April 19, 2023

Elliptical Machine: Why won't my elliptical's pedal resistance change?

If pedal resistance sticks on one setting, the resistance motor could be defective. Many elliptical exercisers offer workout programs that vary resistance automatically during the routine. If resistance during the uphill climbs on a pre-programmed workout feels the same as the downhill treks, try manually changing the resistance. If you can change resistance manually, then you'll need to replace the console.

If manually changing elliptical resistance is not working, then check the current going from the console to the resistance motor. Most elliptical exercisers use battery power to change resistance, so checking for DC voltage going to the resistance motor is safe and easy. If batteries power your elliptical's control system, use a multimeter to measure voltage at the resistance motor when you manually adjust resistance on the console. Replace the console if it doesn't send voltage to the resistance motor when you manually change resistance. Replace the resistance motor if it doesn't run when getting voltage from the console.

If your elliptical exerciser plugs into an electrical wall outlet, unplug the elliptical and check wire harness connections between the console and the resistance motor. Use a multimeter to check continuity through wiring and the resistance motor. Repair or replace any damaged wiring. Replace the resistance motor if your meter measures infinite resistance through the motor. If the wiring and resistance motor are both okay, then you'll likely need to replace the console.

These troubleshooting tips can help you resolve Icon, Weslo, ProForm, Lifestyler and Life Fitness elliptical resistance problems.

elliptical machine

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR ELLIPTICAL MACHINE PROBLEM

JC-ELL-Replace-the-resistance-motor

Replace the elliptical resistance motor

The resistance motor changes the distance of the C-magnet from the flywheel to adjust the pedal resistance. If the resistance motor doesn't move when activated, replace it.

Elliptical resistance motor

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-ELL-Replace-Elliptical-Resistance-Motor-Intro-Image
June 15, 2015

How to replace an elliptical resistance motor

If pedaling your elliptical feels the same at every resistance setting, the resistance motor could be the problem. This repair guide and video show how to replace an elliptical resistance motor in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
JC-ELL-Replace-the-console

Replace the elliptical console

The console displays the elapsed time, distance traveled, estimated calories burned, current speed and the user's pulse. If the console doesn't light up, replace the battery. If the problem continues, replace the console assembly. The console also controls the resistance motor. Replace the console if it fails to adjust the resistance motor.

Elliptical console

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-ELL-Replace-Elliptical-Console-Intro-Image
June 01, 2015

How to replace an elliptical console

If your elliptical console won't turn on or if the console display isn't working, the console might be broken. The DIY repair guide and video show how to replace an elliptical console in 3 quick steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less

Symptoms for elliptical machines

Choose a symptom to see related elliptical repairs.

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

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 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
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

Effective articles & videos to help repair your fitness & exercise

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

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....