If you are getting this message, it means the motor that pushes the thread out was not able to turn or home itself correctly. This error usually happens when; trying to start to sew, color change, or when first turning it on. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue.
1. Power Cycle the machine.
2. Check if you are getting a Needle position is at 0 issue.
3. Update your software to the most recent software version.
4. Test the Thread Feed by pushing Laser + Up. If thread was pushed out of the Feed Rollers at the top of the needle case, try to sew. If not, or if you frequently get Thread feeder timeout trying to find home position errors, continue with the steps below.
5. Test for resistance on the bottom pinch roller on the active needle by trying to push/spin it with your finger. If the motors have power, you should not be able to turn the bottom pinch roller. If you can turn the roller, you might need a new Thread Feed Motor PN: 30644. You will need additional technical assistance to confirm. Here are the available Melco Technical Support options.
6. Check Tools > Maintenance > Sensors > Thread Feed, for a status change while the roller is turning with the Emergency Stop Button pushed in.
7. Remove the Color Change Drive Covers (Clamshell Covers) and check for caught thread in the Thread Feeder 16 Needle Assembly PN:30663-08, or in the Feed and Color Change Housing Assembly PN:30655-05. Try to remove any thread you find (most likely around any of the gears). If thread is caught in a space where you cannot get to it, do not remove any other parts, you will need additional technical assistance. Here are the available Melco Technical Support options.
8. Using canned air, clean between the black pylons of the Optical Sensor PN:31292.
9. Verify in the sensors menu the Feeder Drive Gear's (PN: 30657) flag is read correctly. If it is not, the Optical Sensor or Main-PCB might be faulty. Interrupting the sensor with a business card should produce Blocked. If the Optical Sensor was replaced but the issues continues than there is likely a failure within the board. You will need additional technical assistance to confirm.
10. If the situation remains unresolved, you will need additional technical assistance. Here are the available Melco Technical Support options.
- You might need to replace the Thread Feed Motor.
- If you get Thread feeder timeout trying to find home position only when trying to color change, you might need to update your software.
- Verify if the Thread Feed Gears mesh correctly.