ProForm makes great treadmills with smart features and sturdy builds. With proper care and maintenance, a treadmill could last a decade or longer. However, you and your treadmill are less likely to make it through so many miles if you aren’t adhering to the recommended maintenance routine. We have put together all of our best expert tips to get you back to your usual workout routine as soon as possible.
ProForm Treadmill Repair: Problems and Solutions
1. Loud Noises During Treadmill Operation
If your treadmill is making unexpected sounds while you are walking and running, there are a few solutions that may alleviate your problem.
- If the noise occurs while the treadmill is inclining, check to see whether the deck is rubbing against the floor. If this is the problem, consider adding an equipment mat beneath the treadmill to protect the floor and the treadmill.
- When the treadmill is loud while you are walking or running, ensure that the belt is not misaligned or improperly lubricated. If you suspect this is the issue, more information can be found in tip #3. Additionally, ensure that the motor hood and deck are free of debris.
- The treadmill is still making noise. If none of the above issues seem to be your problem, there are still a couple of possibilities. First, the floor beneath the treadmill could be uneven causing the treadmill to rattle back and forth. If you cannot level the treadmill where it resides, consider relocating it to a flatter area. If that isn’t the case, check to see whether the treadmill’s components (screws, bolts, plastic shrouds) have come loose. Tighten any components that need it.
2. Screen or iFIT Malfunctioning
Screens like those on the ProForm Pro 9000 were designed to enrich your training experience. Use these tips to get iFIT working like normal again. Whether your ProForm treadmill won’t load past a blank white screen, iFIT seems to be glitching, or your screen has frozen, the following steps should remedy the problem! This process should work for treadmills and other ProForm equipment.
- Find the pinhole on the console, grab a tool such as a safety pin that can fit in the pinhole, and enlist an extra set of hands. While some users may be able to do this process on their own, having a friend or family member nearby to help will make things much easier. If your treadmill does not have the pinhole reset, you will need to contact ProForm or iFIT’s customer service instead.
- Turn the machine off. You should keep the treadmill plugged in. Just turn the power switch off.
- Press down on the button inside the pinhole and hold. Hold the button down and do not release it yet.
- Switch the machine back on. While you are still pressing down on the button, have your helper turn the treadmill back on.
- Release the button when the screen lights up. The screen should proceed to iFIT as normal or may show a system reboot screen. Either one means the reset was effective.
- But it didn’t work? If you followed all of these instructions and the screen is still stuck on a blank white screen, try this procedure again. Be sure that you are actually pressing down on the button within the pinhole. If this process does not work or your machine does not have a pinhole reset, contact customer support.
Other options:
- If you are not stuck on a white screen, install any available updates.
- Check that no wires have come loose. Sometimes wires are accidentally pinched during the treadmill assembly. Make sure that your treadmill is not suffering from this common issue.
- Ensure you have a good WiFi connection. iFIT needs a WiFi connection to operate. The problem could be with your treadmill or with your router.
3. Treadmill Belt Issues
Belt Lubrication
Your ProForm treadmill belt needs to be lubricated. Your owner’s manual should provide guidelines for how often your treadmill should be lubricated. If you have missed that milestone, that’s okay. You can do so now.
- Loosen the belt. Find the Allen wrench that came with your treadmill or another that is the same size. Turn the bolts on the ends of the deck to loosen the belt. This will allow you to access the deck beneath the belt.
- Clean debris from the treadmill deck. Leaving dirt and dust behind can cause the lubrication to clump together.
- Apply a small amount of lubricant beneath the belt. Most treadmill manuals describe the exact process you should use.
- Tighten the belt. Once you are done applying the lubricant, tighten the belt again. Make sure that it is centered.
- Spread the lubricant. This typically means running the treadmill at a slow speed for a few minutes to disperse the lubricant evenly.
Too Much Belt Lubrication
Your treadmill can be too lubricated. This means that the silicone lubricant is sticking together and not allowing the belt to turn smoothly. To fix this issue, wipe as much excess lubricant from beneath the belt. Loosen and tighten the belt as needed.
Belt Misalignment and Tension
- Find an Allen wrench that will fit the belt adjustment bolts at the end of the deck. Most treadmill manufacturers include this key with your treadmill purchase. You can use any other Allen wrench that will fit.
- Use quarter turns to adjust the belt. If the belt is too loose, adjust both sides as needed. If the belt is pulled to one side, only adjust the one until it is centered.
4. When Treadmill Parts Need to be Replaced
Before replacing any treadmill part out of pocket, see if your treadmill is still under warranty! Replacing parts can be more cost-effective than buying a new treadmill, especially if your treadmill warranty is active. ProForm covers most of their treadmills, including the ProForm Pro 2000, with a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2 years on parts, and 1 year for labor.
- The belt is frayed. Treadmill belts do wear out over time, especially if they have been misaligned for too long. Unfortunately, a frayed or thin running belt cannot be saved and must be replaced.
- The running deck: Running generates a lot of force, so it’s no surprise that treadmill decks become damaged over time. Needing a new treadmill deck doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new treadmill. These can be replaced.
- Damaged electrical components are a hazard. If any wiring on your treadmill, especially the power cord, becomes damaged, stop your activity. These components need to be replaced before they cause electrical shock, fire, or sudden stops to your machine.
- The console cannot be fixed. This is perhaps the most frustrating part to replace on a treadmill. In some cases, it may be more affordable to replace the treadmill if the warranty no longer applies.
- The treadmill doesn’t run. If your motor is dead, it can be replaced. Conduct routine maintenance like keeping the motor hood vacuumed out to protect the motor and other components.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fix a treadmill?
The cost of fixing a treadmill ranges from very little if everything is still under warranty to a thousand dollars or more if the console or multiple parts need to be replaced. Most parts cost a couple hundred dollars plus a hundred or so for labor.
Why does my ProForm treadmill not work?
There are many reasons why your treadmill may not work. The white screen issues has been a common problem. If that is the trouble with the treadmill, see the shortened answer below, or the long answer above. Other reasons that your treadmill might not work include not keeping up with routine maintenance and not having a WiFi connection. If you are unable to diagnose the treadmill yourself, consider calling the manufacturer or a treadmill technician for more help.
How do I reset my ProForm treadmill?
To reset your treadmill, find the pinhole on the console. Turn the treadmill off. Insert a safety pin into the hole to press down the reset button. Hold it down. Turn the treadmill back on. Wait for the screen to light up, and then remove the safety pin (or other tool) from the pinhole. The treadmill should boot up as normal or go to a reboot screen.
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