I want to cry...

[Iris]

Oh wow, that is just awful and I am so sorry for you.

Do you have someone around that is good with small motors? They could maybe take a look at it and see what is going on.

I have had my baby bug for quite a long time, more than 2 years and it is still going strong, although now I use my expression much more. Sounds like a manufacturing defect in your motor.

I just want to cry for you............

 

[New England Eeyore]

So, get this! I was all ready to call PC again this afternoon, and I turned on the Cricut, just because I felt like I should have it doing it's weird thing when I called, and it turned right on! It worked mostly normally for a couple of hours! I made the most of the time and cut up a storm. It's still doing the delay before it turns on, but the delay has gotten shorter. I give up. I don't want to jinx anything right now - I'll keep using it until it dies again, and then I'll call again. I will try to speak to a supervisor and use some of the tips you guys mentioned. I agree, this is not meant to be a "throw away machine!"

To answer a couple other questions - I hadn't updated the firmware since probably over a year ago, so I don't think it's virus related.

I don't know anyone with any kind of mechanical expertise (except perhaps PF's DH by association, apparently!) so I'm out of luck there. I knew I should have stayed an engineering major! PF - I doubt I'd be able to even understand most of what your DH says - I'll take his word that it doesn't sound hopeful.