I have a NordicTrack treadmill which I use regularly.
Sometimes, when I press the “Start” button, the running belt will move for seconds and suddenly stop.
This is actually quite annoying and I have to press the “Start” multiple times to resume my workout sessions.
If you are experiencing similar belt slipping problem, like running but stop for a while then continue again, read this post.
I have listed all the possible reasons that cause the NordicTrack treadmill starts then stops problem.
Related:
- Most Common NordicTrack treadmill Speed related problems
- Checking Pulse Rate Using NordicTrack treadmill and What To Do If Not Working
- Check Weight Limit of Your NordicTrack Treadmill Model
NordicTrack Treadmill Keep Stopping
- Power Outage during the workout session
The first thing you should check if the NordicTrack treadmill stops suddenly is the power supply.
Is there any power outage in your area?
You can try to switch on the light or other electrical appliances to confirm if the power outage is the issue.
Besides, please make sure you turn on the treadmill correctly.
- Faulty power extension
I use a power extension for my treadmill as the power socket is a bit far from my treadmill location.
The treadmill consumes high power during the workout session.
If you are using normal power extension that only supports low power consumption electrical appliance, the fuse of the power extension might be burned.
I would suggest you to use a high quality power extension that supports high power rating like the Belkin extension.
As shown in the image above, the power extension is actually not ideal for treadmill usage.
You can try to check if the fuse shows any sign of burns by opening the cover of the power extension socket.
If it is burnt, normally the treadmill console also not turning on at the same time as there is no power supply to it.
Please make sure you turn off and unplug the power socket and extension for your safety.
- Faulty voltage stabilizer
I am not sure if every model of NordicTrack treadmill comes with a voltage stabilizer.
My NordicTrack treadmill did come with a voltage stabilizer as shown in the image below:
The function of the voltage is to avoid voltage fluctuations that might damage the treadmill.
If this voltage stabilizer is not functioning as it should, the voltage and power it output to the treadmill might not be stable.
Hence, the treadmill’s motor might not be receiving enough power to continue operating and will keep stopping.
To check whether the voltage stabilizer causes the issue, you can bypass the voltage stabilizer and plug the treadmill directly into the power supply socket.
- Treadmill’s motor overheated
As discussed in this post about treadmill’s motor, the NordicTrack treadmill equipped with two motors, i.e the main running motor and the incline motor.
The main running motor provides force to drive the running belt.
If it is overheated, it might not be able to function normally.
Is the NordicTrack treadmill keep stopping issue happen after hours of treadmill usage?
If yes, the treadmill’s motor is possibly overheated.
You can check the temperature of the motor with your bare hand or with a thermometer as shown in the images below:
- Loose Safety Key
The safety key of NordicTrack treadmill is designed to help you to stop the treadmill in case of emergency.
By default, you would need to insert the safety key before you can start the workout sessions.
Read: What to do if you do not have the treadmill key?
From my own experience, the safety key can be loosened easily during the workout session due to the vibration on the machine.
If the safety is loosened or removed accidentally, it will cut the power supply to the treadmill.
However, it will not stop the treadmill immediately as inertia might cause us to hurt.
It is actually quite well-designed to slow down the treadmill first, and eventually stop as shown in the video below:
Read this post to troubleshoot treadmill safety key not working issue.
- Incorrect treadmill belt tension or belt misalignment
If the treadmill’s belt tension is too high, it will cause high strain on the treadmill motor.
Also, it will speed up the wear out of the belt and make it curl up on the sides.
Since every treadmill motor has its own torque limit, it will eventually lead to sudden stops if the tension of the belt is too high.
Contrastly, if the treadmill’s tension is too loose or misaligned, the treadmill belt might not have enough friction to keep rolling.
Sometimes the treadmill belt might even folded over as in my own case.
Or the running belt will slow down when you step on it.
At the same time, you might also notice that the treadmill belt is sliding to one side as shown in the video below:
In my case, due to low tension on the treadmill belt, the running belt is even folded as shown in the image below:
As part of safety measures to prevent injuries, the treadmill will stop automatically.
- Treadmill speed sensor is not working
The function of NordicTrack treadmill’s speed sensor is to monitor the speed of the main running motor.
It also gives signals to the controller whether desired speed is achieved.
This might not be the component that you can see it directly when you remove the motor hood.
Depend on motor, some speed sensors are installed inside the motor hence you might not be able to check it directly on the control board.
However, for my treadmill, the speed sensor is located near the front roller as shown in the image below.
A faulty speed sensor might trigger a sudden stop on treadmill.
- Damaged treadmill motor or electronic components
Yes, this is the most painful part if the motor is damaged and not working as it should.
Another possible faulty part is the electronic control board.
Since every electrical component is susceptible to sudden electrical shocks, the electrical components might have damaged during this process.
Simply open the motor hood and check whether the red LED on the control board is blinking as usual.
If you are sure that the main causes for the treadmill sudden stops are due to motor damage or faulty electrical components, what you can do in this case is to call a professional technician to fix the issue for you.
Related: Faulty electrical components make treadmill to stuck in upright position
- Shorted or Pressed Emergency Stop Button
The treadmill console panel shows a significant RED color STOP button for you to easily press it to stop the treadmill.
Did you accidentally press the Stop button?
Another possible reason is that the Stop button is shorted due to your sweat or wet condition.
My personal tip is to apply a layer of transparent cellophane tape on the important console buttons to prevent sweat from penetrating through the buttons and damage the circuit board behind.
- Selected workout time or prebuilt program
This reason might be the one that often being overlooked.
Did you choose any of the treadmill’s prebuilt programs to start your exercise session?
As you can see from the image above, you can either “Select Workout Time” or “Calorie Goal“.
Is the treadmill stops after every 20 minutes of a workout session? Or 25 minutes, 30 minutes?
If this is the case, then most likely you have selected the preset workout time to start the exercise.
If you choose the 20 minutes program, it will stop after 20 minutes which is absolutely normal.
Or did you select the 200 Calorie goal?
The treadmill will also stop after you have burned 200 Calories.
Both of these scenarios are normal and there is nothing to be fixed.
If you want the treadmill to run continuously and not keep stopping, just start the treadmill without any prebuilt program.
Tips: Connect NordicTrack Treadmill via Bluetooth with iFit can automate exercise program
- Program malfunction
Another possible reason is that the treadmill programs are totally messed up.
In this case, the treadmill will not response accordingly.
For example, it will not run when you press the Start button, it will not incline when you press the “Incline” button, the treadmill’s fan won’t work, etc.
In this case, the best thing you can do is to RESET the treadmill program.
Since each model of treadmill has different ways to reset it, the best approach is to use Google and YouTube search to find out how to reset your treadmill using the keywords as below
“How To Reset Treadmill” + “Treadmill Model”
After the treadmill is reset, remember to recalibrate the treadmill for all functions to work perfectly.
Using the same method as above, use keywords to search
“How To Calibrate Treamill” + “Treadmill Model”
- Too much weight
Each treadmill has its own weight limit, please check the user manual for the maximum weight limit your treadmill can handle.
If the weight limit is exceed, the treadmill might trigger a sudden stop and refuse to move the running belt.
Conclusion
I have listed the most possible reasons if the NordicTrack treadmill stops suddenly.
Try to troubleshoot the NordicTrack treadmill keeps stopping issue by yourself.
If you are not sure how to do it, please consider consulting a qualified treadmill technician.
