May 04, 2015

Easy DIY elliptical repairs

Easy DIY elliptical repairs.
Easy DIY elliptical repairs.

Keeping both yourself and your elliptical in good shape is a small investment with big rewards. Even with the care taken to keep your elliptical working well, there may be times when it's not working as it should. I've put together a list of some common problems with an elliptical, along with the easy DIY repair solutions to get your machine back in shape again in no time.

Elliptical console not coming on

If the console on the elliptical doesn't power on, or if the display is blank or dim, it may be a power-supply problem or a problem with the console itself. If the console is battery-powered, replace the batteries. If the console requires a power cord, make sure it's plugged into a working outlet. Check the console for any loose wiring connections. If the console is bad, check out our easy DIY repair guide, How to replace an elliptical console.

Elliptical console doesn't display correct information

If the console is okay, but the calories/distance/time display isn't working or is inaccurate, the problem could be with the reed switch or with a loose sensor wire. Check the sensor wire for damage or a loose connection at the console. If the wiring looks okay, adjust the reed switch position following the instructions in our DIY repair guide How to adjust an elliptical reed switch.

Elliptical resistance not changing

If the resistance display on the console doesn't change when you increase or decrease the resistance setting, the problem is the console. If the resistance in the pedal isn't changing when you adjust the resistance setting up or down, the problem is most likely the resistance motor. Our easy DIY repair guide How to replace an elliptical resistance motor will help you fix this problem.

Symptoms for elliptical machines

Choose a symptom to see related elliptical repairs.

Main causes: weak batteries, loose wires, faulty control console…

Main causes: loose fastening bolts, damaged handle bars…

Main causes: dead batteries, power supply failure, bad wiring connections, faulty control console…

Main causes: dirty heart rate sensors, wiring failure, bad control console…

Main causes: faulty reed switch, reed switch needs adjustment, wiring failure, bad control console…

Main cause: lack of lubrication on pivot points…

Main causes: bad resistance motor, faulty control console, wiring failure…

Main causes: leveling feet need to be adjusted, loose frame bolts, unstable flooring…

Repair guides for elliptical machines

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your elliptical.

How to replace an elliptical resistance motor

How to replace an elliptical resistance motor

If the resistance motor is not changing the resistance on your elliptical, replace it using these steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace an elliptical console

How to replace an elliptical console

If the console on your elliptical doesn't work, replace it by following these 3 easy steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to adjust an elliptical reed switch

How to adjust an elliptical reed switch

If the console doesn't display the correct speed on your elliptical, adjust the reed switch using these steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for elliptical machines

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your elliptical.

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…