How to fix treadmill malfunctions at home?

Uneven movement of the running track

Wear of the sliding surface.

An article on the proper handling of a treadmill is contained in every treadmill instruction manual. It describes the timing of lubrication, cleaning and adjustment. Prevent early wear of the treadmill surface by following these simple steps: The likelihood of problems with the treadmill is increased if the treadmill is not serviced. Its wear entails overheating of the engine, and the static voltage that can arise from working with such a canvas causes damage to the console.

Loosening of the drive belt

Uneven movement of the treadmill may be due to the weakening of the drive belt, which is located in the engine compartment in front of the treadmill. This is due to the tension of the V-belt during operation. After disconnecting the treadmill from the net, the adjustment screws should be tightened. Most often, low-quality components are to blame for this problem in cheap models.

Canvas slips

The reasons for the slippage of the canvas can be several. Its inner surface wears out over time. As a result, the clutch begins to break down, loses power and slips on the front shaft when starting the engine. To avoid slipping of the braid, it is recommended to loosen the bolts that hold the braid. You should be able to lift the canvas onto a treadmill with a gap of 5-7 cm if you place it correctly in the center.

Electrical malfunctions of the treadmill

Electric treadmills that have broken parts are usually not repairable in the event of a breakdown. This requires special tools and knowledge. Self-repair can also lead to electric shock and adverse consequences. You should unplug the treadmill if you have problems with the control console, power board, console screen, motor, heart rate, temperature, or motion sensors. Wait 15 minutes, and then turn it back on. After that, the treadmill should work without errors.

Power board malfunction

Sometimes, in factories, incompatible components are put in the simulators. The treadmill power board is not designed for motor power. Under conditions of high incoming load, some parts of the board overheat and begin to melt. This causes the board to fail quickly. On more inexpensive models, this may be due to the low quality of components. Cheap engines themselves fail and spoil the power board.

Display problems

First, check all visible wires for breaks. You can check the wires going into your console if they’re fine. But for this you will need a special tool. Problems with treadmill malfunctions usually cannot be fixed at home, since in most cases the treadmill console needs to be replaced. In order to return the simulator to the manufacturer, you must wait for the expiration of the warranty period after purchase.

Motion sensor malfunction

You can eliminate such a malfunction yourself at home. To do this, you will need a tester. At the front of the treadmill, outside the shaft, is a motion sensor. The sensor does not work if you remove the magnet next to it. You can use the following tip if, despite the presence of a magnet, the sensor does not work. You will hear a beep when the magnet approaches if you put the tester in wire check mode. The reed sensor should be replaced if the old one fails.

Engine temperature sensor malfunction

Not all treadmills are equipped with these sensors, which are used to prevent the engine from overheating. The wires of the temperature sensor open when the temperature rises, causing the motor to stop spinning. It will start working again as soon as it cools down. With frequent short circuits or wear of the motor rotor, the actuation is most likely indicative of this.

Electric motor malfunction

The engine consists of a fixed and movable part. Movable part – the rotor is a coil of copper wire with a metal core inside. The turns of the wire are isolated from each other. Engine failure occurs when this insulation is breached. Most often this occurs due to overheating. To eliminate malfunctions of electrical equipment, specialists should be called. In this case, even greater cost savings can be achieved.

Treadmill errors

The treadmill consists of several electrical components:

• Operations console controllers.
• Power Board Controllers
• Console screen
• Electric motor.
• Heart rate sensors
• Motion Sensor
• Temperature sensor of the electric motor.
• Magnetic security key.
• Buttons, connectors, harnesses.
• Faulty power board.

It was noted that some treadmills were fitted with incompatible parts during the factory installation process, leading to user complaints. This is the power management board and motor. The power control board fails over time if it was not designed for a more powerful motor. If electrification lessons are still fresh in your memory, you will remember that the strength of the current depends on the load. The greater the load, the greater the currents, which can result in melting and heating of the electrical components of the power board. On the other hand, the Chinese engines in the lowest-end treadmills are of poor quality, and this is the reverse case of power board failure. The engines of such motors often burn out, taking the controller with them.

Display problems

In most cases, the console controller cannot be repaired due to the sealing of all electrical components, which serves to protect the chips from the effects of aggressive environmental factors (moisture, sweat, salt). The control circuit can be damaged by a normal static voltage. You can resolve this issue by replacing the entire console. Usually, this problem can be solved by the applicant if it arose during the warranty period, although in some cases the service center refuses to replace it free of charge if the simulator does not meet the requirements of operation. Thus, the ground loop and voltage stabilizer will not be superfluous. Remember that the treadmill needs to be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted regularly. Perhaps the electrical contact in the connectors or connections is broken, or the wiring harness, which will be the simplest reason for the console to fail. Disconnect all connectors and use a regular ampervoltmeter to check the wires. If you’re having trouble with the display, first check the power cord and other visible wires for a break along the entire length.

Motion sensor malfunction

To prevent damage to the motor in front shaft lock mode, the treadmill motion sensor detects how the treadmill actually rotates. The motor shuts down from the treadmill when it is stopped in an emergency due to the fact that the sensor stops sending a motion signal to the power board controller. Next to the front shaft of the simulator, a reed switch sensor is installed on the frame. The front shaft pulley is equipped with a conventional permanent magnet. The movement of the pulley closes the contacts when it rotates near the sensor. The magnet can slip off the pulley, which can cause the sensor to fail. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the motion sensor. Check it easily: Set the tester to check the wires mode. Rotate the shaft. At a certain point, when the magnet approaches the sensor, an audible signal should be heard. If the sensor is faulty, install any reed switch. Its cost is pennies, and the replacement is simple: the sensor is easily removed from the socket. Faulty Engine Temperature Sensor The temperature sensor is not installed on all models. As a rule, it is located in the motor itself and serves to protect the motor from overheating, as well as from short-circuit currents. The sensor is a bimetallic contact that, when heated, opens the motor circuit. After stopping and cooling, it closes again. Frequent operation of the temperature sensor is the result of wear of the treadmill or intra-rotor short circuit of the motor.

Electric motor malfunction

As the power of the treadmill engine increases, it becomes more and more reliable. In a DC motor, the stator (fixed element) and rotor (movable element) are connected by windings. Typically, the stator and rotor consist of a permanent magnet and a copper wire surrounding the metal core, respectively. All coils are isolated from each other. The rotor does not work properly due to insulation breakdown between the coils. The insulation breakdown is caused by overheating of the windings. It simply does not withstand such a load due to the diameter of the wire. Due to the lack of flight phase and constant thrust of the engine at low revs at high current values, the load when walking is much higher than when running fast.

Error messages (E) on the treadmill

There is no information on the screen: Check the power cord, button or power toggle switch. The separate console button may not work. If overload protection has worked, it is worth waiting 10-15 minutes. Next, you need to check all the connectors, connections, wiring harnesses. Check the electrical wires and connectors of the controller and console to make sure that the error was caused by a failed connection (E-1). Analogues should be used instead of faulty wires. The treadmill is turned off when the voltage in the network drops by 30-50% below the recommended. The reason for this may be a poor connection of the engine circuit. Make sure that all wires and connectors in the engine compartment are in working order. A faulty engine can be the cause of this error. If the signal does not pass through the treadmill motion sensor, check the motion sensor itself and the magnet attached to the pulley. A faulty tilt engine caused an error on the runway (E-4, E-6). Make sure that the wires and connectors on the power board and console are in good condition. You may need to replace the tilt motor. Make sure the voltage regulator, tilt motor and voltage regulator wiring are in good condition. Overload protection error (E-5): This may be the result of a malfunction of the electric motor, as well as when the treadmill wears out, and the track is used by a user whose weight exceeds the maximum permissible weight. If it does not help, then turn off the track from the network for 10-15 minutes and try to run again. Error of the electrical part of the controllers (E-7): Check the wires running from the computer to the lower power control board. Possible causes: failure of the current transformer, faulty connectors, defective wires. Check the tension of the V-belt drive if a drive control error occurs (E-8) The drive is faulty. The simulation unfolds correctly after a restart after a position error (E-9). Faulty drive. An error message (E-10) indicates that the engine cannot rotate. Connect the controller to the console by checking the wiring. Check the magnetic key: it may not be inserted into the connector. The Operations console is not powering correctly. You may need to replace your console.

Common user questions

We’re going to discuss treadmill malfunctions, mostly affecting improperly maintained treadmills, so we remind you to lubricate and clean them. When you remove the lid and disconnect the treadmill from the net, wipe it with a dry, clean, lint-free cloth. The best way to care for a treadmill is to read an article about it. It is necessary to wipe the upper and lower sides of the belt. Prevent dust from being sucked into the treadmill by regularly vacuuming under and around it. Grease the belt and deck with silicone grease after cleaning them. See how to lubricate the treadmill.

Treadmill does not turn on

If the track does not turn on, then perhaps it just needs to be disconnected from the network, wait a few minutes, then connect it back. It is possible that one or more fuses have burned out as a result of a power surge if the motor still does not start. Although such repairs may be considered warranty repairs, their self-replacement may not be. The third reason for the failure may be a problem with the display. Perhaps the power wires have weakened. If all wires are connected correctly, disconnect the track from the network.

The treadmill is turned off

There are several reasons for this refusal. Lack of proper maintenance causes excessive wear, contamination and overheating. You can try to clean the treadmill yourself and lubricate it. You should then call the wizard if the spontaneous shutdown continues. Most likely, the engine or sensors leading to the engine are faulty. Performing this repair yourself is not recommended for safety reasons. Contact a treadmill repairman.

Treadmill stops

Again, the reason for the closure of the track was untimely maintenance or its absence. The treadmill must be disconnected from the network, then loosen the fasteners of the canvas, clean and lubricate the treadmill. Also inspect these components for signs of damage. The canvas or deck may be damaged or worn. The user may also be overweight – the weight allowed by the system exceeds the maximum. Therefore, the treadmill automatically shuts down to prevent overloading.

Treadmill warms up

As a rule, the main cause of such a malfunction is the contamination of the internal parts of the treadmill. Stop it, unplug it, and clean it up. The fan could be clogged with dust or a foreign object. With prolonged heating of the engine, the winding glue dries out, which leads to a strong heating of the engine, and in some cases, the engine emits an unpleasant odor.

The treadmill is noisy

Noise loudness is a subjective concept and only by words to judge the condition of the treadmill. Noise is a characteristic feature of many models, especially mechanical and magnetic. In the same vein, cheap treadmills also fall into this category. It’s not a breakdown. If you purchase a special mat that absorbs sound, this problem will be solved. If the noise is caused by an uneven floor, you can try adjusting it with a mat. When buying a treadmill mat, there are a few things to consider.

Treadmill knocks

A knock on the treadmill may indicate a bearing problem. There may also be a problem with tensioning bolts in the deck area. But most often for a knock, users take the passage of the seam at the shaft. This is quite normal and does not require repair.

The treadmill creaks when running

There can be several reasons for creaking. Lubricate the shock absorbers with silicone if the canvas is regularly lubricated. They are located under the deck. If the above does not help, it may be necessary to loosen the bolts under the railing. If you hear a creak, loosen the bolts on the side. From this table it can be seen that most treadmill malfunctions occur when the simulator is improperly cared for by the user. Make sure it is lubricated and cleaned regularly to prevent breakage. Although it is not difficult and does not take much time, you will save a lot of time and money by following these steps.

When it is possible to repair a treadmill with your own hands

If the Center Console stops responding and doesn’t display an error message, you must first verify the following:

1. The presence of a cable connection to the equipment, as well as to the outlet.
2. No curvature of the teeth of the plug.
3. The efficiency of the outlet, connecting the simulator to another for a while.

If the cord is damaged, it must be replaced. If the problem persists, our treadmill technician can help. If the canvas does not move or moves in spurts, it is necessary to check the integrity of the power supply in the track. Several power-consuming appliances should be disconnected from the network to eliminate problems with power cables and sockets. The fault may be the result of mechanical or electronic failure, so contact our specialists if the problem persists. We will repair the treadmill motor, power board, speed sensor or drive belt after diagnosing and determining the type of defect. During training, the blade moves relative to the center of the simulator rack:

1. Check the level of the surface on which the unit stands. If necessary, move to another place without a tile coating, remove the carpet from under it.
2. Adjust the belt tension according to the instructions.
3. Check the degree of wear of the material. If necessary, replace the canvas.

Pressing the buttons or holding down the rear switch does not result in an answer. In most cases, a power outage burns out the fuse and causes a malfunction. A worn blade or deck is usually the cause of unusual noises. The material needs to be replaced and lubricated. In case of more complex problems, it is necessary to replace the treadmill drive belt or bearings. Only the wizard should do this kind of work. By lubricating the back of the belt and cleaning up debris under the belt, many malfunctions can be prevented.