Today I got a call to service a Livestrong LS15.OT (TM450) in Portland, Maine. This treadmill was made in China for the model years 2012-2013.

The complaint was that the treadmill would begin to run and then just shut down. Upon my arrival the first thing that I noticed was that the walk belt was worn out and needed to be replaced. You can see it in a couple of images below. The cotton polyester blend, monofilament or urethane fabric on the underside of a walk belt is what gives the PVC belt its tensile strength. In the images below you can see the ridges that run lengthwise in the belt because the strength of the belt has been compromised due the the wear on the underside of the belt which has been virtually worn smooth.

The motor control board is the main issue and the reason that the treadmill does not run.  It needs to be replaced.  The main cause of motor control board failure is a high amp draw based on friction between the belt and deck or some type of drag putting an increased load on the motor control board.  The primary cause of this, as well as premature walking belt and walking deck wear is the lack of proper belt/deck lubrication.

This was a very heavily used, under maintained treadmill which is a major contributing factor in having these issues in a treadmill that is only 3-4 years old. Another issue was the treadmill was not kept clean. Treadmill that are used in heavy workouts needs to be wiped down after use.  The moisture and salt in perspiration will rust metal components such as screws, bolts, metal frame and other components. I had a difficult time getting some of the screws out to remove the side trim and motor cover.

As with many of not most treadmills they act sort of like a vacuum cleaner picking up dust and pet hair from the floor which travels along with the walk belt under the machine toward the front of the machine, and then is thrown up to the underneath of the motor cover, then settling on the motor, motor control board, wiring, and everything else.

It is a good idea to first unplug your treadmill, then remove the motor cover and vacuum our all of the dust and debris once in a while. I have found this area in all types of conditions from being packed full like an over filled vacuum cleaner, to fairly clean.  I have also found the nest and other signs of mice and other pests.