Mille Problems - thread, needle up down racing, needle break, hole in quilt

[Kim2012]

I have a 2012 Mille with Quilt Path Version 5. I get everything set up and start to quilt. Everything is quilting out great then out of the blue the following happens:

-it is quilting but then the threads aren't locking together - keeps going for a bit then error message about thread break - no thread is broken - select the stop button and it stops quilting - the the the needle goes up and down several times - needle up down starts to race and machine tries to start quilting - breaks the needle and puts a hole in the front and back of quilt.

Also happening -  while machine is idle the needle goes up and down on its own - very random

I do regular maintenance between quilts and this just started happening. Always unplugged when not in use and plugged into a surge protector when in use.

[Cagey]

I would suggest disconnecting/turning off the quilt path to see how Mille quilts.  If you are still having skipped stitches, rethread the entire machine.  

Hopefully, this will fix your problem.

If so, then turn on quilt path and finish your quilt.

Best of luck.  Let us know what fixed your problem.

Cagey

[srichardson]

The needle part of the problem sounds as though you may need to adjust the #8 screw.  My Millie is older than yours so the screw on newer machines may be numbered differently.  Check your manual and it will show where it is located on your machine.  This screw adjusts the cycling rate of the needle.

If the problem persists give APQS a call.  They are very good at diagnosing problems over the phone.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[Kim2012]

I had an email from Angie at APQS and she suggested checking the motor brushes, needle adjustment and to blow off the optical sensor. I also replaced the needle, checked the hook, did a WD40 bath, oiled the hook, cleaned the rails and wheels, cleaned the bobbin and replaced the spring in it.

While preparing my practice piece the machine was on. It did a random stitch just out of the blue. I put a practice piece on and in the first zone it stopped stitching but kept following the pattern on quilt path, pressed stop twice no response, it did a few quick stitches and stopped stitching.  Stitch regulator still running and the needle is very slowly moving up and down, pressed stop again still no response. Pressed stich regulator off the machine finally stopped. No hole this time. Continued the practice piece with no issues. 

The original quilt was half done so I went back to it and had no issues finishing it.

Will put another quilt on and see if it has issues.

[srichardson]

It sounds as though another e-mail to APQS may be needed if your machine continues to misbehave.  How frustrating!

[Cagey]

Kim,

It sounds to me as if you have not tried disconnecting the Quilt Path system, as you said "it stopped stitching but kept following the pattern on quilt path".  Have you tried to see if the needle continues to go up and down, and how it actually quilts without Quilt Path connected.  

I believe you have to know if the car runs without difficulty first, before you turn on the autopilot and let it drive itself.  If Millie will not work properly in manual mode, fix those problems before turning on all the bells and whistles of Quilt Path.

Best of luck fixing the problem.

Cagey

[Kim2012]

I did disconnected quilt path and everything ran good.

Angie thought it might be the USB locking cable, USB coupler plug, controller or the red cat5 cable that might need replacement. I unplugged and plugged the cables back in and quilted another quilt with no issues. I will continue to do quilts and see if the problem comes up again.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[Cagey]

Kim,

You can also try buying CRC electrical contact cleaner at Walmart or the same.  Unplug the connectors.  DO NOT spray it into the female USB plugs or any female plugs on your computer or Millie.  Spray it on the actual plug and then while still a little wet plug it into the female plug to clean those contacts.  

With temperature changes in the house, corrosion can build up on the contacts preventing good electrical connections.  

I am glad to hear that you are up and running once again.  Best of luck to you.

Cagey