NordicTrack machines are built for the long haul, but just like any other piece of exercise equipment, they’re not immune to the occasional glitch. If your treadmill is acting up, several reasons could be to blame, as all the best treadmills have many moving parts essential to their function.
Issues may arise from the console, running belt, incline calibration, speed settings, and even the workout app if your machine is compatible with one. Thankfully, many of these common problems can be fixed at home with simple NordicTrack treadmill troubleshooting steps.
The GGR team of expert product testers—which includes runners, triathletes, and certified personal trainers—has tested over 50 of the most popular treadmills, taking them through a variety of running workouts and training sessions. In other words, we know plenty about troubleshooting the most popular treadmills, including NordicTrack machines.
Although the steps may vary depending on your treadmill model, the troubleshooting process is somewhat consistent across NordicTrack treadmills. So, if you need to troubleshoot NordicTrack treadmills, grab your owner’s manuals, and we’ll figure this thing out together.
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Common Problems with NordicTrack Treadmills
Before doctoring up your treadmill, you’ll need to first diagnose the issue. If you’re anything like me, make sure you’re not overlooking something simple, like a tripped circuit breaker or a missing safety key. Been there, panicked for no reason. Whoops!
Some common problems for NordicTrack commercial treadmills include:
NordicTrack Treadmill Console Not Working
If your treadmill or incline trainer’s console is giving you fits, it might be a result of pinched or disconnected wires, especially if the machine has been moved recently. To solve a console issue, ensure that the safety key is in place and the power cord is plugged into a grounded outlet. In addition, if your home recently experienced a power surge, you may need to check the circuit breaker or hit the reset button on your GFCI electrical outlet.
You can also double-check that the power switch is on and that the treadmill is assembled correctly. When we move our fitness equipment, things can get knocked around and, as a result, may require readjusting.
If the “easy fixes” don’t seem to work, check that none of the wires are pinched, disconnected, or damaged. Always, always, always ensure that the treadmill is turned off and the power cord is unplugged, and then check each wire one by one. Firmly press the connectors together and gently press the individual wires into their connectors to ensure they’re completely seated. Then, of course, replace worn parts right away.
If that still didn’t help, here’s some more information from NordicTrack that you may find helpful.
Console Reading All Zeros
Occasionally, customers have experienced a console that reads all zeros or controls that don’t work. You may need to adjust the reed switch if this happens to you.
To do so, you’ll need to turn off the treadmill and remove its hood with a Phillips-head screwdriver. The reed switch is typically located on the left side of the pulley or belt control.
Rotate the pulley until a magnet appears next to the reed switch. Loosen the screw without removing it, and make sure the gap between the switch and the magnet measures 1/8 of an inch. Then, replace the screw and reassemble the hood.
NordicTrack Treadmill Incline Not Working
There’s nothing more frustrating than hopping on your NordicTrack treadmill to do a hill workout and finding that the incline isn’t working but it happens, nonetheless. If your treadmill’s incline is acting up, try turning off the machine and unplugging it completely. Then, wait a few minutes before plugging it back in and turning it on again. Test the incline, and if it works, get your sweat on!
However, if your NordicTrack treadmill’s incline still isn’t working, it may be time to recalibrate the machine. Calibrating your machine allows it to check and reset the incline function’s upper and lower limits.
Here’s the official guide to calibrating a touchscreen console, as well as a guide for calibrating a non-touchscreen console.
During calibration, your treadmill will move from one incline extreme to the other and finish at the neutral starting position. Don’t stand on the exercise equipment during calibration, and keep curious children and pets away until the process is finished. In an emergency, pull the safety key from the treadmill console or unplug the power cord.
Calibration methods can vary, depending on your machine’s age and model, but your user’s manual should be able to walk you through them step by step. If your machine has a touchscreen, search for “calibrate incline” under the maintenance tab. The treadmill should automatically transition to the highest incline and then to the lowest, essentially resetting its incline.
GGR Recommends
If you’re looking for a fantastic incline treadmill, we highly recommend the NordicTrack X24. You can set your incline to as high as 40%, which is significantly higher than what the average treadmill allows.
Belt Malfunctioning
If your NordicTrack treadmill belt is malfunctioning, it may need some mechanical help. The treadmill may not function properly if the running belt is too loose or tight. You can try a quick belt adjustment to ease the stress on other parts of the treadmill.
The running belt may also slip or malfunction if it needs lubrication. Most treadmill companies will recommend lubrication as part of the machine’s regular maintenance, so check the owner’s manual for recommended lubricants.
NordicTrack also offers a great treadmill maintenance kit that we recommend keeping on-hand for ongoing maintenance protocols. It has everything you need for regular treadmill care, including a replacement treadmill key, lubricant packets, a cleaning towel, a spray bottle of treadmill belt cleaner, as well as a step-by-step cleaning guide.
Inconsistent Speed
If your treadmill isn’t responding to your speed requests, or its speed is all over the place, it may be a wiring issue. The speed sensor may not be communicating with the motor’s control board.
However, if it’s a calibration issue, you may need to manually recalibrate your machine’s speed. To do so, press the stop button and the increase speed button at the same time. Once the calibration mode is initiated, let go of the buttons and insert the safety key.
Now, you can adjust the speed. Increase the speed to the upper limit, remove the safety key from the console, and unplug the machine. Let the machine rest for a few minutes before plugging it back in. It’s important to note, too, that no one should stand on the treadmill belt while recalibrating the speed.
Speed still not working? The problem may be under the motor hood, which might require a call to customer support.
iFIT Not Working
Issues with the treadmill’s workout app can leave subscribers feeling frustrated. If the iFIT app on your NordicTrack console isn’t working, here’s what we recommend:
- Step One: Check that your Wi-Fi is working and reset your router.
- Step Two: If there are no problems with your Wi-Fi, check for any available firmware updates.
- Step Three: If none of the above steps worked, you may need to try a factory reset.
A helpful note: If your NordicTrack treadmill requires a firmware tune-up, do not turn off the machine while it’s downloading the update.
How to Factory Reset Your NordicTrack Treadmill
If your troubleshooting needs call for a factory reset, you may need a second set of hands, so grab a friend or workout buddy.
- Step One: Find the treadmill’s power source and turn it off.
- Step Two: Find the pinhole on the treadmill console. The pinhole is usually found on the side or the back of your console, but if you have difficulty finding it, check your owner’s manual.
- Step Three: Once you’ve located the pinhole, insert a paperclip and hold it there while your partner in crime flips the power back on.
- Step Four: You can remove the paper clip as soon as the console’s screen lights up. After that, you should see the iFIT logo on your touchscreen and something like “system recovery: please wait.” It may take over 30 minutes to complete the onboarding process.
- Step Five: If the factory reset was successful, you’ll be prompted to reconnect your Wi-Fi and re-enter your personal information.
- Step Six: Last but not least, your NordicTrack treadmill will automatically update to the latest software.
It’s also important to note that factory resets are only compatible with the latest firmware; specifically, firmware versions 7.1 or higher. If your treadmill model has a USB or HDMI port, a factory reset will not work.
When All Else Fails, Contact NordicTrack Support
If our tips haven’t helped you and you’re still having issues, the last step we recommend is to directly contact NordicTrack’s support team for assistance.
If you visit the support page, you can reach out via live chat, text message, or phone. We also recommend checking your warranty, as NordicTrack generally has good warranty coverage on its treadmills. If you need repairs or replacement components, it may be covered by your warranty.
How to Troubleshoot NordicTrack Treadmills: Final Thoughts
Technology advancements have opened up a whole new world for runners, allowing us to do all kinds of workouts right from the convenience of our own abodes. Between treadmills, ellipticals, and other pieces of cardio exercise equipment, we can train rain or shine.
That said, with these technological advances come potential treadmill problems that may require some troubleshooting help. Common problems with treadmills may involve their motors, running belts, console displays, and motor control boards. Thankfully, it’s possible to fix many of these issues at home.
Of course, taking care of your treadmill and proactively protecting it from typical issues that may arise with age and use is beneficial. Keep your treadmill in good shape by practicing regular treadmill maintenance and plugging it into a surge suppressor.
- Your treadmill model will determine the steps needed for troubleshooting issues.
- Don’t throw away the machine’s user manual! You may need it for troubleshooting one day.
- Always turn off the treadmill’s power before adjusting any wires or electrical components.
- Many issues can be fixed by simply unplugging the power cord from the electrical outlet and letting the machine sit for a few minutes before plugging it back in.
- A factory reset only involves a couple of steps, but you’ll need a paperclip and a second set of hands.
How to Troubleshoot NordicTrack Treadmill: FAQs
Why does my treadmill turn on but not run?
NordicTrack treadmills, while known for their excellent quality, are not immune to the occasional glitch. If your treadmill isn’t working, it could be an issue with its power cord or wire connection, calibration, belt, or even the treadmill motor, among other things.
Where is the reset button on a NordicTrack machine?
The reset button on a NordicTrack treadmill is actually a tiny pinhole on the side or back of the machine’s console. However, most NordicTrack models require two steps to complete a factory reset.
Can a NordicTrack treadmill be fixed?
Many common problems for NordicTrack treadmills can be easily fixed at home through simple troubleshooting steps. However, if you cannot fix a problem on your own, you can rely on your NordicTrack warranty for added support.
