It no longer slides freely when I move the presser foot into the down position. It very slowly drops into place but it doen't quite come down far enough to allow the presser foot to touch the plate.

Audrey, October 2006

Hello,
the Pfaff 1171 presser bar lift lever has 2 positions.

One a bit higher for quilting(the presser foot will not touch the needle plate/feed dogs) and the other lower one(the presser foot will rest on the needle plate/feed dogs).

When lowering the presser bar lift lever please make sure you are not pushing it back or it will rest in the higher quilting position.
Please lower the lever straight up and down for regular sewing.

If the lever will not come down straight,I like to suggest you have a qualified Pfaff repair person check it out.
The Pfaff 1171 is a wonderful machine with nice and even stitches and I would get it serviced.
I hope my reply will help you.

Tammy, October 2006