Accessing timing rod on singer 7469

That is not a timing issue--it is a needle height issue. Make sure that your needle is all the way up in the clamp, and the flat part of the needle is away from you.

You can determine if it's all the way up by looking right above the needle clamp. You will see what looks like a grey post. It serves as the stop for the end of the needle, and should be right under it.

Also, I need that you don't have a wing-type needle clamp screw. That means that hand-tightening is not enough to keep the needle in position. After you have tightened it with your fingers, you must use a straight-blade screwdriver to tighten it enough to keep the needle in position during sewing.