How to Fix a Treadmill Motor

Fixing a treadmill motor is sometimes possible without the help of a technician, but it depends on the root cause and difficulty of repairs needed. Common motor issues like overheating, strange noises, burning smells, jams in the belt, dysfunctional speed and/or incline controls, and sparks require repairs sooner rather than later. Keep reading to learn best practices in how to fix a treadmill motor.

How Long Does a Treadmill Motor Last?

Keeping your treadmill well-maintained through efforts like monthly vacuuming to prevent buildup of debris can go a long way in maximizing durability. Photo by: Jessica Jones / TreadmillReviews.net

A good treadmill motor should last between 7-12 years, and there are factors you can consider when shopping that indicate expected durability like roller size and weight capacity. To ensure your motor durability extends as long as possible, regular maintenance is key. Not only can small steps like monthly vacuuming of the motor housing prevent a host of technical issues, they also ensure you’re regularly observing your treadmill motor to identify obvious issues quickly. 

First Things First- Preliminary Steps Before Making Repairs

The motor is directly connected to the electrically-charged circuit board. Before attempting motor maintenance or repairs, first remove the safety key, and unplug the machine to avoid electrical shock. Also have your owner’s manual handy for quick reference. To remove the hood, you’ll most likely need a screwdriver, but some are able to be removed without any tools.

Visual Inspection

Fans within the motor enclosure pull in dirt and debris, and it can quickly build up. This treadmill motor is at risk of numerous issues including overheating. Photo by: Jessica Jones / TreadmillReviews.net

A visual inspection of the motor and control board can provide a quick indicator of obvious issues. A very common cause for treadmill motor malfunction is a buildup of dirt and debris. If this is the case, vacuum the motor enclosure. Another plainly evident issue is the presence of burn marks on the circuit board. This indicates burnt out resistors and a need to replace the board.

Warranty Check

If your motor is still under warranty, you can save hundreds by taking advantage of protection provided by the manufacturer. Make sure you have your make and model number readily available before calling customer service to initiate a warranty claim.

Common Motor Problems and Repairs

Excessive Noise, Overheating, and Burning Smell

Nine times out of ten, strange noises, overheating, and burning smells are the direct result of a lack of regular maintenance. While there are numerous root causes, a buildup of dirt and debris within the motor enclosure is a possibility. Simply vacuuming the area can often do the trick. While you’re at it, this can be a good time to lubricate the belt if it’s been awhile as this can also help clear up this issue.

Sparks

Treadmill motor brushes are small electrical conductors that direct electricity from the stationary to the rotating wires. When they wear out, they can cause sparks to fly out from the motor encasement, an alarming event when you’re in the middle of a workout. It’s recommended to replace motor brushes every 10 years or 1,000 hours of use, whichever comes first.

Lack of Power to Motor

A motor that won’t start may not be worn out. Ruling out issues with the control board can save you time and money. Photo by: Jessica Jones / TreadmillReviews.net

Issues with the controller board can prevent power from reaching the motor. If your treadmill belt won’t move at all when you turn it on, motor replacement may not be necessary. Since the motor usually costs hundreds of dollars, it’s important to rule out control board issues first.

Disconnect the red and black wires from the control board, and connect them to an external power source like a car or power tool battery. If the belt moves when you make the connection, the problem is with the control board, not the motor. This diagnostic can be dangerous if you don’t have experience, so contact a qualified technician if you’re not confident in your ability to safely perform the test.

Replacing the Motor

Even with regular maintenance, treadmill motors don’t last forever. If your motor has burnt out, replacing it can be a more cost-efficient choice over buying a new treadmill. If you’re not confident in your ability to replace it yourself, it can be worth it to hire a qualified technician. Otherwise, there are some general steps to replacing a treadmill drive motor that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.

The specs sticker on my NordicTrack X22i isn’t visible, but I was able to capture a picture by slipping my phone between the back of the motor and the bottom of the enclosure. Photo by: Jessica Jones / TreadmillReviews.net

Make sure you purchase the appropriate motor for your treadmill. Start by locating the model and manufacturer information located on the label. If the label is out of sight, you can often slip your phone behind the motor to snap a photo and access this information. I recommend purchasing your replacement motor directly from the manufacturer, but you can often find good deals on Amazon. If you do choose not to buy from the manufacturer, make sure you:

• Have located a replacement that’s the correct brand or a compatible generic brand
• Take time to read reviews from other customers before you buy
• Check for a warranty understanding that 10+ years indicate highest quality standards

DIY vs. Professional Installation

If you’re mechanically-inclined and feel confident in doing so, you can get your treadmill back up and running pretty quickly when you install a replacement motor yourself. When in doubt, it’s best to leave the job up to an expert.

The Bottom Line

There are many reasons a treadmill motor may not be operating properly, and calling the manufacturer with your make and model number handy is a good last-ditch effort. They can walk you through troubleshooting tips unique to your treadmill and help you place an order for replacement parts guaranteed to work with your treadmill. Your best course of action, of course, is to prevent problems in the first place through regular treadmill motor maintenance and develop a solid understanding of treadmill motor mechanics and variables.