When you encounter broken fitness equipment at your local gym, chances are you hop off, find a different machine, and give management a heads-up. Unfortunately, that scenario doesn’t work with your fitness equipment at home. When your home treadmill spits out error codes, makes strange noises, or becomes unresponsive, it’s time to do some troubleshooting to determine the problem. 

Horizon Fitness is well-regarded in the fitness equipment industry, known for producing quality, affordable equipment like ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes — but even the best treadmills need a little TLC sometimes. Read on for some troubleshooting tips on how to fix a Horizon treadmill.

Troubleshooting a Horizon Treadmill

Horizon Fitness caters to a range of budgets and fitness needs with their basic model, the Horizon T101 treadmill, as well as mid-range and high-end models for those with more robust needs.

Regardless of which model you own, Horizon’s treadmill troubleshooting is somewhat similar across most of their models; the Go Series (T101, T202, and T303) and the Studio Series (7.0 AT, 7.4 AT, and 7.8 AT). Let’s jump into some common problems and how to resolve them.

Consult the Owner’s Manual

When determining your treadmill’s issue, Google could be your best (or worst) friend depending on how reliable your search results are. The best place to look for specific and accurate instructions on how to fix the issue in your particular model is in your owner’s manual. If your manual is nowhere to be found, Horizon’s manuals are listed in PDF form on their website.

Check the Power Source

Oftentimes, fixing an issue with your treadmill is as simple as ensuring the power cord is securely plugged into the electrical outlet (and that the electrical outlet is active). Ensure your power source is active before delving deep into user manuals and how-to guides.

Is the Safety Key Connected?

An issue with a Horizon treadmill’s safety key will result in dashes, 8s, or a “safety key off” message in the display window. For slot-style and magnet-style safety keys, ensure the key is fully inserted in the treadmill console. For magnet-style safety keys, test the magnet on a metal surface to make sure it’s still magnetized. 

If the safety key is damaged or lost, you’ll need to look into where you can get a replacement treadmill safety key. For models 7.0AT-03 or 7.0AT-04, the safety key process will look different, with instructions available on Horizon’s website. (1)

If the problem persists after you’ve fully inserted the safety key into the treadmill console and the key isn’t broken or damaged, it could be a failed reed switch, which could potentially require professional help.

Check Your Wi-Fi Signal

For models with Wi-Fi, it’s possible that your treadmill problem isn’t a treadmill problem at all, but rather an issue with your connectivity. Check your connection by completing the below steps.

• Restart Network: Turn off the router, wait for about 30 seconds, and then turn it back on. After the router has fully rebooted, try reconnecting the treadmill.
• Restart Treadmill: Turn off the treadmill, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi after restarting.
• Check Password: Double-check and re-enter the Wi-Fi password, ensuring there are no typos or errors.
• Check Router Configuration: The router settings, such as MAC address filtering or firewall settings, might be preventing the treadmill from connecting.

Make Software Updates

Making software updates is an important part of any electronic device. It can fix bugs or glitches, help with device pairing and app integration, optimize your equipment’s performance, increase security, and increase the lifespan of your treadmill by keeping it up to date.

If you’re unsure whether your equipment needs an update, contact Horizon’s customer technical support at 888-878-9011.

[Related: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review]

Error Codes

Treadmill troubleshooting can be tricky without the machine telling you exactly what is going on within the machine. Error codes aid in diagnosing common problems found in treadmills by giving you a specific message that indicates the issue.

These codes can vary by manufacturer and model, but Horizon treadmills share the same error codes across all models. 

E1 Error Code

The E1 error message is correlated with no running belt movement. The issue may be related to the belt’s alignment and tension or a lack of lubrication. Lubricating a treadmill and adjusting the treadmill belt are relatively simple DIY tasks that you should familiarize yourself with to ensure your fitness equipment stays in optimal condition.

E2 Error Code

Even if you love HIIT sessions, erratic speeds are probably not what you had in mind for your treadmill workout. The E2 error code signals that something is off with your speed and it could be a result of various malfunctions. 

The E2 error code can be caused by a failed speed sensor, motor control board, drive motor, or optic sensor, but can also be caused by minor issues like improper tension in the walking belt, a need for calibration, inadequate power, inadequate lube, or cellular signal interference. 

MCB LED Error Code

The MCB (Motor Control Board) error code on a Horizon treadmill indicates an issue related to the treadmill’s motor control board. This board is responsible for controlling the speed and power of the treadmill motor. 

MCB LED error codes can stem from issues with the motor, the incline motor, the optical encoder, or the motor control board itself so professional help may be necessary. 

It’s worth noting that the number of times the LED blinks on a digital MCB has a meaning. See what they mean below. (2)

• If it blinks once, it’s working normally. 
• If it blinks twice, the issue relates to the optical encoder. 
• If it blinks three times, the treadmill is experiencing a motor current overload. 
• If it blinks four times, the motor is damaged or was pushed too hard. 
• If it blinks five times, the safety key isn’t plugged in. 
• If it blinks six times, the incline motor is stuck or damaged. 
• If it blinks seven times, there is a disconnect between the console and the motor control board. 
• If it blinks eight times, there is a disconnect between the incline motor and motor control board. 

[Related: Best Treadmills for Running]

Stuck Key Error Codes

If the console displays an error code when the treadmill is turned on, it can mean that there is a stuck key in the keypad. You’ll need to make sure your treadmill is up to date on its software version to display the new error codes.

DIY Treadmill Repair

Many common problems with a treadmill can be resolved yourself. This can include performing a factory reset, unplugging the machine and plugging it back in, checking the Wi-Fi signal, or applying some lube.

“Treadmills are generally tech-heavy, complex machines,” BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto says, reminding us that not all repairs can be done without professional help. Before you call in reinforcements, though, here are some common problems that can be done on your own. 

Treadmill Reset

Performing a treadmill reset can resolve minor glitches and clear error codes, but should only be performed when necessary since it will restore the factory settings and wipe all data.

Resetting a treadmill will vary between makes and models. Before committing to a hard reset, try the below tips to resolve the issue. 

• Turn the power off, wait a few minutes, and turn it back on.
• Check the power cord and power supply
• Update firmware version
• Secure the safety key
• Check Wi-Fi connection

The reset process for Horizon treadmills will vary depending on the model. See our guide on how to reset a treadmill or consult your owner’s manual for assistance. 

Securing Console Cables

Loose or unplugged wires and cables can cause glitches and malfunctions in your treadmill. Before checking these, unplug the treadmill from the wall outlet and wait 60 seconds to discharge built-up energy. 

Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions but in general, you’ll want to remove the console cover and motor cover, route the cables properly, and ensure the cables aren’t pinched or squeezed. You may want to utilize cable ties, clips, or brackets to assist in securing the console cables.

Running Belt Adjustment

Adjusting the treadmill belt is another required maintenance task that is relatively easy and can be done without the help of a professional.

A walking belt that is slipping, sliding, moving to one side, worn on one side, or making strange noises may need a quick belt adjustment.

Treadmill Belt Lubrication

Lubricating a treadmill is an easy maintenance task to keep your treadmill running smoothly. Some high-end brands like Precor use a self-lubricating belt system that reduces the need for regular lubrication. Most treadmill owners, though, will want to have one of the best treadmill lubricants handy. 

While we recommend lubricating your treadmill running belt at least every three months to ensure it’s performing at its highest level, your treadmill’s climate, usage, weight, and other factors can affect how often you should lubricate. 

When to Opt for Professional Repair

Due to the complex nature of electronics, technology, and mechanics in a treadmill, some issues are best left in the hands of professionals. Generally speaking, issues with circuit boards, treadmill motors, incline motors, complex electronics, and delicate sensors should be handled with professional care.

Faulty Treadmill Motor 

A treadmill motor is the muscle behind the moving parts of the machinery. A faulty treadmill motor is a serious issue that needs the attention of a professional. In some cases, parts can be found on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, but installation can be tricky and cause further damage if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

Circuit Board Issues

Similar to the motor acting as the muscle in a treadmill, the circuit board acts as the brain. If you’ve already reset the circuit breaker, checked the power cord and cables, and performed a factory reset, but something’s still funky with the electronics, it might be time to call a technician. 

Burning Smell

If you notice a burning smell while you’re on the treadmill, immediately turn off the power and unplug the machine. Sometimes, a burning smell is the result of friction between the belt and deck, and can be fixed with a little lubricant and some general cleaning. It can also, however, be an indication that there’s an electrical issue that requires the attention of a professional. 

Final Word

Horizon treadmills are an industry favorite for affordability, durability, and ease of use. Heck, Horizon’s 7.4 AT model even made our list of the best-cushioned treadmills! But as it is with all treadmills, sometimes things can go awry. With so many makes and models on the market, treadmill troubleshooting can be tricky. Before calling a treadmill doctor, try simple tasks like consulting your owner’s manual, checking the power source, verifying Wi-Fi connections, securing the safety key, and making software updates.

If your fitness equipment is giving you an error code, correlate the code with the potential problems from the manual. If it’s something that can be fixed on your own, follow the steps to resolve the issue. For bigger issues with motors, technology, and electronics, contact a professional technician who can properly diagnose and resolve the issue.

How to Fix a Horizon Treadmill FAQs

References

1. Anderson, M. (2022, June 20). Service Bulletin: Console Flashes “Safety Key Off.” Horizon Fitness. https://shorturl.at/AUpYA
2. Horizon Fitness. (2022). MCB LED Blink Code. https://shorturl.at/iPgy6