Is my beloved Pfaff 7550 starting to die?
 

Ladies, I've had this marvelous machine for nearly 18 years - I'm guessing. The light behind the stitch choice panel is really growing dim. Somebody please tell me they don't think the mother board is dying. I definitely can't afford a new one. Otherwise it sews fine. But sometimes I have to "remember" where that stitch choice was - like the triple zig zag for instance - because it's too dim to see it on the panel.

I've read that Pfaff is no longer making their machines in German. True or False? And that repair parts for the 7550 might be hard to find. True of False? If I Did have to replace this machine, what on the market today is comparable for general all around sewing and for some modest quilting?

I think Pfaff was sold several years ago, and they are no longer made in Germany. I believe this happened about the time the patent expired on the IDT foot. I purchased my Pfaff 7570 in 1994 or 1995 and she was an early sewing and embroidery machine. I loved it and we stretched her limits from 4X4 with multiple hoopings. A few years ago she had a nervous breakdown and no longer embroideries, but still sews perfectly. I was told the mother board would have to be replaced, but since she still sews I did not replace it. I would still like to embroidery and have been looking at the new Bernina's that embroidery and the stitch regulator, but it is like buying a new car, so my change jar has a purpose.

Pfaff is part of a holding company VSP (Viking, Singer, Pfaff) and the machines are no longer made in Germany. I got one of the newer models and could definitely tell the difference in quality. (I no longer own that new machine - gave her away) That said, I know some people who bought new Pfaffs and are perfectly happy with their choice.

I changed over to Baby Lock. Some of their machines also have the built-in walking foot which looks just like the Pfaff IDT. Mine does not and it is THE ONLY thing I don't like about my baby. Funny enough, she needed to go in the hospital recently and I pulled out the backup machine (Pfaff 7550). Oh what a difference: Light is barely there. Throat space is tiny. And for a minute I panicked because I couldn't find the built-in scissors. lol I didn't do as much sewing as I had expected - rather waited for the Baby Lock to come back home.

Only sure way to find out what is going on is to have the Doc do a diagnosis.... It may just be a simple fix like a battery. I know my 7570 has a battery in her bottom.....

Oy. I - like all of you ;) - Hate taking her to the doc. It's a long travel to an authorized repair guy here in New England and I just Dread hearing - "it'll be about 6 weeks til I can get to it."

Did you know there is a dial that will lighten or darken the screen? It is just under the info button straight down, where the vent is--my buttons are green, pink and blue on the front of the machine on the right. You can feel it with your finger.

I have a 7570 and parts are still available here in the states so i cannot imagine you would have a difficult time finding parts..

I have heard thDe parts for the 7550 are not being made anymore. Did you change the battery on it. that helps there is also wheel under the panel on the right side. I hope this works for you

Wow, I have had my 7570 machine over 20 years and didn't know that...thanks...!

Have you tried to adjust the brightness? I recently updated the brightness on mine . I am thinking is was due to my eyesight. Lol.