After searching for help with treadmills, I stumbled upon allaboutcircuits.com, and apparently you guys have quite a reputation assisting with treadmill repairs!
I have a True Fitness PS300 treadmill (commercial grade) that I purchased in early 2015. I generally run/sprint/walk a couple nights a week (2-4 miles, 60 seconds switching between 3 MPH and 9/10 MPH).
A couple weeks ago, I was in sprint mode (at 9 MPH) and I heard a light pop that came from the side where the motor resides (no smoke or any chemical odor). I don’t recall at that time if the treadmill started to slow on its own OR if I reduced the speed manually. The machine seemed to work so I played around with speeds and determined that it operated fine at 8 MPH (and lower) but had issues (jittery, slowed down) at speeds above 8 MPH.
Of note, at one point when I was playing with speeds, I got a “runaway error” on the display screen.
To further describe the issue, it almost seems like added pressure/weight downward onto the running deck/belt causes the treadmill to slow or get “jittery”. For instance, if I place my hands on the railings and relieve some of the downward pressure, the machine seems to return to the expected speed. This even occurs sometimes at 8 MPH as I’ve continued to use the treadmill since the initial issue, but I don’t exceed 8 MPH.
I called True Fitness and provided this information hoping that they might have a technician that could assist. Despite being a nearly $3K treadmill back in 2015, the only “help” he could offer was to suggest a local (1+ hour away) repairman. In fact, when I mentioned the “runaway error”, which doesn’t even appear in their maintenance manual, the tech had never heard of it. Seriously? That was a disappointing call considering the initial purchase price. I’ve received actual help from companies that sell $50 items. I will never buy another True Fitness product after that “support” call.
I researched a bit and tried a few things:
The belt looks to be in great condition but that is a cheap replacement if I want to try that as a next troubleshooting option.
Everything “under the hood” looks to be in good condition.
Could it be the motor? Again, I did hear a slight pop when the issue first appeared. I never smelled smoke or any chemical odor.
If you’ve read this far…thank you…and do you have any suggestions?
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By the way, not sure if I can post links (if not, please remove) but here's the manual (the PDF was too large to upload):
https://shop.truefitness.com/wp-con.../performance-100-300-treadmill-manual-pdf.pdf
I have a True Fitness PS300 treadmill (commercial grade) that I purchased in early 2015. I generally run/sprint/walk a couple nights a week (2-4 miles, 60 seconds switching between 3 MPH and 9/10 MPH).
A couple weeks ago, I was in sprint mode (at 9 MPH) and I heard a light pop that came from the side where the motor resides (no smoke or any chemical odor). I don’t recall at that time if the treadmill started to slow on its own OR if I reduced the speed manually. The machine seemed to work so I played around with speeds and determined that it operated fine at 8 MPH (and lower) but had issues (jittery, slowed down) at speeds above 8 MPH.
Of note, at one point when I was playing with speeds, I got a “runaway error” on the display screen.
To further describe the issue, it almost seems like added pressure/weight downward onto the running deck/belt causes the treadmill to slow or get “jittery”. For instance, if I place my hands on the railings and relieve some of the downward pressure, the machine seems to return to the expected speed. This even occurs sometimes at 8 MPH as I’ve continued to use the treadmill since the initial issue, but I don’t exceed 8 MPH.
I called True Fitness and provided this information hoping that they might have a technician that could assist. Despite being a nearly $3K treadmill back in 2015, the only “help” he could offer was to suggest a local (1+ hour away) repairman. In fact, when I mentioned the “runaway error”, which doesn’t even appear in their maintenance manual, the tech had never heard of it. Seriously? That was a disappointing call considering the initial purchase price. I’ve received actual help from companies that sell $50 items. I will never buy another True Fitness product after that “support” call.
I researched a bit and tried a few things:
- I found instructions online to recalibrate. My recalibration “passed” so I was hoping I could try 9 MPH again with no issues. No such luck…the same issue reappeared.
- I adjusted the position of the existing speed sensor (closer to the magnets that determine the speed) but that didn’t resolve the issue.
- I bought a new, generic speed sensor and installed it but that didn’t resolve the issue.
The belt looks to be in great condition but that is a cheap replacement if I want to try that as a next troubleshooting option.
Everything “under the hood” looks to be in good condition.
Could it be the motor? Again, I did hear a slight pop when the issue first appeared. I never smelled smoke or any chemical odor.
If you’ve read this far…thank you…and do you have any suggestions?
=======
By the way, not sure if I can post links (if not, please remove) but here's the manual (the PDF was too large to upload):
https://shop.truefitness.com/wp-con.../performance-100-300-treadmill-manual-pdf.pdf
