Owning a Sole F63 treadmill can be a great addition to your home gym. It's manufactured by one of the leading fitness equipment brands in the world. On top of that, this equipment comes with one of the most comprehensive warranties. More importantly, it provides a relatively safe and effective cardiovascular workout, helping you stay fit and burn calories.
However, like any other fitness equipment, your Sole F63 treadmill may occasionally malfunction, particularly if you use it regularly. Various problems may be causing that to happen over your treadmill's lifetime. Moreover, these problems range from issues with maintaining a consistent speed, walking belts, treadmill displays, and so on.
Whichever the case, don't worry! In this guide, I'll show you everything you need to know about Sole F63 treadmill Troubleshooting, especially the key problems that your machine is highly likely to encounter. This will help you to fix it with ease to minimize damage and downtime as fast as possible.
Let's get into it!
Common Sole F63 Treadmill Problems
1. The display doesn't light
Sole F63 treadmill is equipped with a 6.5" screen that shows fitness metrics like calories burned, incline, speed, and pulse. The display is bright and simple to read with words and numbers. In addition, you can use the buttons below the display to control your Sole F63 programs, speed, and incline.
Unfortunately, this display does not light up when you turn on the Sole F63 treadmill. In fact, this is one of the most common problems with F63 treadmills these days. It can be caused by various issues such as;
- The tether cord isn't positioned
- Plug is disconnected
- Circuit breakers on the front grip have tripped
- The household circuit breaker might have tripped
- Treadmill circuit breaker
To determine the actual cause of the console display not turning on, there are some troubleshooting steps you need to try.
First, check if the treadmill's power cord is tightly plugged into the power outlet. If this option doesn't work, unplug the treadmill for about 1 to 2 minutes before plugging it back in. Also, check the length of the visible wires & power cord and replace crimped cords. If your treadmill's console is battery-powered, check if they're healthy and recharge or replace worn batteries.
Finally, try resetting the internal circuit breakers to see if it will do the trick. Interestingly, unplugging the power cord for 60 seconds may help to fix this problem. Specifically, resetting the circuit breakers eliminates the static charge that may have developed in the console, preventing the display from turning on.
If none of these solutions fixes the problem, call or take your machine to a repair technician for Sole F63 maintenance and servicing.
2. Sole treadmill belt slipping
This folding treadmill features a 2-ply belt with a 20 X 60" running surface. More notably, it's durable with a gently-textured surface to provide foot comfort while running/ walking.
Like with any other treadmill, the running belt of Sole F63 may start to slip or skip over time. In most cases, this happens if the belt is too loose, too tight, or over-lubricated. As a result, the belt moves away from the center while walking, instead of being perfectly aligned.
To determine if the belt of your F63 has the right belt tension, lift it off the running deck with your finger. If the belt has the right tightness, you should lift it about 2 to 3". But if you cannot lift it that far or higher than 3", you should either loosen or tighten it. While doing so, make sure you follow treadmill troubleshooting instructions like how to tighten the treadmill belt to prevent it from skipping/ slipping.
If there is treadmill belt slippage, yet it has the right belt tension, the problem may occur due to over lubrication. Generally speaking, you should lubricate your F63 treadmill's belt every 6 months or after 40 hours of use. More importantly, make sure you clean excess lubricant to avoid an over-lubricated treadmill belt.
Here's how to do that:
First, clean away the excess lube with water and soap. Alternatively, gently scrub the mat with a scrubber to clean away areas with too much Sole F63 treadmill lubricant. Next, dry the treadmill mat thoroughly to prevent it from warping.
If soapy water doesn't get the job done, scrub the treadmill intensely with denatured alcohol. With this approach, you don't need to dry the mat to prevent warping since denatured alcohol will evaporate on its own.
3. The motor isn't responsive (Treadmill Motor Problems)
Although the 3.0 HP motor of the F63 treadmill may not be powerful enough to support heavy training, it does what it needs to do. To be precise, it regulates both incline settings and speed. Moreover, it runs smoothly and ensures a smooth operation. It's suitable for light running, walking and jogging.
If your Sole F63 treadmill motor runs at full speed, the treadmill may experience major motor issues. Motor problems usually lead to erratic speeds, inconsistent speeds with the programmed settings, or cause the belt to stop while running/ walking. Other factors that can cause the drive motor to stop working include; faulty belts in the motor, issues with the chip that controls the motor speed, and breakdown of the mechanical components.
Fixing motor issues in your F63 treadmill is one of the most expensive treadmill repairs you'll ever run into. This is because there isn't a certain way to fix the motor, especially on your own, since it is hard to identify the exact issues. Moreover, you'll need extensive knowledge of how the motor works to determine the exact parts required to repair it. So, if the motor continues to work poorly or not work at all, you'll be forced to replace it. On the same note, you'll need a professional technician to replace or repair the motor.
If your treadmill is still under the manufacturer's warranty, you can use the parts and services to keep your Sole treadmill warranty service active.
4. Treadmill only achieves about 7mph, but the display shows a higher speed
A sole F63 treadmill features a top speed of around 12 mph (miles per hour). However, its moving belt will not get to that speed if it's erratic or inconsistent. As a result, the speed will vary as you run or only get to 7mph, while the screen displays a higher speed.
Either way, there are various issues that may be causing erratic/ inconsistent speed in your treadmill.
Check the user manual first and set the recommended speed settings to troubleshoot this problem. Don't get on your treadmill at this point. Instead, let the belt run and observe it carefully for several minutes. If you notice that the Sole F63 treadmill belt is hitching or getting caught, the chances are that the Sole treadmill belt replacement is needed. Alternatively, the system that holds the running belt in place may be damaged or faulty.
If the running belt slows down or stops down suddenly, its electric motor may be the problem. In this case, the best option would be to contact a repair technician for treadmill servicing. Also, make sure you plug the treadmill directly into a 20 Amp wall outlet. Avoid using an extension or surge protector since it may be affecting the voltage reaching the machines, hence impacting its speed.
Other problems that may be affecting treadmill speed include; improper treadmill belt lubrication, loose PCB connectors in the motor, and worn-out moving parts.
5. Treadmill trips on board 15 A Circuit
Treadmills consume a lot of energy. The equipment can use about 600 - 700 watts, but peaks may be higher based on the treadmill model. This may overload the circuit with power, causing the circuit breaker to trip.
That said, here are some factors that may cause your Sole F63 treadmill to trip the circuit breaker:
Overloaded circuit
This occurs when your treadmill uses too much energy than your wall outlet can handle, causing the circuit to trip.
Most homes have 2 types of power outlets; Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and Arc Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). Although both types effectively keep your house safe, they don't get along with most treadmills, including Sole F63. So, if you connect your treadmill with any of these outlets, it will interfere with your workouts.
Specifically, the treadmill will produce static electricity causing the AFCI/ GFCI outlets to trip their breakers, thus shutting down your machine immediately.
Treadmill issues
Treadmill issues can also cause the circuit breaker to trip. For instance, if your f63 treadmill belt has a problem, the motor works harder than usual, causing the circuit to trip. Other problems that trigger the treadmill to trip the circuit breakers include; power cord issues, unlubricated treadmill belts, and excessive weight on the treadmill. In this case, the Sole F63 treadmill weight limit is around 325 lbs.
Solution
To prevent your F63 treadmill from tripping the circuit, don't overload the wall outlet with too much energy. Instead, created a dedicated power outlet for the treadmill to ensure that it can handle the machine's electric usage. If the treadmill keeps tripping a 15 Amp outlet, create a dedicated circuit of about 20 Amp. Also, check the treadmill components and lubricate the belt regularly to prevent future issues like belt/ deck friction that can cause the circuit trip.
6. Computer shuts off when treadmill console is touched while running/ walking
If the computer of your F63 treadmills keeps shutting off every time you touch the console while running, the chances are that it's not grounded. As a result, the machine generates static electricity, causing the computer to crash.
In essence, grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by providing a path of least electric current resistance. This helps to prevent the treadmill from breaking down or malfunctioning. Luckily, the treadmill comes with a cord that acts as an equipment-grounding plug. This plug should be plugged into an adequately grounded outlet and installed according to the local codes & ordinances.
7. Treadmill display shows an error code
The Sole F63 treadmill sometimes displays error codes. The user manual usually shows common error codes you may experience with this treadmill. Also, the manufacturer's website has a comprehensive list of treadmill error codes that you can refer to. Even better, the website shows the troubleshooting instructions that you can use to fix the error codes. Besides, error codes happen to be some of the easiest treadmill issues to fix. On the same note, if you are uncertain about how to solve the error code, you can contact the manufacturer.
Some common errors that you're likely to see on your F63 treadmill display include:
Error Code
As I already mentioned, there are various sole F63 treadmill error codes you may encounter with your machine. Interestingly, you don't have to run to a technician each time the error code occurs. Instead, this is often a minor problem that you can fix yourself. Go through the user manual and follow the provided steps to clear the error code quickly.
Incline Error
After using your Sole F63 for some time, the treadmill may display an 'incline error' code. You can easily solve this problem by removing the Sole treadmill F63 safety key. After that, regulate the maximum and minimum speed, then start calibration.
Sole F63 Low speed Error
Popularly known as LS1, low speed error is another error code that is common in Sole F63 treadmills. Luckily, this error code is relatively easy to fix, without having to call customer support.
Follow these steps to fix the Sole F63 LS1 Error:
- Turn off your treadmill and then back on
- Remove the sole F63 safety key
- Hold down the speed up and start buttons on the console as you insert the safety key back in.
- After following the above steps, the display will light up, then some words will appear on the bottom. Press enter and follow the recommended steps to calibrate the treadmill.
- Once you’re done, the machine will start testing all the features including the top speed and incline level.
Treadmill speed sensor problems
Every electronic treadmill, including Sole F80 and F63, is equipped with a speed sensor that is usually located at the front roller close to the motor assembly. This sensor counts each revolution to determine the speed and distance covered. Unfortunately, the sensor may start to malfunction, giving inaccurate readings or showing some type of error code on the display.
Like with most Sole F63 error codes, this problem is relatively easy to fix, so you don’t necessarily need to call in a technician. Instead, you can easily check if the speed sensor is loose and tighten the connectors yourself. Also, check whether the sensor has a problem and replace it with a replacement sensor that matches your treadmill model.
8. General treadmill troubleshooting
Before you try out some of the more intense solutions I've listed above, check if your F63 is getting power. In that regard, check if the adapter is working properly and try plugging it into other wall outlets.
Most treadmills have a fuse in the main console or the adapter. To be certain, check the user manual of the F63 model to determine the exact location of the fuse. Check if the fuse has blown since this may be preventing the treadmill from turning on.
In addition, it's essential to follow some safety practices when troubleshooting your F63 treadmill. First, always unplug the machine from a power outlet before doing treadmill maintenance work. Working on a powered treadmill can pose a serious risk of electrocution or injury if the machine has any electrical issues.
Secondly, make sure you reassemble the machine before operating the treadmill or testing its belt. Working on exposed components poses a major safety risk since loose objects may get stuck in the machine's track and belt.
Lastly, don't try to repair the machine yourself if you don't know how to fix a specific part of the treadmill. Removing Sole treadmill accessories and parts or replacing them improperly can cause permanent damage to the treadmill. It poses a danger to any treadmill use and presents other risks such as a fire hazard.
Conclusion
With the troubleshooting tips above, you can easily fix the most common problems with your Sole F63 treadmill. For instance, Sole F63 troubleshooting has many simple fixes like cleaning/ lubricating the belt. However, if you're unable to fix the problem yourself, don't hesitate to contact a professional technician for assistance. This includes tasks like repairing a faulty motor or replacing damaged components. In addition, always prioritize your safety and unplug the machine before you try to fix any problem!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can you get a replacement safety key for your Sole F63 treadmill?
Generally, you can buy a Sole F63 treadmill safety key from the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can buy a universal key, but that will depend on the type of your safety key.
2. How to restart a Sole F63 treadmill?
Plug the treadmill into an appropriate power outlet and insert the safety key. Finally, turn on the switch at the front of the machine below the motor hood to restart the treadmill.
3. How do you reset the Sole F63 treadmill?
Press the 'up' button on the treadmill until 'maintenance' appears on the display. Press Enter 7 and continue pressing the 'Up' button until; the 'Lube Message Reset' phase appears on the display.
4. What causes the Sole treadmill to stop working?
The Sole treadmill usually stops working when there is too much friction between the belt and platform. In essence, treadmill lubrication is needed to reduce the amount of friction between the deck and belt. The treadmill stops working suddenly if this friction exceeds a certain point since it automatically shuts off. To prevent this, lubricate the running belt regularly.