How to Repair a ProForm Treadmill
Proform makes a reliable line of treadmills and other fitness machines. Even the most reliable machine can sometimes break down. When it comes to repairing your treadmill, you have to weigh the costs of your time, parts and possibly a service visit over purchasing a new machine. Try some quick fixes first and then move on to some more involved troubleshooting in case the problem is something as minor as the cord is unplugged. Before buying new parts though, you might want to price check a new model.
Feet walking on a treadmill at a gym. (Image: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/Getty Images)Displays of Console Do Not Function Properly
Step 1
Turn the treadmill off, unplug the power cord and remove the key from the console. Remove the screws from the hood that covers the motor on the base of the treadmill frame with the Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 2
Use your hands to gently pull the hood off. Locate the reed switch and the magnet. These will most likely be on the left side of the pulley.
Step 3
Line the magnet up with the reed switch by using your hands to turn the pulley. Measure the distance of the magnet from the reed switch. Do nothing if the distance is approximately 1/8 inch. Use the wrench to loosen the screw holding the reed switch in place and slide it to 1/8 inch away from the magnet if it is not already. Make the screw tight again to hold the reed switch securely in place.
Step 4
Place the hood back where it was and replace all the screws. Tighten them with the screwdriver. Plug the treadmill back in. Turn the treadmill on and watch it run to test that the display is showing the correct speed reading.
Walking Belt Slows When Walked On
Step 1
Plug the power cor into a single-outlet surge suppressor with a UL suppressed voltage rating of 400 volts of fewer, a minimum surge dissipation of 450 joules, that is electrically rated for 120 volts AC and 15 amps, and that is listed as a transient voltage surge suppressor. You can purchase one from a Proform dealer, an electronics store or from Proform directly. Buy one that has a 14-gauge cord that is 5 feet long or shorter.
Step 2
Unplug and turn off the treadmill to adjust the tension of the walking belt if the surge suppressor does not fix the problem. A walking belt that is overtightened will move slower and can become damaged permanently.
Step 3
Use the Allen wrench to loose each of the rear roller adjustment bolts 1/4 turn at a time until they are at the correct tension. Turn the bolts counterclockwise to loosen them. The bolts will be at the correct tension when you can bring the sides of the walking belt 2 to 3 inches off the walking platform, though the center of the belt should still touch the platform.
Step 4
Plug the treadmill back in and test the belt's speed. Make adjustments to the tension of the bolts again if necessary.
Upper Body Arms Squeak During Use
Step 1
Remove the resistance knob near the bottom end of the upper body arms by turning it counterclockwise with your hand or the wrench. Proform treadmills of the Crosswalk line have upper body arms that resemble ski poles.
Step 2
Take the resistance cone, upper body arm, resistance plate, washer, spring washer, thrust washers and thrust bearing all off together and set aside. These are all under the resistance knob.
Step 3
Put a thin layer of white marine grease onto the outer surface of the resistance cone. Put all of the parts back onto the treadmill in order and secure with the resistance knob by turning it counterclockwise. You may need to use the wrench to tighten it completely. Repeat with the other arm if necessary.
Things You'll Need
Phillips screwdriver
Allen wrench
White marine grease
Ruler
