I have had the same problem with my Janome 9800. I paid about $100 for a new foot. The new foot is just over a year old and has done it a couple of times only for a few seconds. Called the place that repaired it. I was told I was SOL, 60 day warranty. So I have had 2 Janome feet go bad. The new one has only done it a few times so far. I am pretty pissed off.

Lol, l want to go shopping with you!!! Love your sense of humor and wit.

It sounds to me like Janome has an issue here. Lots of messed up foot pedals. My repair shop , which I thought was a good one no longer touches my machine. I drive 45 miles to a different repair shop.

If lint and dust are causing problems with them, would it hurt the foot pedal to slip a plastic baggie over it to help keep stuff from getting inside?

Thanks for all the hints! I looked at the foot petal and you can see where it is rubbing against the side. I cleaned it very carefully and put a drop of oil on a tissue and wiped it several times. so far so good. maybe that will have to be done more often.

That sounds like a good idea! I can't imagine it would hurt the pedal - it's not like it has fans or vents that need to be kept clear. Might make it a little slippery....I suppose the plastic could get pinched up in the sides of the pedal, maybe, and cause it to stick down? That's the worst thing I can think of that could happen.

They should just MAKE them better. Either easier to open up and clean; or sealed up better in the first place.

I haven't had this problem with MY machine yet...we have lots of furry animals but mine is only about 2 years old so maybe it just hasn't reached critical mass yet!