I have a Brother BAS 416 that I've been bringing back to speed. It's been sewing great lately. Yesterday I used it for a few hours worth of single and multi color designs without issue. Then I went to sew a design I've used many times and the needle bars just wouldn't move.
All other parts were moving normally and there were no unusual sounds, it's just the needle bars not moving at all. I hadn't hit a hoop or had anything out of the ordinary happen, and the previous designs had finished just fine. The needle bars don't seem to be engaging with the reciprocator. I tried manually connecting them but once I hit start and everything starts moving they slip out of place.
The reciprocator also appears to be lower than it should be. The space in it isn't lined up with the peg on the needle sides. I thought the whole needle case could be shifted a little to the side, which is why the reciprocator doesn't hold, but there is no needle case error displaying on the screen. I haven't taken anything apart yet but I'm pretty stumped and any advice would be much appreciated.
Re: Needle bars not engaging
This sounds like your reciprocator is damaged and needs to be replaced. Your needle bars may need to be adjusted but I would look at the Reciprocator first.
Dennis Wilson
Embroidery Machine Technician
ajstitch.com Dennis@ajstitch.com