10 common treadmill problems and how to troubleshoot them

10 common treadmill problems and how to troubleshoot them





  • Treadmills are a popular piece of fitness equipment used by millions of people worldwide. They allow users to exercise indoors and maintain their fitness routines regardless of the weather outside.

  •  However, like any piece of equipment, treadmills can develop issues that can affect their performance and safety. Here are ten common treadmill problems and how to troubleshoot them.


Treadmill won't turn on


  • If your treadmill won't turn on, the first thing to check is the power source. Ensure the treadmill is plugged into a working outlet, and the safety key is inserted correctly.

  •  If this doesn't work, try resetting the circuit breaker. If the problem persists, it could be a fault with the power cord or the control board, and it's best to contact a professional.


Belt slipping


  • If the belt on your treadmill is slipping, it could be due to a loose belt tension or a worn-out belt. Check the belt tension and adjust it if necessary. 

  • If the belt is worn, it's best to replace it with a new one. It's also essential to keep the belt clean and lubricated to prevent slipping.


Treadmill making unusual noise


  • If your treadmill is making unusual noise, it could be due to various reasons, including worn-out bearings, a loose drive belt, or a damaged roller. 

  • It's best to inspect the treadmill thoroughly to identify the source of the noise and fix it accordingly.


Inaccurate speed readings


  • If your treadmill is displaying inaccurate speed readings, it could be due to a fault with the speed sensor or the control board. 

  • Try calibrating the speed sensor, and if this doesn't work, it's best to contact a professional.


Uneven belt


  • If the belt on your treadmill is uneven, it could be due to a loose belt tension or a worn-out belt. Check the belt tension and adjust it if necessary. If the belt is worn, it's best to replace it with a new one.

  •  Uneven belt tension can cause the belt to slip or wear unevenly, leading to further problems.


Treadmill shuts off during use

  • If your treadmill shuts off during use, it could be due to a fault with the safety key, the power cord, or the circuit breaker. 

  • Check the safety key and power cord for damage, and reset the circuit breaker. If the problem persists, it's best to contact a professional.


Burning smell

  • If your treadmill is emitting a burning smell, it could be due to a problem with the motor or the electrical components. 

  • Turn off the treadmill immediately and unplug it from the power source. Do not attempt to use the treadmill until the problem has been fixed by a professional.


Console not working

  • If the console on your treadmill is not working, it could be due to a loose connection or a fault with the control board.

  •  Check the connection between the console and the control board, and if this doesn't work, it's best to contact a professional.


Incline not working

  • If the incline on your treadmill is not working, it could be due to a loose connection or a fault with the motor. 

  • Check the connection between the incline motor and the control board, and if this doesn't work, it's best to contact a professional.


Error messages on the console

  • If your treadmill is displaying error messages on the console, it could be due to various reasons, including a fault with the motor, the speed sensor, or the control board. 


  • Check the user manual for the meaning of the error message and troubleshoot accordingly. If you're unsure, it's best to contact a professional.


  • In conclusion, regular maintenance and troubleshooting can help prevent common treadmill problems and ensure the safety and longevity of your equipment.








About the author

Admin

Let's set the record straight : we're not actually doctors, much as our mom would love to brag otherwise. We're two brothers from Olive Branch, MS, who have an MBA, an MDiv, and a Master's in Political Science between us-but no MD.

Over the years though, we've certainly earned our specialties in "elliptretics" and "treadmllology" - and Clark really did start out by using a stethoscope to diagnose faults with treadmills ( hence the company name).

In fact, we've been in this industry since Clark was still In school in 1987 - when the commercial fitness equipment Industry was only a few years old. And It's no longer just us two: today we're a team of 32 fitness- equipment enthusiasts, - all devoting our lives to keeping your machines in peak condition.