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How to tell if Treadmill Motor is Bad

Treadmill Motor Problem: How to tell if Treadmill Motor is Bad?

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Last updated on May 12th, 2025 at 02:02 pm

The treadmill is one of the most widely used pieces of fitness equipment in both home and commercial gyms. It’s a favorite for weight loss, cardio workouts, and staying fit year-round. But one essential component that keeps your machine running smoothly is the treadmill motor. If your treadmill belt is not moving properly or your machine makes strange noises, the motor might be the issue.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to check if your treadmill motor is bad, how to test and troubleshoot the problem, and when it’s time to repair or replace the motor. Let’s get started.

How to Know If Your Treadmill Motor Is Working Properly

Before diagnosing problems, it’s important to understand how a healthy treadmill motor functions. In good condition, your treadmill should:

  • Run quietly and smoothly without grinding or screeching.
  • Support the user’s maximum weight capacity, as specified by the manufacturer.
  • Allow you to increase or decrease speed fluidly during walking, jogging, or running.

If your treadmill checks all these boxes, your motor is likely working fine. But if you’re experiencing jerky movements or the walking belt not moving, it might be time to investigate.

How to Check a Treadmill Motor at Home

Wondering how to test a treadmill motor without calling in a technician? It’s simpler than you might think.

What You Need:

  • A compatible battery (9V/12V/18V/24V based on your treadmill specs)
  • A screwdriver

Steps to Test the Motor:

  1. Unplug the treadmill from the power outlet.
  2. Open the motor hood using a screwdriver.
  3. Locate the two motor power wires and disconnect them.
  4. Connect those wires to your battery.
  5. If the motor spins forward or backward, it’s functioning properly.

If the motor does not respond, it’s likely faulty. You can also search “how to check treadmill motor with battery” to watch tutorial videos for visual help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9cepSFWFug

Signs Your Treadmill Motor Is Failing

✅ Treadmill Motor Overheating

One of the earliest signs of a failing motor is overheating. You may notice the motor area becoming unusually hot after short use. This can be caused by:

  • Friction between the motor coil and housing
  • Lack of lubrication
  • Incorrect voltage or unstable power supply

Looking for a quick solution? Search “treadmill motor overheating fix” and ensure your motor gets enough cooling time and proper lube.

Tip: If you’re unsure about the cause, it’s better to call a technician. Searching for “treadmill repair near me” can help you find local professionals.

✅ Treadmill Producing a Burning Smell

A treadmill burning smell is a serious red flag. If you detect any burning odor, immediately stop the treadmill and unplug it. Possible causes include:

  • Motor coil burn
  • Circuit board issues
  • Wiring problems
  • Dust or debris buildup in the motor area

For quick troubleshooting, search “treadmill burning smell troubleshooting” and perform a visual inspection. If the smell is strong or smoke appears, stop using the machine and call an expert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8DcRjA9v4I

✅ Treadmill Belt Not Moving

Another common complaint is when the treadmill turns on, but the walking belt won’t move. There are three possible causes:

  1. Loose or broken drive belt
  2. Friction or jamming in the walking belt
  3. Motor failure

If your machine vibrates but the belt doesn’t move, it could be belt friction. Clean the deck area and apply a silicone-based treadmill lubricant.

Pro Tip: A slipping or stuck belt is a common issue in cheap treadmill models. Investing in a durable, well-reviewed machine can reduce maintenance hassles.

How to Fix a Treadmill Motor

After identifying the issue, it’s time to decide whether to repair or replace the treadmill motor.

✅ Check Your Warranty

Before paying out-of-pocket, check if your treadmill motor is still under warranty. Many high-end treadmills come with a lifetime motor warranty. If covered, contact the manufacturer directly for a free replacement or repair.

✅ Repair the Motor

If your warranty has expired, hiring a motor technician is your next best option. Search “treadmill motor repair near me” to find local services. Sometimes, the fix is minor—like replacing brushes or rewiring. But in cases of coil burn, repair costs can be high.

Tip: In many cases, replacing the motor is more cost-effective than repairing it.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOMaUIYprnA

Treadmill Motor Replacement Guide

If repair isn’t possible, it’s time to replace your motor. Here’s how to do it right:

🛠️ Steps to Replace a Treadmill Motor:

  1. Remove the damaged motor.
  2. Note the model number, voltage, size, and brand.
  3. Search online for a replacement treadmill motor using the same specifications.

When purchasing, make sure the new motor matches the size and capacity of the old one. Incompatible motors can damage the controller board and create further issues.

Final Thoughts

A faulty treadmill motor can seriously disrupt your home cardio routine. Fortunately, with a little know-how, you can test, diagnose, and even fix treadmill motor problems on your own. Whether you’re dealing with motor overheating, a burning smell, or a belt that won’t move, this guide helps you take the right steps to get your treadmill back in shape.

If you’re unsure or uncomfortable handling electrical components, don’t risk it—call a treadmill repair expert to keep your fitness journey safe and smooth.

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