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Running Belt and Deck Troubleshooting

This procedure is to be used to determine the condition of the running belt and running deck combination.

A clamp-on ammeter will be used to measure the treadmill’s ACAlternating Current: electric current which periodically reverses direction between positive and negative polarity. input current under load. The AC input current is a direct indication of the load being placed on the treadmill. Treadmill loading consists of several factors, the user’s weight, treadmill speed and condition of the running belt and running deck.

The AC input current measurements should be performed at 7-8 mph. and 0% incline. Because the loading varies with the user’s weight, you should perform the AC input current measurement test on a new running belt and deck combination. That will provide you with a benchmark reading to account for your individual weight.

Because the AC input current reading will pulse between a high value (during foot plant) and a low reading (between foot plants) we suggest the use of an analog clamp-on ammeter. An analog ammeter makes it very easy to see the AC current pulses. The refresh rate on digital ammeters may make it difficult to see the rapid current peaks unless the digital ammeter is equipped with a peak hold feature.

Procedure

Remove the treadmill’s motor cover and place the AC clamp-on ammeter on the brown wire from the AC. input module (or AC. power cord) to the circuit breaker (ON/OFF switch). See the illustration below.

Set the treadmill’s speed at 7-8 mph and the incline at 0%. Walk on the treadmill and observe the average AC. current reading. Typical average AC. current reading on a new running belt and deck should average between 8 to 12 amperes. Note that a digital meter could measure peak amps as high as 20 amps, even on a new belt and deck.
If the average current reading approaches 20 amperes, the running belt should be replaced. The running deck should be flipped or replaced if the running deck has been previously flipped. See Procedure, Running Belt and/or Deck Replacement (on page 101) for running belt and running deck replacement.
If the average AC current readings are greater than on a new running belt and deck combination but not approaching 20 amperes, the reading will give you an indication of the running belt and deck combination’s general condition.

NOTE: Repeat the amp draw test after replacing a running belt and deck. Damage to the lower control module can occur if the unit had been run in an overload/high current condition for prolonged periods of time. This type of damage would not generate an error code, but would cause the breaker to trip intermittently. An amp draw test will catch this condition.