Sole Elliptical E95 Stuck on High Resistance Fix

[@bubsnews]

Guys, this works! However, the tension cable will jump off the wheel again and again. I've resolved mine by attaching a twist tie to the tension cable and then attaching that to the chassis. Look at 2:08 of this video, you will see the servo assembly with the wheel, the tension cable, and a black piece of chassis metal with a small 1/8 inch hole. At the point in the tension cable near that hole, attach a twist tie on the cable and secure it to that hole. By forcing the tension cable over to the right, not allowing it to flop freely, I've prevented my tension cable from jumping off the servo wheel for almost 150 hours of use. Before, it would jump off about every 15 hours or so. Luck all...

[@charlieaf92]

Thanks for the tip!

[@stevepen]

Just bought one of these last night. Before putting it together I will attach the cable to that hole to prevent this from happening. Looks like keeping the tension cable in line with the wheel it attaches to is key to keeping it from jumping off. Thanks for the tip!!!

[@Houseofbears]

Why does it keep jumping off? Because people hand tighten a jam nut against the cable adjustment barrel. It does not hold and too much slack develops in the system so the cable pulled off. Use tools; its the right thing to do. You cannot get any significant torgue on those nuts with your fingers. BTW the service manual says to set resistance to max and then set adjusting barrel to get a touch of slack (1/16th inch) but that will be hard to measure.

[@kristipennypacker3247]

Thank you so much for this video! You are the only one that explained how you have to turn the resistance to the lowest to release the cable and to the highest resistance to install cable on new resistance motor. Repair man couldn’t install it, but with the help of your video, I ended up repairing it myself! Thank you again! Your video made my day and ended a stressful repair experience!

[@sunilthadani2076]

I had the same problem with my Sole E25. The gear cable had slipped off from the motor pulley that adjusts the resistance. Was able to fix it using the instructions in your video. Thanks so much for a really well made video with clear instructions.

[@charlieaf92]

Awesome, so glad this helped you out!

[@sunilthadani2076]

@@charlieaf92 After I fixed the cable, it feels like the resistance at lower levels does not go low enough. In fact, it does not seem to change much as I go from say level 1 to level around 8 or so. After level 8, the resistance does seem to go up as I increase the level. Could it be because the cable is loose and I need to increase the tension? On E25 do you happen to know where to adjust the tension in the cable? I did not see the tension lever I saw in your video for E95. Thanks for any pointers.

[@JaheemRod]

Out of all the videos on KZbin this was the only one to help me with this issue. Thank you

[@charlieaf92]

Awesome! Very happy that this helped you out!

[@larryovercast757]

This video was awesome. During the middle of a workout my elliptical went to the maximum resistance. I followed your instructions which fixed the problem!

[@charlieaf92]

Thrilled to hear it helped you out. Nice job fixing it!

[@bryanbaker6579]

Thank you for this! I had a similar problem with my E35 stuck at the highest resistance, but that was after I heard a loud twang at the end of my workout when the level was automatically reducing from 11 to 1. I had no idea what happened, but after completely removing the sides and hubs, I discovered that the tension cable had broken where it makes a sharp 90 degree turn inside the flywheel assembly on it's way to the magnet puller. Now I just need to wait 6 to 10 weeks for my new cable to arrive since it is on backorder! Thank you for the advice to take all the slack out when I put it back together!

[@mrlinpark]

Thanks so much for taking the time to troubleshoot this and upload a solution - saved me a ton of time today I'm sure!

[@charlieaf92]

Excellent, glad this helped you out!

[@aliciahall7106]

You've heard this a lot, but I thought I would give you another! Thanks for the video! I had already spoken with Sole today and have a part on the way, but after watching your video my husband and I just did exactly what you showed in the video and it works perfectly now! Thanks so much!

[@goldomania5687]

Thank you ! I fix it mine E95. I Checked if my cable in the place, it was. But my cable angled and every time I had power on and off, because it was touching front bottom plastic, and when you run it was taking my cable out, just replaced cable and it is awesome! Any computer cable works! Thank you again.

[@charlieaf92]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you fixed it!

[@WilliamCunninghamII]

Excellent help. I had a different problem with the cable ( no increased resistance regardless what setting I was on) but the video provided a very good mechanical look at how this thing is set up and really helped me to make a fix. I must have an older model. My cable bracket is plastic and absoulte junk. They obviously relaized this and upgraded to a steel bracket at some point. I totally agree with OP of the video. The design is terrible. Amazingly bad for an expensive piece of exercise gear.

[@charlieaf92]

Hey William - I'm glad it helped and thanks for posting to let me know!

[@kuruvillajaison]

Thanks for the video. I have a resistance problem and this video give me a hint of what I must be looking for.

[@mikeconsidine9025]

Thanks. I had exactly the same problem with my near new Lifespan X-41. The supplier's guarantee excluded outdoor use and I use mine under an outside pergola. When I rewound the cable I adjusted the threaded guide feed in closer to the wheel.

[@charlieaf92]

Awesome, glad to hear it helped!

[@treybraswell5410]

Thanks for the video. Helped me fix quick with no calls to Sole

[@ti50pqsmoith34]

Thank you so much for posting this! I was ready to junk my elliptical.

[@charlieaf92]

Glad it helped you out!!!

[@tactlesscloud2784]

Dude. Thank you. My eliptical made a loud thud while i was going at it and I was just confused. I also had some problems talking with sole and they didnt help at all.

[@kyletobin4857]

thanks, your level of detail helped me complete this successfully!

[@charlieaf92]

Excellent, I'm glad it helped and thanks for letting me know!

[@bingobangobt]

thanks bro hammer, solved what was becoming some exhausting workouts

[@charlieaf92]

Haha - glad it helped you out!

[@heesanoice7637]

Great vid, bro ! I just got a NordicTrack half price, because it was a returned item. Everything works, but the resistance is doing this very thing. I'll be tearing in to it tonight and fixing it. Thanks !!!!

[@charlieaf92]

Awesome, great to hear Howard. I imagine it is a very similar situation - in fact it may even have the same components.

[@heesanoice7637]

Turned out to be the little motor had a defect. I sent off for one on Amazon last night, and it came this morning. I put it on, and it works perfectly now. !

[@strawberrykitty9]

I also have a Nordic track free-strider elliptical and the resistance is completely messed up. I’ve had this machine for years, and every time I do use it now, the resistance would increase to quickly decrease at the lowest setting every minute, so I’m not getting a good workout. it doesn’t work properly.

[@mattpkp]

Just had our e95s exibited the exact symptoms you mentioned, stuck on high but level 20 makes it feel like level 1. Hope this does it!

[@charlieaf92]

Hey Matt - if it gets easier on the higher settings then this will fix it. If you have any questions along the way feel free to ask. Good luck!

[@amit.tyagi.officialcareerm3338]

Amazing, thank you! Just installed a new motor, but resistance is backwards. Will fix and report back.

[@charlieaf92]

Glad it helped - good luck with the rest of your repair!

[@paulacampolargo3427]

This worked. thank you! But, an E3 in the upper left corner of your console screen where the incline would be is still there? Trying to run a motor test but not sure how long it takes. Its running through all levels.

[@elesazehndorfer6881]

Genius, thank you! For now I went for the easy fix, shoved resistance up to max and now its in the easiest zone and usable again 😊 Could I just keep this inverted resistance approach as a permanent fix?

[@charlieaf92]

:) If it works for you, I don't see why not! It's been a long time since I had the machine apart but, if I remember correctly, once the cable slips off there isn't enough movement to give you the full range of resistance. But, if it's working for you I don't see any harm in continuing to use it that way.

[@elesazehndorfer6881]

@@charlieaf92 Many thanks! I'll try this temp fix as long as it works, then I'll use the proper fix you've shared in this video.

[@krissabruck8441]

Thanks for explaining how to take the covers off. I’m having the same issue it stays on max resistance but it appears my cable is broken. There’s a large amount of slack in the cable and it seems like someone came Uncrimped. So my issue is I will need to remove the cable completely and replace with a new cable. Any hints on how to get to the end attached to the flywheel?

[@gwperil]

Bingo! This solved my problem. In my case, the high and low resistance were reversed. Same fix tho :)

[@wmichaelf]

Great video! Thanks. Here's a question if you're still checking this from time to time. My e95 is exhibiting the 'reverse resistance' issue. My question is, if I'm willing to live with the resistance/level being backwards, is there any issue? And is it affecting the performance at either end of the resistance settings?

[@charlieaf92]

You're welcome, I'm glad it is useful. To answer your question - it has been years since I've taken the machine apart so I can't remember exactly how it all goes together. However I don't think there is any problem with leaving it slipped off other than the obvious (the resistance settings don't work as expected) and I also think you no longer get the full range of resistance options (the lightest settings won't be available no matter how much you try to adjust it). I could be wrong, but that's my understanding.

[@markrundlett6714]

Excellent video! Problem solved for my e75 elliptical.

[@charlieaf92]

Awesome!

[@BurritoSupreme_]

Thanks for the video I had the same problem today and fixed it just like you said. I put it back together and adjusted the resistance a few time and cycled it on and off. Unfortunately the resistance went back to being reversed. Im going to try tightening up the cable some more and see if it holds this time.

[@charlieaf92]

Definitely try tightening up the cable to pull the slack out of it. Once I did this it never happened again.

[@BurritoSupreme_]

Thanks charlieaf92 did you take the slack out of it when it was set to the highest resistance?

[@charlieaf92]

@@BurritoSupreme_ Yup. Set it to the highest resistance and then tighten the cable until the slack is gone.

[@BurritoSupreme_]

charlieaf92 thanks!

[@andreacassidy4563]

Hi there, thank you for this video. Maybe this is a stupid question….does the other end of the cable need to be attached/anchored to something? When I pulled my xterra (I know…different model than what you have) the tension cable was loose and I don’t know where the bottom part attaches to..

[@charlieaf92]

You're welcome! The cable is anchored on one side to a servo that pulls it in and lets it out. The other end is attached to a magnetic brake that causes resistance the closer it gets to the flywheel on the machine.

[@dwangaard]

Thanks, we had the same problem.

[@kristipennypacker3247]

I have a question that I hope you can answer. I was able to install a new resistance motor. However, the resistance seems harder now at each resistance level than previously. I can’t get as high of RPM at each resistance as I did prior to replacing the resistance motor. Any suggestions? Thank you.

[@charlieaf92]

Hey Kristi. The only thing that I can think of is that the tension of the cable may need to be adjusted. You'll want it a little snug on the highest resistance setting. If it is too loose, then it will hit 100% resistance at a lower setting and that could lead to what you're describing. You can try removing the cover and adjusting the resistance to see how it move the magnet brake.

[@benbeadle632]

Many thanks for posting this! I had my Sole 35 fixed in 10 mins after watching this.

[@charlieaf92]

Excellent, I'm happy it helped. Thanks for letting me know!

[@briankfree]

Thanks for sharing this! My Sole E25 seems to have a similar issue where it will operate fine for awhile, but after 5-10 minutes into a session, it will randomly go to max resistance. As if someone is literally holding the Increase button down. You can't lower it right away. After some time it will finally let you lower the resistance back down to easier resistance levels. I know you're not a Sole technician, but is there anything you (or anyone here in this thread) can think of that might be causing something like this to occur?

[@charlieaf92]

You're welcome! I think it's probably something similar happening. The cable slipping off the wheel. Then, when you hold the button down the wheel turns and finally turns enough to take up some of the slack and pull the magnet away (lowering the resistance). I'd open it up and see what you can find. I suspect it's pretty much the exact same components in terms of the resistance mechanisms.

[@bobbyrd4140]

The cable is properly installed on the pulley, but the resistance is still stuck on high. Motor is turning the pulley correctly. Any suggestions on fix?

[@charlieaf92]

Hey Bob - are you sure? Double check and ensure that the cable is routed around the correct path on the pulley. When it skips off, it still looks like it's installed correctly but is going around the wrong direction. You can also check the brake mechanism itself and ensure that it is moving when the pulley actuates.

[@stevejohnson2559]

Thank you for taking the time to do this! I'm not sure if this is my problem or not - we'll see... but either way - thank you!!!

[@bubsnews]

Charlie, first thanks. My 95 was doing this exact thing. But, I've 'fixed' it 3 times now. Have you figured out exactly why this is happening? This last time, I tried using a twist tie to force the cable sleeve to the right, thinking that because the cable keeps coming off the cam to the left, perhaps the bracket holding the cable sleeve is not exactly center on the groove in the cam. By forcing the cable sleeve to the right, I'm hoping that the alignment is better. I'm getting very tired of taking the thing apart to fix this. Any further ideas?

[@jonasgeiregat3800]

Trying my luck here with different problem. I have a 4 year old Sole E95S that I bought second hand. I find the resistance to be too high on the lowest setting. I tried making the cable longer by adjusting the long nut on the black cable. But this didn't make much difference. Do you have an idea what's causing this? Is something else cause resistance? Every part moves fluently...

[@charlieaf92]

I'm guessing its the same problem I had. The cable jumping off the little wheel. After it jumps off, it isn't immediately obvious that it happened because it winds around the other way and looks normal. The resistance is achieved by putting a magnet closer to the flywheel. When you decrease resistance the servo should rotate the little wheel and wind the cable up, pulling the magnet away from the flywheel and lowering the resistance.

[@jonasgeiregat3800]

​@@charlieaf92 It didn't jump off. I watched your video closely and it seems to function correct. On highest resistance, there's slack on the tension cable and I can pull it backwards. On lowest resistance the tension cable is really tight and I can't pull it. On my old elliptical I can move the pedals without using my arms. On this one I almost can't? Is this normal? Is it an electromagnet that's creating the resistance? Maybe it got repositioned whilst transporting?

[@charlieaf92]

@@jonasgeiregat3800 Understood. It's been ages since I even owned this machine and had it apart so I'm afraid I won't be of much help. If you've gotten to the cable then you should have it far enough apart to trace the cable to the brake/magnet and see where it is. Make sure when the resistance is being adjusted that it's moving properly. I'd say what you're experiencing is not normal. When the unit is on low resistance it should move very freely and smoothly.

[@jonasgeiregat3800]

@@charlieaf92 Thanks for the quick responses. I'll investigate the eddy wheel. Maybe one magnet is not retracting. I'll let you know if I figure it out.

[@jonasgeiregat3800]

@@charlieaf92 I was able to resolve the issue. The flywheel has 2 sets of magnets. One of the sets was always breaking. I had to remove the flywheel to get to the part that got loose. Your video gave me the necessary insight to fix my issue. Thanks!

[@javeriakaleem4977]

Hi! I know this an old video but wondering if I can run something by you. Every other video seems to be sponsored so you are my best bet :) I am really struggling trying to decide between Life Fitness X1 and Sole E95. Did you by any chance compare these two brands before buying Sole? Grateful for your thoughts!!!

[@charlieaf92]

Hey Javeria - Unfortunately I've never used the Life Fitness so I can't give you a comparison. We were overall very happy with our E95 though. My wife was the one that used it primarily. It was pretty heavy duty and had a nice long stride. It is pretty large, and a little tricky to move around. The biggest complaint that I had about it was the pedal adjustment was very hard to turn. I could never get it to feel comfortable for me, and trying to adjust the pedals was a hassle. My wife never had any complaints though. We sold the machine and purchased a Peloton bike, and later the Tread as well. I enjoy the bike much more than I did the elliptical. Having on screen leaderboards, personal bests, and an instructor designing the workout are more motivating to me than the presets and rather basic display on the E95.

[@javeriakaleem4977]

charlieaf92 Thank you for sharing your experience!!! I will look at Peloton as well before I make my decision. Thanks and a have great weekend.

[@danieljeong3882]

Hi, I have a slightly different problem regarding my Sole E25 elliptical. It seems as if resistance gets too hard early on. For example, a level 5 resistance feels like a level 10. Also, it seems as if the resistance maxes out at around level 15, so there is no change in resistance from levels 16-20. Is this a problem with the motor?The cable you've shown in the video appears to be working fine, just the resistance seems to be really off. Just wondering if you encountered anything similar. Thanks and great video!

[@charlieaf92]

Hey Daniel - that sounds like a cable adjustment issue. Perhaps it is too loose. I'd experiment and see what the cable tension is like at various settings. If I am right, then around level 15 your cable is becoming loose with no tension because the brake has bottomed out. If it is like the E95, then the cable should have the least amount of tension on it at the HIGHEST resistance setting. I would perhaps start there as a form of calibration - with the machine on the highest setting adjust the cable tension so that it is slightly tight and pulling against the brake.

[@danieljeong3882]

@@charlieaf92 Understood, ill give it a try. Thanks for the reply!

[@matsteel2292]

Hi there I am thinking of buying this elliptical would you still recommend or is this something else you would go for now after having yours?

[@charlieaf92]

Mat Steel I’d definitely recommend this brand and model. We’ve been using it a lot - probably 4-5 hours a week for the last year and a half. Other than the issue described in this video (which has only happened twice) it has been flawless. The only downside to this particular model is that it does take up quite a bit of space. There are other types of elliptical type equipment that have variations of the design to take up less space, but I haven’t looked into them to know if you sacrifice stride or movement as a result. Feel free to post if you have any other questions. Cheers.

[@kevinkostolo6949]

Thank you! Exact same problem. Fixed!

[@charlieaf92]

Awesome, glad I was able to help!

[@kevinkostolo6949]

@@charlieaf92 Full disclosure. In trying to put the cable end onto the motor, the other end came off. That required a little more disassembly to fix. That end is also not designed well.

[@rodneyag54]

Please I know this is old but I have a sole elliptica H95E the resistance goes to highest setting without me changing it and stay there. If I lower the resistance it goes back up to the highest setting. Is it the resistance motor? Help please and thanks.

[@charlieaf92]

Does it lower when you change it but then go back up as time goes on?

[@rodneyag54]

@@charlieaf92 yes . How did you fix it? Replaced the resistance motor still doing the same thing

[@charlieaf92]

@@rodneyag54 you should watch the video. The cable that pulls the magnet had slipped off of the servo pulley. Required re-seating it and I also tightened the cable to take out slack.

[@rodneyag54]

@@charlieaf92 my H95e doesn't have a cable on the resistance motor. Everything is electrical wondering if it's the control board. After about 5 minutes the resistance increases and stays high and can't lower it.

[@rodneyag54]

Watched the video thank you. M ine does not have a cable on the resistance motor but it's doing the same thing

[@aka3eka]

It seems many elliptical trainers have the same annoying problem! I had the same with Sportop E7000P. I drove me crazy. Seems some conceptual bug in the design of the system.

[@c_drag3n]

My E95 has this E2 motor error, is there a way to fix it? If you can please post a video, much appreciated

[@charlieaf92]

Hey Shoe Box - sorry but I don't know enough about that error to provide any advice. I've never had that problem with mine. I did a quick search online and saw people talking about an optical sensor wheel to determine speed. The only motor I'm aware of on this machine is used for adjusting incline/decline.

[@mzamutt]

@@charlieaf92 i just had this problem and talked to the company technical help desk and they said to just replace the little motor which costs 37.99 and they sent it to me. they send you the instructions on how to change it, but basically you do what this video says to take the flywheel apart, and then you see the motor in this video and replace it.

[@jciturr]

@@mzamutt Hi, did you change the motor? Did that fixed the issue? Having the same error...

[@mzamutt]

Jean Yes I ordered the motor from the company and watched a you tube video how to replace but I had to call the tech guy at the company to figure out how to take apart to get to the old motor. He did that on the phone with me. Once I got to the old motor it was easy to replace. Yes that fixed the problem. It works great now. Easy to put back together also.

[@c_drag3n]

I ordered a motor and followed the instruction in the KZbin video to replace it. It’s fixed...10 months ago.

[@fattyratz2474]

I have the opposite problem - my SOLE E25 completely lost the resistance. Turned off and turned on machine has the same effect. It's like pedaling in the air. Level 1 and Level 20 are the same. The software on the screen works and the numbers change but no resistance whatsoever. Does anyone knows the solution to fix this issue?

[@charlieaf92]

It's probably related to the same mechanism. Perhaps the servo went bad, or something failed in reverse. You can probably figure it out by opening it up and looking it over.

[@craigteller2055]

Very helpful!

[@pulaskicondoassociation6799]

Thanks I was 5 minz from smashing it and throwing it in the alley

[@forrestbuckner5112]

Thank you!

[@charlieaf92]

You're welcome!

[@SamFreedom]

I wish you just titled this what it really was like "How to replace..." etc. BTW, is this really still plugged in??

[@seanmason2762]

I own an E35..... During my workout about 55 minutes in, the pedals began to feel as though it was on max resistance. I could barely move them. I stoped. I tried again 10 minutes later and everything was fine. Rode it for 10 minuted and it stayed normal. Anyone else have this issue magically fix itself?

[@Houseofbears]

Why does it keep jumping off? Because you hand tightened a jam nut against the cable adjustment barrel. It did not hold (and it never will) and too much slack developed in the system so the cable pulled off. Do not attack the design when you refuse to take the shell off and use tools as the designer intended, you know its the right thing to do. You cannot get any significant torgue on those nuts with your fingers. BTW the service manual says to set resistance to max and then set adjusting barrel to get a touch of slack (1/16th inch) but that will be hard to measure. Also hand tight on the jam nut for the adjusting barrel is asking for it to loosen up and thus slip off the pully.

[@charlieaf92]

It initially jumped off from the factory settings, so either a bad design or poorly assembled. One could argue those are one in the same. After the second time I re-attached (and removed almost all the slack from the cable) it never came off again. You are correct, using a wrench is better than hand tightening.

[@peterkalanzis3080]

@@charlieaf92Thanks for publishing this vid in the first place..All small control cables eventually stretch. Parts are designed to be replaced. (E.G brake and shift cables on bikes) The people who assemble these things are under pressure to produce. I have been a bike tech for a racing shop, and have refurbished and sold about 1 dozen sole ellipticals. Using a pair of locking long jaw pliers on the barrel and non locking ones to hold the nut will actually solve the problem. Doing it by hand is not effective and ensures trouble later It's not a matter of better, it's a matter of teaching the Way. The cost $10 for both tools a the nearest tool import freight store, Since you have to get the case apart, just do it right while you are there. Also the goal is to have the tiniest bit of play when the controls are set to max resistance.

[@woodgrain816]

When I take the cable off, the servo motor NEVER stops spinning. I just wait and wait for it to get in position for 2-10 resistance, but it never stops. When I hit STOP, it goes to the 11 o'clock position spinning in the opposite direction, but doesn't unwind as much as it spins forward... Just spins enough to reach 11 o'clock and stops. It's a Horizon elliptical. Do you think the position sensor is bad? I noticed there 2 dip switches in the back of the console. I wonder if they need to be in a certain configuration? Maybe I need a new servo motor?

[@tcply9450]

wow no wonder the cable jumps off, you can see the cable and the wheel dont line up . factory not doing the QA . I think they build in problems to sell parts