“Most people think that when they get the “Speed Sensor Error” that they need a new speed sensor and in 99% of the cases this is not so.”
I wanted to provide my customers and fans with an update and essentially a tip in figuring out the real problem behind the speed sensor error.
Technically speaking if someone gets a Speed Sensor Error it could be several items that may be causing the problem including the Speed Sensor, the Motor, the Motor Control Board, a Communication problem, or the Power Supply.
Follow me as I troubleshoot this famous error and see in which scenario your treadmill or fitness unit fits in.
Check 1: If your unit starts moving then stops, and then shows the Speed Sensor Error, then it is the Speed Sensor in this case.
Check 2: If your unit does not move at all then it is not the Speed Sensor. So let's find out what it can be. Now we are looking at the Drive Motor, the Lower Control Board, or a Communication Problem.
Elimination 1: The Drive Motor – A technician will check the drive motor by a volts meter to determine if there is a charge or simply take a 9V battery, disconnect the red and black motor cables from the motor control board and connect them to the 9V battery. Now if the motor does not move then the motor is the problem. If it moves now we are looking at the Lower Control Board or the Communication between the Upper and Lower Control Boards. (Please See Cautionary Note at the End of the Article)Elimination 2: Communication Check: One possible reason the Lower Control Board is not functioning is because of the communication problem between the Upper and Lower Control Boards. The way to check if it is a communication problem is the following:
The Unit should be turned on and the "Start" button should be pressed. Once the button is pressed the technician will listen for a click. A click signifies the relay starting to send power to the drive motor. Hence, if there is a click and nothing happens then it's again the Lower Control Board or in other words, the Motor Control Board. This is because the communication is functioning between the relay and the Upper Control Board. However, if there is no click at all then it's simply a communication problem between the control boards.
“As you can see, the famous “Speed Sensor Error” is actually a problem with the Lower Control Board in 99% of the cases and has nothing to do with the Speed Sensor.”
We hope this article gives you a better insight into the functioning of your unit and strongly caution against performing any maintenance yourselves unless qualified to do so. Please read our cautionary statement at the end, and thank you for reading.
We hope you enjoyed RM Fitness Repair's Service Tips.
Caution: RM Fitness Repair does not suggest or promote the servicing of any fitness equipment by customers themselves nor does it promote the servicing of fitness equipment by unqualified personnel. Customers should use extreme caution when attempting to service their own equipment and do so at their own risk. A certified technician is only a call away in terms of providing the best service to the units, and RM Fitness Repair does not accept any responsibility or liability arising from anyone attempting to service their own equipment. The article is simply written to provide more information for consumers in terms of their equipment and the nature of the equipment's malfunction.
Pictures Courtesy
Computer: Courtesy IronMan Treadmills
Speed Sensor: Courtesy TreadmillPartsZone.com
Motor: Courtesy Vision Motors
Lower Control Board : Courtesy Kimatek.com
