the needle needs to be. I do not adjust nothing, just wrap the thread and press the lever.

It takes practice and I had troubles with it until it was adjusted by dealer to align properly.

I have absolutely failed at mastering my auto threader. I feel like a dang CHIMPANZEE!!! I would use it.. IF I could do it. Grrrrrr @ me.....lol

I have a Janome 11000 and I use the threader and the cutter everyday. I love them.

I've had two machines with that feature and never did figure out either one of them!

Mine is pretty touchy, but I still use it all the time, you just have to get everything set up correctly for it to work right.