How To Fix a Precor Treadmill: The Steps You Should and Shouldn’t Take (original) (raw)

Precor is a designer and manufacturer of some of the world’s best treadmills, but that doesn’t mean your new treadmill from Precor is always going to be trouble-free. It’s always a good idea for you to know how to fix your treadmill, or to at least be able to do some troubleshooting to diagnose the root causes of any problems, and maybe do some preventative maintenance to preempt major issues.

At the same time, there are going to be some elements of treadmill repair that will require the assistance of customer support and a seasoned mechanic. In other words, please don’t fret if some of these fixes sound like they might be technically beyond your capabilities to manage them. With that said, read on for some tips on how to fix a Precor treadmill.

Troubleshooting Common Precor Treadmill Issues

Your modern Precor treadmill is a finely-tuned piece of fitness equipment with electrical, computerized, and motorized components. This means that when you attempt a DIY fix of common treadmill problems, you’ll be contending with issues that range from relatively simple to highly complex.

BarBend’s Jake Herod running on a motorized treadmill.

Fortunately, Precor exercise equipment comes with a series of error messages that are intended to demystify any hiccups. This greatly simplifies the treadmill troubleshooting process so that you shouldn’t have to tinker with the treadmill too much to identify the problems on your own and start addressing them.

Before You Begin Troubleshooting

The best commercial treadmills aren’t like a computer or video game console that you can expect to self-correct simply because you’ve turned it on and off, but sometimes that’s a good start. On top of that, there are a few other things you can do to rule out minor operational problems before you get down to serious business.

Before you break out a wrench and screwdriver, do the following:

• Make sure the treadmill is connected to a working power source
• Check to see if the safety key is connected
• See if the treadmill is connected to an active Wi-Fi signal
• See if there are any software updates that need to run

Treadmill Console Not Working

The console of your Precor treadmill is the mechanism through which you engage with your treadmill and coordinate your workout. This means if your console isn’t working properly, your entire workout may grind to a halt. There are a few different reasons why your console may not be working properly, and some are more problematic than others.

A treadmill’s console.

Below are some common reasons why the console might not be working:

• Treadmill not plugged in
• Loose or frayed cables
• Defective keypad

Treadmill Motor Issues

The treadmill motor is often best tended to by a professional. This is because the motor contains so many moving parts, and a shortcoming in any one of them can disrupt the operability of the various treadmill parts. This includes the treadmill incline and the treadmill speed.

Below are some reasons why your treadmill motor may not be working:

• Damaged power entry terminal
• Issues with lift motor connector pins
• Drive motor pins not making connections
• Poor control panel connection

Treadmill Belt Slipping

An off-kilter belt can be a very dangerous problem to have, so knowing how to adjust a treadmill belt is key. Even if you’re normally a sure-footed individual, stalling or split-second hiccups have the potential to send you stumbling. At a minimum, it can destroy any confidence you have that your treadmill can get you through a fast-paced workout in one piece.

Below are some reasons why your treadmill’s belt might be slipping:

• Stretched belt
• Loss of tension
• Improper alignment
• Too much lubrication
• Not enough lubrication

Precor Treadmill Error Codes

When your Precor treadmill runs its diagnostics test and detects a problem, one of a series of error codes will display itself on the monitor. These error codes are relatively universal amongst the Precor equipment line, with the Precor elliptical, AMT, and bike models having nearly identical sets of codes.

It’s helpful to have a guide to decode your treadmill’s problems, since they are seldom identified by anything other than a number.

Error Code 05

The low-digit error codes on your Precor treadmill will usually involve the printed circuit board, also referred to as the printed circuit assembly (PCA). Error Code 05 usually means that a key on the console is stuck in the on position while the treadmill is powering up. If that’s not the problem, then it may mean something more serious, like a failure in the PCA’s interface chip.

Possible causes:

• A key on the display housing is permanently stuck in the operating condition
• One of the upper PCA’s keypad interface chips has failed
• Liquid (perhaps perspiration) is present on the surface of a touch-sensitive display

_[Related:_** Where Can I Get a Replacement Treadmill Safety Key?]**

Error Code 22

If you see Error Code 22 flash across your treadmill’s monitor, it means the signaling system between the monitoring system and the speed-sensing system has broken down, and there is no indication being relayed back from the speed-sensing system that the drive motor has started.

Possible causes:

• Obstructed line of sight between speed sensor and the speed sensor target
• Impaired drive motor brushes
• Speed sensor position relative to the speed sensor target is incorrect
• Speed sensor potentiometer adjustment is incorrect (when equipped)
• Speed sensor is inoperative
• Lower PCA isn’t functioning
• Lower PCA to upper PCA interconnect cable is damaged
• Upper PCA isn’t functioning

Error Code 28

When Error Code 28 is displayed on the console, it means the temperature of the treadmill motor controller output switching device is too high. A simpler way of putting this is that the temperature of the PCA has exceeded its safe operating level, and more than likely it’s because of an issue with the internal fan that is intended to cool it.

Possible causes:

• Lower PCA cooling fan is clogged
• Lower PCA cooling fan is inoperative
• Lower PCA is defective
• Running belt and/or running bed is badly worn
• A shorted or de-magnetized drive motor is causing greater power demands

Error Code 30

Error Code 30 — like other error messages in the low 30s —indicates that communication has been impaired between the microprocessors in the upper PCA and the lower PCA. Specifically, Error Code 30 occurs when the upper PCA is not receiving data from the lower PCA.

Possible causes:

• One of the upper-PCA-to-lower-PCA interconnect cables is faulty
• Interconnect cable at the upper PCA mistakenly plugged into CSAFE connector
• A 5.17 EFX equipped with version 1.01 upper and lower software
• Upper and lower software mismatched
• +5VDC power supply overloaded by another component plugged onto the PCA
• Lower PCA is defective
• Upper PCA is defective

Error Code 40

If Error Code 40 appears on your treadmill’s monitor, it means the lift or incline system of the treadmill or EFX is malfunctioning. Specifically, the signal for the incline of the treadmill to be raised or lowered has been sent, and no actual lifting or lowering movement has been detected.

Possible causes:

• Blown lower PCA lift fuse
• Lift motor is physically jammed and unable to move
• Lower PCA isn’t functioning
• Lift capacitor inoperable
• Damaged lift motor winding
• Upper-PCA-to-lower-PCA interconnect cable not working
• Upper PCA malfunctioning

_[Related:_** Best Incline Treadmills]**

Error Code LS

You will see LS displayed on your Precor treadmill when the drive motor speed signal is not

received from the speed sensor for a full eight seconds. When this happens, all drive motor and lift motor motion immediately ceases, and the display is empty except for the error display.

Possible causes:

• Flawed speed sensor wiring connection
• Defective reed switch
• Drive motor brushes not working
• Lower PCA malfunctioning

Error Code E2

You’ll see Error Code E2 on your display screen if the incline is totally unable to move for some reason, or if the incline position potentiometer isn’t working properly. When this happens, all drive motor and lift motor motion is halted, and the display is blank except for the error code.

Possible causes:

• Blown lower PCA lift fuse
• Lift motor physically jammed and unable to move
• Lower PCA not functioning
• Inoperable lift capacitor
• Damaged lift motor winding
• Upper-PCA-to-lower-PCA interconnect cable not working
• Upper PCA malfunctioning

If you know how to reset a treadmill, you shouldn’t have an issue doing so with a Precor model. To reset the circuit breaker of your Precor treadmill, you should use the red button next to the treadmill’s power switch. One of the common reasons that the running belt may unexpectedly stop or all display console functions might cease is because the circuit breaker has been tripped.

Corrective Steps:

• Use the power switch beneath the front panel to turn the treadmill off.
• Make sure the treadmill is located away from heating ducts. If necessary, move the treadmill to an appropriate location.
• Wait a few minutes. Make sure the magnetic safety key is properly positioned on the display console.
• Push the red reset button, and then turn the treadmill on.
• Check the display to verify that the Precor banner is scrolling across the display.

DIY Precor Treadmill Repair

Just because your Precor treadmill is a complex piece of cardio equipment doesn’t mean you can’t perform some treadmill maintenance yourself. There are several adjustments you can make on your own without professional assistance if the treadmill is no longer under warranty. Learning how to apply these quick fixes yourself can save you a bit of money in the long run.

Running Belt Adjustment

Adjusting the running belt of a Precor treadmill is very important, because Precor’s running belts are more advanced than those of most treadmills. All Precor treadmills — from the Precor 932i up to the Precor 885 model — are equipped with IFT technology that makes the foot placement process more intuitive. However, that innovation will be of little benefit to your treadmill workouts if the running belt isn’t adjusted properly.

Corrective steps:

• Locate the right belt adjustment bolt in the rear end cap of the treadmill.
• Make all belt adjustments on the right rear corner bolt using the provided hex key.
  • If the belt is off center to the left, turn the adjusting bolt a quarter-turn counterclockwise, which moves the running belt to the right.
  • If the belt tracks off center to the right, turn the bolt quarter-turn clockwise; this moves the belt to the left.
• You are advised not to turn the adjusting bolt more than quarter-turn at a time, because over-tightening the bolt can damage the treadmill.
• Recheck the alignment of the running belt.

Note: Precor expressly discourages its users from ever lubricating their treadmill belts, stating that the belt is “designed to move over the treadmill belt without any additional lubrication .”

Running Belt Replacement

Knowing how to replace a treadmill belt requires more than tightening a few screws. You’ll actually need to disassemble the running deck in order to make the fixes. As long as you’re careful, this can still be very manageable, especially if you’re able to enlist the help of a friend.

A close look at the end caps being removed from a treadmill.

Corrective steps:

• Lift the plastic cover off of the treadmill to fully expose the belt and motor.
• Remove the Allen screws in the front and rear of the treadmill that hold the chrome covering in place.
• Lift each of the two chrome covers up and away from the treadmill to remove it.
• Use an Allen wrench to remove the screws from the rear roller, and then remove the plastic guard.
• Repeat the same process by using an Allen wrench to loosen the drive roller in the front of the treadmill.
• Lift up one side of the running deck to slide the old running belt off of the treadmill’s rollers and the running deck.
• Slide the new running belt onto the drive roller in the front of the treadmill, then slide it onto the rear roller and insert the plastic guard.
• Being careful not to scratch or damage it, slide the running deck onto the new treadmill belt.
• Replace and retighten all of the screws intended to hold the rollers in place.
• Return the chrome covers to their original position and screw them into place.
• Pop the plastic outer cover back onto the treadmill’s exterior.

When to Call a Professional

There are some treadmill issues that definitely require the steady hand of a professional, as they’re well beyond simple physical readjustments to the treadmill’s machinery. Since they sell for a minimum price of around $7,000, it’s unlikely you’ll find Precor’s treadmills on a list of the best budget treadmills. If you own one, you’ll want to ensure that it receives the best possible care.

As BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto notes, “Treadmills are generally tech-heavy, complex machines.” This means you shouldn’t take too many risks with technology outside of your expertise, as this may damage the treadmill,

Faulty Treadmill Motor

There are a lot of moving parts in a treadmill motor, and you likely won’t get far poking at it with a screwdriver. More often than not, a motor issue requires someone with engineering know-how to determine what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Luckily, Precor’s treadmill motors carry a 10-year warranty, which is well above the average motor warranty you’ll find on most treadmills. See our treadmill warranty guide for more info.

Electrical Issues

If your Precor treadmill is having electrical problems, check to make sure that all of the wires and cables are fully plugged in. You should also check to see if there’s any physical damage to the cables and power input points.

Aside from that, you are advised to contact Precor support, or seek someone with considerable electrical expertise.

Preventative Maintenance

To preserve the air of indestructibility that your Precor treadmill had when you first removed it from its box and assembled it, there are plenty of things you can do. As BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto observes, “Machines require maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication.”

Our tester wiping the side rails of their home treadmill.

While Precor’s treadmills discourage lubrication, all of the other preemptive steps apply. See the below chart, as well as our tips for treadmill maintenance.

How to Fix a Precor Treadmill FAQs

Where is the reset button on a Precor treadmill?

The red reset button on a Precor treadmill is located next to the treadmill’s power switch.

How do you lubricate a Precor treadmill?

The owner’s manual of a Precor treadmill specifically suggests that you do not provide any additional lubrication to the treadmill belt, as the belt is designed to move over the treadmill deck without any additional lubrication. You are advised to contact Precor customer support directly if you notice any wear or friction in the treadmill belt.

What does error 30 mean on a Precor treadmill?

Error 30 on a Precor treadmill means that the upper PCA or board is powered on, but the lower PCA is not communicating. This can happen when there’s a complete loss of communication between the boards, or when communication is erratic. The most common cause of this error is a fault with the interconnect cable between the upper and lower boards. This could be because the cable is not fully engaged or is damaged.

How do you fix a treadmill that suddenly stops working?

A treadmill may suddenly stop working due to a problem with the console, drive motor, motor control board, PCA, or another crucial component. The operations of treadmills may also vary based on the manufacturer, whether it’s Precor, NordicTrack, ProForm, or another manufacturer. See our own tips for getting your home treadmill repaired, or consult your owner’s manual.