A beginner’s guide to troubleshooting your ProForm treadmill.
Written by Rick Rockwell, CPT Last updated on April 30th, 2024 Expert Verified By: Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNCAs with most machines, exercise equipment isn’t always cooperative. Even the best treadmills can surprise you with mechanical issues, like unresponsive consoles that then render out fitness equipment inoperable. However, instead of smacking the machine a few times with the hope that it will magically fix the problem, there’s a process that you can follow to ensure that you are properly tackling potential treadmill issues.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing how to reset ProForm treadmills. We’re big fans of ProForm’s cardio machines, as they’re tech-forward units built from solid materials that can support high-intensity runs. BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, for example, calls the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill one of her “favorite treadmills.” But even the best machines can have technical hiccups. As a certified personal trainer, I’ve had to reset a number of different treadmills over the years. Read on as we walk you through this quick and easy process.
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level 1 instructor. She reviewed the research we cite and the information we provide to help ensure we’re delivering helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
Although treadmills can appear to be complex machinery, performing a factory reset on your ProForm Treadmill is much easier than you might expect. All you need are two people, a paper clip, and to follow these simple steps.
Locate the power switch on your treadmill. Typically, this button is located near where the power cord connects to the exercise machine. Make sure to switch the power button to the off position.
For most ProForm machines, the pinhole is located on the right side of the console. However, in some older models, the pinhole may be located on the back of the console.
Unfold the paper clip and make sure you have a long, straight edge to fit in the pinhole reset opening. Insert this end of the paperclip into the opening and leave it there.
While pressing the paperclip against the reset button, reach down and turn the power switch button to the on position. If the distance is too far for you to reach, you can also have a second person flip the power switch.
Once you see the treadmill screen reset, you can remove the paperclip, as the factory reset has successfully begun. However, if you don’t see the screen reset, you will have to perform these steps again. Additionally, if the factory reset process hasn’t completed within 30 minutes, you’re going to want to try these steps once again.
If you have tried this factory reset process a few times, and the treadmill console is still not working properly, you will need to contact customer support, as there might be a more severe technical issue. ProForm suggests you either reach out to its customer support team at 1-888-533-1333 or to iFIT via its customer support portal or support@ifit.com. You can also give iFIT customer support a call at 1-800-862-3348.
Typically, those resetting a ProForm or NordicTrack treadmill are doing so because the console will not turn on/off, respond to various commands, or load the iFIT app. You may also be getting an error code. A full factory reset is the last step in your troubleshooting process, as it can have a permanent effect on your treadmill.
A treadmill factory reset will wipe out any and all customized settings on your exercise machine, including any preset treadmill workouts that you created. As such, you’ll want to exhaust all other troubleshooting steps before performing this one.
Before attempting a factory reset, make sure to try the following ProForm treadmill troubleshooting steps to see if they can fix your issue. In my many years of training clients in commercial gyms, I’ve found that the majority of treadmill issues can be resolved with one of the troubleshooting steps below.
The first step to troubleshooting any of the best commercial treadmills is to consult your owner’s manual. Typically, treadmill manuals will have a comprehensive DIY troubleshooting section that covers a multitude of issues, including console glitches, control board malfunctions, and power disruptions, as well as issues with the treadmill incline function, deck calibration, or the walking belt shifting off center.
With each issue, the manual lays out a step-by-step process to troubleshooting the problem, the last of which is performing a full factory reset. If you lost your manual, there are online resources where you can view, print or download your specific ProForm or NordicTrack manual.
Furthermore, your treadmill manual will have the contact information for tech support if you are unable to fix your machine’s issues after trying our troubleshooting steps or performing a full factory reset. This would also be a good time to refresh yourself on the machine’s warranty just in case parts need to be replaced. Additionally, I highly recommend performing regular treadmill maintenance by following the suggestions in your user’s manual.
You’d be surprised how many times I’ve resolved a treadmill issue just by double checking that the outlet is actually distributing power. Sometimes storms or power surges can trip a circuit breaker and cause electrical issues in your home or gym. Double check to make sure the outlet has power before moving on to the next troubleshooting steps.
Sometimes, treadmill issues can be resolved by simply turning your treadmill off and on again. The machine could have failed to boot up properly the first time and by pressing the off switch, you are rebooting the system. This simple reboot might be all your treadmill needs to resolve any issue.
Like with the step above, unplugging and plugging the power cord back in can help to reboot your machine. Unplug the power cord for five minutes, then plug it back in. By doing this, your treadmill will completely power off, which allows the treadmill to reboot when power is returned to the console after you’ve plugged it back in.
A safety key signals to the treadmill motor to power on and activate the treadmill belt. If the safety key is slightly disconnected or detached from the console, then the treadmill will not work. This safety feature is like another stop button as it will bring the machine to a halt if you fall or lose balance while walking or running on the treadmill.
However, there are times when users might accidentally dislodge the safety key or forget to reinsert it after removing it. Always make sure the treadmill safety key is fully connected before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.
Many of the best ProForm treadmills need firmware updates, which means that users should make sure to check for updates on a regular basis. If you’re using an older firmware version, it could result in your console not working properly.
For most ProForm or Nordictrack treadmills, you’ll want to press the Maintenance button on your console touchscreen and then press Update. This is where you will see if any updates are needed. If there is a firmware update, it will automatically begin updating via your wireless network. Make sure you don’t turn off or unplug your treadmill during this update.
You can monitor its progress on your screen. The treadmill will automatically turn off and back on when the update is complete. Sometimes, it can take a few minutes before your console is ready to use after the firmware update.
Sometimes, your treadmill’s console will not work properly because it has lost its connection to the Wi-Fi signal. If this happens, there are two paths to follow. The first path is to reset your wireless router. A rebooted router could send a stronger signal or automatically connect to previously approved devices.
If rebooting your router doesn’t work, then power off your treadmill by removing the plug from the outlet and waiting a few minutes before plugging it back in and turning it on. If the problem continues, you will need to double-check your treadmill’s Wi-Fi settings. Your treadmill’s manual should have a step-by-step process for setting your Wi-Fi settings, so be sure to have it handy.
ProForm treadmill issues can be frustrating when they arise. Fortunately, there are many troubleshooting tips that you can follow to address issues that are preventing your exercise machine from working properly. Between our expert tips above and your treadmill’s user manual, you’re likely to have the solution at your fingertips.
In the event that you have to perform a full factory reset, it really is a simple process that just takes a few moments to complete. A factory reset usually resolves the majority of console issues. However, it does mean that you will lose all of your customized settings and workouts. So, make sure to try the troubleshooting tips first before going straight to a factory reset.
There are many reasons why your ProForm treadmill might not be working. These reasons can range from console issues to mechanical issues with the machine itself. It’s important to run through a methodical troubleshooting process to properly identify the issue. In addition to our troubleshooting guide above, you should always check your treadmill’s user manual for additional instructions.
This depends on the depth of the reset. For simple treadmill resets, you can turn the power off and back on or unplug and plug the power cord back in. For a full factory reset, you will need a paperclip and a second person to help. Simply turn power off, unfold a paper clip, and push the long end into the reset hole on the right side of the console. Press the paperclip against the reset button as the second person turns the power back on. Wait for the console to boot back up before removing the paperclip.
For some treadmills, it can take up to 30 minutes for the exercise machine to complete a full factory reset. Keep an eye on the console to see when the reset has been completed. If you have to perform a factory reset multiple times, or it doesn’t complete, then contact customer support.
After a lengthy career as a Personal Trainer, Health and Fitness Instructor, Wellness Coordinator, Group Exercise Instructor, Supplement Consultant, and Lifestyle Coach, Rick has spent the last 15 years sharing his passion for healthy living through his various roles as an accomplished health and fitness writer.
