When it comes to home gym equipment, the best ProForm treadmills can stand toe to toe with the category’s heaviest hitters by providing engaging workouts, top-notch performance, and respectable price points. Naturally, though, breakdowns can occur over time, especially when you rely on the machine for your daily calorie-burning sessions. Rather than fretting over a large repair bill or putting your ProForm out to pasture, why not get your hands dirty and repair your tread yourself?

Of course, not every ProForm issue will be resolvable with your own willpower and trusty user manual — some jobs are just too big for the average athlete. To help you understand how to fix a ProForm treadmill and which dilemmas call for using your product warranty coverage, we’ve outlined some common ProForm treadmill issues below and how to go about getting your fitness equipment up and running again (pun intended).

Troubleshooting Common ProForm Treadmill Issues

Treadmill problems can range from the simple to the complex, regardless of your chosen brand of exercise equipment. After all, Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, comments, “Treadmills are generally tech-heavy, complex machines.” However, don’t let that notion scare you from tackling some of these issues on your own. Grab your owner’s manual and read on for some tips on how to resolve some of the more common treadmill dilemmas that can pop up across your ProForm treadmill.

Slipping Treadmill Belt

Having your treadmill belt in good, operating condition is pivotal to your training experience. Whether using your treadmill for running, walking, jogging, or a mix of different paces, having a belt that’s off-kilter can do just the same to your workouts.

Oftentimes, you can fix a slipping belt by looking at its tension. With the treadmill turned off, lift the belt at both sides near the center of the running deck. The belt should raise easily to 2 or 3 inches above the deck. If you can lift the belt higher, the belt tension is too loose, and vice versa for a belt that’s too tight across the rollers. Refer to your user manual for your ProForm model number’s specific instructions on how to adjust a treadmill belt.

A slipping belt can also be the result of too much or too little lubrication. Use a silicone treadmill lubricant and refer to your owner’s manual for proper preventative maintenance. Typically, this is a good practice to follow every three to six months across your ProForm tread’s lifespan.

Finally, if the above steps haven’t corrected your slip issues, it could be that your belt has bit the dust through regular wear and tear. Refer to your warranty coverage to see if your package can send a replacement, or shop for a replacement belt using your ProForm’s model number. For more information on the actual installation, check out our guide on how to replace a treadmill belt.

Erratic Speed

A ProForm treadmill with erratic speed can be a lot like sputtering down the road in your car — not exactly the most fun (or safe) ride out there. A first solution is to look at where your tread is sitting within your training space. You’ll want the profile to rest on level flooring, which may call for some adjustments to the stabilizer legs (if available) or a complete rearranging of your home gym.

Next, skim through your treadmill’s user manual and find the recommended speed setting for your ProForm. While standing off the running deck, dial in this pace and observe the belt for a few minutes. If your belt doesn’t have any markings, it can also be wise to use a white or silver marker to give you a better visual of any hitching or side-to-side movement during the belt’s revolutions.

If you do notice some hitching or erratic movement, then the issue could be tied to your belt’s performance. Read through your owner’s manual for the proper steps for tensioning, alignment, lubrication, and (potentially) replacement. If no running belt issues arise during this observation, it could mean that electronics are the culprit.

We always recommend plugging your ProForm treadmill’s power cord directly into an outlet with a dedicated circuit breaker — don’t use an extension cord to power your machine. If this doesn’t resolve your speed issue, your problem may stem from your treadmill motor. Look at your warranty or get in touch with ProForm’s customer service to inquire about potential repairs or replacement parts.

Display Errors

A handful of ProForm treadmills — like the ProForm Pro 9000 — feature large touchscreen displays that, according to Capritto, “offer an escape from the boredom of the ‘dreadmill,’” with interactive programming and entertainment services. These consoles are also where you’ll view your speed and incline settings as well as performance metrics including time, calories burned, and more. As such, a faulty treadmill console can be quite the nuisance in training.

Double check to ensure that your tread is plugged into an appropriate outlet and inspect the safety key. While simple enough, ensuring you’re powered up properly can often be the only solution needed for display errors.

If you’re good to go on the power front yet still getting error codes, you can try to reset your treadmill by letting it sit unplugged and turned off for a few minutes. Restart the machine according to your user manual for proper calibration. You can also perform a full factory reset. For more information on this process, be sure to read our guide on how to reset a ProForm treadmill.

Issues with iFIT

ProForm is part of the ICON Health and Fitness Group, which also owns NordicTrack. Like the best NordicTrack treadmills, ProForm treads have access to the iFIT training platform, which offers over 17,000 on-demand workouts across multiple disciplines and specialties. Honestly, it’s one of the main benefits to choosing a ProForm or NordicTrack machine over others, so keeping the service in working condition is a must for regular training.

If you’re experiencing issues with the iFIT app, a simple connection restart could be in order. Unplug your Wi-Fi router and disconnect for roughly 20 to 30 seconds. Once your network is up and running again, reconnect your ProForm treadmill to see if that resolves the issue.

You also may need to update your treadmill’s software to ensure your iFIT connection is operating at full capacity. Look on the ProForm website to ensure your operating system is up to date. A factory reset to your tread’s circuit board could also be in order, so be sure to check your user manual for proper instructions.

[Related: iFIT Review]

Burning Smell

A burning smell emanating from your ProForm treadmill can be a scary experience, but don’t think that your training progress is completely up in flames. First, immediately hit your tread’s power switch, unplug from the outlet, and shut everything down. You don’t want to give room for larger issues to arise as you examine your machine.

Oftentimes, burning odors can be related to high areas of friction. Check your treadmill belt’s tension and apply a few dabs of one of the best treadmill lubricants to alleviate any tautness or rubbing along the treadmill deck. 

It can also be wise to clean around the treadmill and underneath the motor cover at this time. A rogue toy, shoe, or gym bag could have found its way underneath the belt, leading to excessive rubbing. Plus, collecting dust and debris can also lead to excessive strain, especially around the motor spindle and internal components, so a quick vacuuming can be helpful, too.

If your burning smell isn’t the result of a taut belt or dirty home gym setup, it could be linked to a power surge or electrical issue, in which it can be best to consult with ProForm customer service for assistance.

When to Call Customer Support

While there are a number of treadmill repairs that can be DIY, there are some issues that are a bit beyond the average handyman’s skill set. Diving into more complicated issues across your treadmill’s control board, motor, or other electrical components can potentially void the warranty, too, so it can be best to consult with the brand over potential solutions in these circumstances. 

Thankfully, ProForm does a good job of supplying you with a robust warranty package — 10-year frame, two-year parts, and one-year labor. This warranty aligns with our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto’s recommendations when choosing one of the best treadmills for your home gym cardio needs.

Preventative Treadmill Maintenance Tips

As with any piece of ProForm home gym equipment — including rowing machines, exercise bikes, and ellipticals — many treadmill issues can be avoided with a proper treadmill maintenance regimen. Like a tune-up for your car, keeping things in order on a scheduled basis can help ensure you get the best performance possible when it comes time to hop onto the deck for a sweat-inducing workout.

Your treadmill maintenance plan can start with a simple wipe down and cleaning after each training session. Take a disinfecting wipe and clean your treadmill’s side rails, display console, and treadmill belt to ensure everything is spick and span. You should also take note of any noises or smells and look to address them sooner rather than later.

We also recommend vacuuming and organizing around your treadmill once every few weeks to avoid any dust or debris build-up. This can help keep areas like the motor case and running deck clear of friction spots. A quick glance at your treadmill belt’s integrity can also be wise during these processes — look for any wear and tear that may have developed over time.

More involved steps like lubricating your walking belt, vacuuming the internal motor case, and examining your belt’s tension can be more periodic. We recommend performing these maintenance steps every three to six months.

Final Word

A ProForm treadmill can be an excellent addition to your home gym space, especially for athletes dedicated to running. As Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, puts it, “Running, jogging, and walking have numerous health benefits, particularly for your cardiovascular system and mental health.” So, when issues arise with your equipment, it can be beneficial to understand how to find solutions rather than sidelining your workout progress as you wait on hold with customer service.

Of course, some jobs will require expert support, but many common ProForm treadmill issues can be resolved simply by following the instructions laid out in your user manual. A proper treadmill maintenance regimen can also be worthwhile, especially if you plan on using the machine on a regular basis in training. A well-kept tread is a happy tread, so use these troubleshooting tips when needed, keep your ProForm profile clean and organized, and understand that breakdowns (while annoying) aren’t the complete collapse of your fitness goals.

FAQs: How to Fix a ProForm Treadmill