Janome's are notorious for foot pedal issues. I love my Janome machines but it is not uncommon to have to replace the foot.One of mine will keep sewing when I'm finished,its the foot,I give it a kick and it stops. I woud go on Yahoo and look for a Janome 8000 group and ask your question,those "experts" will have invaluable advice on this. I belong to a few Janome Yahoo groups but none for the 8000. I remember one lady on the Janome 6500/6600 Group that said it was the electric outlet she had it plugged into. It was on the same circuit as her iron and created some issue. Try to Google the question or find a Yahoo Group. May,Michigan