Burning Smell Coming From A Treadmill - Treadmill Doctor

[@louieluna3039]

Thank you very much, Doctor. Your explanation was very interesting and helpful. So far I have watched two of your presentations and because of them I understand and appreciate my treadmill a lot more than ever.

[@ladyassassin1082]

This can also be a problem for a heavier person do to the friction and the deck which more than likely means the workouts would have have to be spread out to avoid the burning smell

[@treadmilldoctor]

Here is a helpful link for this issue - www.treadmilldoctor.com/burning-smell This is typically caused by excessive friction between the belt and deck.

[@squeek-]

I have a treadmill that recently put out a burning smell. I immediately unplugged, removed the plastic panel and looked over the components. On many treadmills, there are 3 major components - circuit board, the motor for the main tread, and the motor for the incline. The motor for the incline had overheated because it was going from lowest to highest, with myself standing on it, which is a tremendous load for such a small motor. I even put my hand over it and felt the heat resonating from that incline motor. If you use the incline, make sure that you set an angle before stepping on the tread and if you want to change it while you are on it, make sure to do it SLOWLY AND GRADUALLY INCREASE IN SMALL BUMPS.

[@Dntmusicreview]

What did you do to fix the incline issue? The same thing happened to me. I went from lowest to highest include e and suddenly heard a pop followed by a spark .I unplugged it and now I'm desperately trying to find a solution Now the treadmill does not even move at all when I turn it on.

[@squeek-]

@@Dntmusicreview After unplugging from the wall, I did not use for a week. When I came back to it, no sparks and moving fine. I am praying it stays that way, but the situation is uncertain. For now, it seems to be fine though.

[@edburns00]

SOLVED: Just had to lubricate the deck. Description: I had the burning smell, but I observed it only started after about 40 minutes of brisk walking. Sometimes it would even seize up and the belt would stop. At first I thought it was the controller board, then I thought it was the motor, then I learned that standard maintenance includes lubricating the deck. I've been walking on this treadmill nearly every WFH day since 2011 and never did a single bit of maintenance to it. I lubed the deck and then I didn't have the burning smell.

[@byEvaloren]

Ed Burns where did you get your lube from?

[@pinkkvelvet]

Where is the deck mines doing just exactly that

[@edburns00]

As far as I am aware, "the deck" is just the surface on which the belt glides. I bought the lube at treadmill doctor.

[@pinkkvelvet]

Thank you very very much I’m clueless with the treadmill unless it’s for walking haha I will be purchasing the lubricant.

[@edburns00]

Keep walking!

[@Silviandre]

Hello, i have a Pro Form PF 3.6, never had problems, but about 6 months ago i thought i should take better care of it and bought silicone to lubricate the walking belt. Since then... the problem started and after 20 minutes of use it starts with that burning smell. I realized today that this model does not require lub and the brand does not recommend it. So my question is how can i clean this, hoping it will be ok again. Appreciate your help! thxs

[@treadmilldoctor]

All walking/running belts will have to be lubed at some point. There is simply no such thing as a "No Maintenance Belt". See Video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqXJnqxshppoi8U . Manufacturers use to use that as a selling point to sell more units. Lubing the belt wouldn't cause that issue unless you used the wrong type of lube. Walking belts are a wear item that need to be replaced every few years. If the belt is over 5 years old then it is likely just worn and needs to be replaced, especially if you haven't lubed it at all until 6 months ago.

[@KG-rp1ck]

Hello I have a life fitness 9500 HR treadmill. I was using it today and it made a weird noise and slowed down and smelled like burnt rubber. I unplugged the machine from the wall but the smell is remaining. I was using it at an incline for intervals and replaced my belt a few months ago. It was lubricated when it was replaced. Do you know what the issue could be? I really need this treadmill. I use it 5-6 days a week.

[@treadmilldoctor]

Have you checked the control board and wiring down by the motor for any burning or charring? It is likely an issue with the drive motor or motor controller. Does the machine power back on? If not, check the motor controller down by the motor to see if any LEDs are lit on the board.

[@KG-rp1ck]

⁠​⁠@@treadmilldoctor I took the cover off to expose the motor and didn’t see any charring or signs of burning. I haven’t plugged it back in because I was scared it would start a fire. I will plug it in and test it out when I get home from work. Thank you for responding so swiftly as well. I really appreciate it. I will update you as soon as it test it out.

[@Duck4212]

I purchased a new Sole F80 treadmill in January 2014 and it ran fine for a while. About a year later I noticed a plastic type of smell coming from the motor compartment after I used the treadmill for 30-60 minutes for walking. I opened the motor compartment but the motor was way to hot to touch. The electronics appear to be ok with no visible sign of heat damage. I checked the belt tension and I have lubed the treadmill more than three times and I still get that smell. As a test I walked on the belt near the sides and I notice an ease at which the belt moves. I then step onto the middle of the belt and I notice a greater resistance and a slowing of the belt. I haven't checked but I believe that the motors is drawing more amps in an effort to supply the power to overcome the resistance. The treadmill is only a year and a half old ( I have been walking an average of 4 miles per day). Could the belt be worn out already? What do you suggest I do?

[@auntyelaine781]

Mine is the same...more power if i walk on the side of the belt than in the middle.....did you find out what causes it? my motor is hot too and i smell burning

[@OGkush69x]

@@auntyelaine781 did u guys find a fix ?

[@auntyelaine781]

@@OGkush69x no i threw it out and bought a new one

[@Snek03]

Mine is smelling burnt after 30 min of walking also. Did you find what’s causing it?

[@Duck4212]

@@Snek03 yes, my walking belt was damaged and causing too much friction causing the motor to draw more amps and over heat. I replaced the walking belt and that corrected the problem.

[@oooweebaby4483]

Got a 20 year old treadmill that puts off a terrible burning smell lately. I aired out all the components and tried to remove as much dust as possible from the motor but come 30 mins, that burning smell starts up and fills the garage. Maybe beyond economical for repairs this old trying to scout down those parts. I notice the belt skips a lot on the lowest speed when it used to be smooth as a whistle before. Tried lubing the underside with industrial silicon lubricant spray but that belt skip seems to be the motor which is probably working twice as hard as it should. The smell is a sign of danger, don't push it.

[@charlescharles6370]

Sir how to solve the(lose speed) issue in spirit model treadmill

[@treadmilldoctor]

Are you getting the LS1 error?

[@Arksguys]

​@@treadmilldoctorI have a everfit 420mm and recently after 20 minutes I am getting burning smell. I lubricated the belt well but still no change. The motor is extremely hot to touch. Belt is warm when i touch. Also belt is in centre and not loose. But it does hesitate for when I start to work but gets ok after a while. Please help.

[@RealDannySlim]

Does it overheat from not lubing the belt? Proform Owner's manual said not to lube it after after you lube it with the stuff that came with it? It was 13 years old with 3,000 miles on it so I just got a new one! The belt with slowing down then it speed back up then it quit. It had slight smell by the motor housing.

[@treadmilldoctor]

Yes, it does overheat from not lubing the belt. Make sure you use a water based Silicon to lubricate the belt

[@kt114]

I have a pro form performance 400 and it’s emitting a smell and getting hot. I got some silicone lube and lubed it up but it’s still slipping and stopping and smelling after a while. I also noticed it getting really hot in the middle of the walking belt area as well as on the left side of the hood. Opened it up and checked the motor drive belt and it was fine nothing wrong with it. I did notice some gunk on the roller though. Some black dust around the treadmill as well. Maybe coming from the walking belt? Adjusting the walking belt seemed to help for a little while but then the smell and heat came back and it stopped and shut off. Usually it stops but doesn’t shut off.

[@treadmilldoctor]

This machine needs a walking belt and possibly a deck too. It's a friction issue

[@lenbalasa9492]

Have an 15 year old Proform 770 ekg treadmill that was overheating and shutting down at around 25 minutes of use. Got on it the next day and it ran for another 25 minutes and shut down again. From the start of this problem it seemed the motor was the problem as it was extremely hot to the touch. The sears technician replaced the controller board, the drive belt and the walking belt then lubricated the belt. The next day the treadmill ran for about 25 minutes and shut down. I noticed the same smell as a iron would give when the setting was on high heat sitting on an ironing board. The motor was extremely hot to the touch. By deduction, the motor was the only component that wasn’t replaced. Because the technician could never successfully repair the treadmill, I got all my money refunded. The tech never removed any of the newly installed components so everything is new except the motor. Could there be another issue than a worn out motor? The new motor is available on Amazon for $165.

[@73superglide62]

have proform tread turn on the swich and the runns very fast and motor sparking from the brushes

[@sarahkroese9030]

I took over someone else's treadmill and they said they never had any issues with it. I only used it once and after 20 minutes it started omitting a burning smell and some smoke, from the front of the treadmill. I used an extension cord because the treadmill's cord is way too short to plug into the wall, anywhere in my house. Could the electrical cord be the cause and if so, how do i solve this?

[@treadmilldoctor]

This is most likely due to excessive friction between the belt and deck from a worn walking belt. It is not recommended to use an extension cord, but I don't think that is what is causing this issue. Here is a test you can run - www.treadmilldoctor.com/dc-amp-draw Do you have the full model number off the machine?

[@sarahkroese9030]

@@treadmilldoctor thank you. I'll have to try that. I also suspected friction, but the previous owner said they never had an issue (they couldn't use it anymore due to a back injury). That's why I'm trying to figure out what else it could be. I can't look up the number at the moment, it's pretty late now, where I live. I'll unfold it in the morning to check. The model is an Easy Up treadmill with a Dunlop belt. I did buy a new, shorter and very powerful extension cord, one that can handle a treadmill, because there's nowhere in the house for me to plug it in otherwise and most people that I know that own a treadmill also use an extension cord without issues 🤷

[@treadmilldoctor]

Okay, sounds good. Let me know how it goes!

[@sarahkroese9030]

​@@treadmilldoctorI lubricated the belt, as per instructions. After 15-20 minutes it still produces a burning smell. It's just the belt that feels warm to the touch, not even hot. The motor doesn't get warm at all. I also realigned the belt, as it was too much to the right. Still no change. Could the smell just simply be residu? And if so, now long would that last?!

[@treadmilldoctor]

Were you able to run the DC amp Draw test? Do you happen to know how old the belt is? They typically need to be replaced every 5-7 years on average. It is one of the most common issues people have with their machines.

[@zro1483]

Hey I have a proform 365e and when I plug it in without the key inserted and it starts by itself...what do u think it is.? Please I need some help.?

[@scfrhc9131]

My treadmill motor burned up. There was smoke and perhaps even some fire. My son was using it. He is very rough as he is autistic. I'd used it for over ten years without any major problems but within a year of his use, there are so many problems that I am no longer able to get it insured. A few months ago the motor burned out and was replaced. Now again the motor is burned out. The motor was replaced again but immediately a new loud humming sound came from the walking belt. This is definitely a new sound. Was not there before. The belt does not look worn at all. It too, is relatively new. The board underneath the walking belt is also in good condition. In spite of the sound, I kept walking but soon the air got smokey and electrical burning smells fill- ed the air. The smell seemed to emanate from the transformer. My initial concern, which I now believe is justified, was that the motor was not the originator problem but rather the result.of some other breakdown in the system. Any thoughts?

[@scfrhc9131]

Looks like the problem may be the "controller". This is the electrical gadget just to the right of the motor on the other side of the "incline motor". That controller usually burns up when the motor goes and if it isn't replaced the new motor will not last long as it is trying to function through a damaged controller. This is exactly what happened. The motor, which just burned up, was only replaced 6 months ago and the controller was not replaced. And so it goes...

[@nidalshehadeh9084]

ProForm 530 X it comes on then shuts down by itself is there any easy fix thanks

[@GamingConsolesRepair]

Replace the circuit board or look for bad components

[@shikataylor6940]

@@GamingConsolesRepair Could you please fix mine it has a burning smell now it won't move but powers on

[@shahnazgoedar2408]

While i was walking on my treathmill it suddenly went off no reaction nothing . Please help me. I need my treathmill. Is there a shortcircuit possible . Does it have A fuse?

[@shahnazgoedar2408]

It is a proform sport 4.0

[@treadmilldoctor]

Shut down during workout? Could be a worn walking belt, see link - www.treadmilldoctor.com/shuts-down-during-a-workout

[@treadmilldoctor]

Do you have the full model number off the machine? The model number is located at the base of the machine, usually up front by the power switch or if it is a fold up unit underneath on the frame and should start with PFTL or 831

[@dtanoli]

What is the Error 02 shown by Treadmill?and its after the burning smell from the Treadmill.what is the solution?

[@sebusiek]

You are assuming that people have crystal ball and know what treadmill manufacturer and model you have? Different manufacturers have different error codes.

[@Lisa-im2mp]

I'm hoping someone can help me. I have a Preform J6 treadmill. Most likely 14 years old. My husband moved it into another room and now it's not working. I have to play with the switch for it to turn on, all 8's show up on the screen and you can smell a burning smell. I'd appreciate any advice as to whether it's worth repairing due to it's age. Thank you.

[@treadmilldoctor]

A common problem when the machine is moved is that the upright wire can get pinched, or a connection can come loose. There is a wire that goes from the motor controller (circuit board by the motor) to the console and it runs through the user right side upright. Check this wire and the connections on each end.

[@djlovenlive3920]

Wondering if you could advise... My Fuel 63 treadmill belt was slipping as I ran, so I disconnected the machine and adjusted the belt as instructed in the manual... However when I was about 40 minutes into my run the treadmill just started speeding up on its own to maximum velocity and only stopped when I removed the safety key... Since then every time I switch the treadmill on I just goes straight to full velocity without me touching any buttons, then cuts out and it just repeats the same sequence (Speeding up and cutting of and so on) until I disconnect the key!!! Absolutely baffling!!! Can you help ??

[@anthonygarza3631]

Sounds like you speed sensor is off

[@djlovenlive3920]

@@anthonygarza3631 Thanks Anthony... How do you mean off ?? Off line with the Magnet or off as in Not Working ?? And do you have any suggestions on how to correct the problem ?? Thanks

[@anthonygarza3631]

@@djlovenlive3920 I would unplug the treadmill and adjust the speed sensor and wipe it clear of any dust to make sure there is no dust that could be interfering with the speed sensor and the magnets on the wheel. There should be plenty of videos to make things more clear. Search "treadmill speed sensor" adjustment

[@djlovenlive3920]

@@anthonygarza3631 Thanks... Will do... 👍

[@horstlauer5368]

Mine comes to a Stop if i lower the Speed less then 3 kmh.When i start d Machine again it doesnt works.I have to wait couple of hours,then it starts again.Above 4 kmh works proper.When it stops it says E1

[@tamalanorvell4792]

I just puchased a Merax L510C Folding Electric Treadmill 2 days ago. Attempted to use it today and there is smoke coming from the motor area. Is this normal for a new treadmill or is it defective?

[@mgunde]

Lol, normal no, needs a oil change.

[@oooweebaby4483]

@@mgunde Where's the oil cap?

[@Anunnaki12P]

My treadmill only makes noise when under tension, it sounds like the noise is coming from a small box next to the motor. any ideas??

[@oliverpearson1577]

The trouble with a lot of treadmills is that the components are made in China. Motors manufactured in China typically have low grade copper inside them, and they tend to fail within 18 months. Don't make the same mistake I did and get a treadmill with at least a two year warranty!

[@brotcon]

You are sooo right man, I knew the moment I ordered that treadmill and it said made in China that I got scammed…

[@Jomuerudoumandanberarumino]

I accidentally dropped my phone right on top of i believe is called motor? It had a burning smell after 4 mins of use and i immediately shut it off

[@eumesmo-kd1tr]

Thanks doctor

[@dstooz]

I'm not sure if I'll get a response to this as the video is so old but I have recently started using my treadmill quite a lot and noticed a few things. 1) The belt will slip/stick when I put too much pressure down. I've gotten quite heavy which is why I'm starting to use it a lot again. When someone lighter uses it, it doesn't seem to have that issue. 2) This burning smell started to happen during the last 3 times I used it. First, it was after about 80 minutes of slow walking with heavy incline intervals, then after about the same time period alternating between incline intervals and slow to speed walking. Then last night after about 50 minutes of speed walking. So my question is, do you think the two issues could be combined? Perhaps my belt is too tight and it's causing friction which is leading to that smell after a long period of time? I'm going to purchase some treadmill lube and readjust the belt tightness so I'm hoping that works. However, if it does not, what should I do in order to fix this relatively inexpensively? Thank you :)

[@quinnwebb8976]

All treadmills have a weight capacity. Generally, 300lbs. If too much weight is placed on the belt, it will overheat.

[@jaspel681]

conformal coating

[@felonstofreedom597]

wat if I can stop my motor by hand

[@brodan3113]

How to fix the treadmill motor is heating ang smell burn

[@GamingConsolesRepair]

They need a voltage regulator

[@symon3003]

thanks heaps replaced board easy fix....saved $$$😆

[@JokerdanFF]

Good

[@SaintDiaz]

My girlfriend's treadmill smelled like burnt rubber and then started smoking so i unplugged it

[@treadmilldoctor]

That could be the motor overheating because of the friction between the belt and deck. Can you start the machine with no-one on it and let it run?

[@nitrousman8882]

@@treadmilldoctor glad to see you’re still responding to questions. My treadmill motor got so hot at one of the brushes that it melted the plastic brush cap. I’ve replaced the brushes but didn’t clean up the commutator. It is covered with graphite. Any thoughts? It’s a 3hp McMillan motor on a Pacemaster platinum pro vet. Thanks. Doug

[@bblythe1988]

You know I don't know

[@charlescharles6370]

Sir how to solve the(lose speed) issue in spirit model treadmill

[@treadmilldoctor]

Are you getting the LS1 error?

[@charlescharles6370]

Sir (Lose speed ) the word only shows the display, but any other switches, program settings not working. including Stop switch also not working in Lose speed showing in display,only emergency switch use treadmill Stop. What the reason problem came sir.

[@treadmilldoctor]

Can you send me a photo of what you're seeing on the display, email it to me at mike.easterling@ treadmilldoctor.com