The Proform Fitness Company manufactures a wide line of treadmills and other types of exercise equipment. Proform treadmills can be found in fitness centers throughout the world, as well as many home gyms. The Proform 540 is an economical option for homeowners looking for a quality treadmill that can be used at home. If you experience problems with your Proform 540, these basic troubleshooting techniques can get your treadmill running once again.
If Proform 540 Won't Power On
Step 1
Check that the treadmill is plugged into the correct type of outlet. This treadmill will not work if plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet. GFCI outlets are often found in bathrooms, and have surface-mounted reset and test buttons. In some areas, these outlets are required by code in rooms other than the bathroom. If your treadmill is plugged into a GFCI outlet, unplug it and wait five minutes before plugging it into a different non-GFCI outlet.
Step 2
Look for the circuit breaker switch on the base of the treadmill, which next to the power cord. This switch is marked with an "off" setting and a "reset" setting. If the switch is sitting at "off," turn the switch to "reset." You may also need to unplug the treadmill from the wall and plug it back in after resetting this breaker.
Step 3
Remove the key from the control console of your treadmill. Reinsert the key and turn it to the "on" position, making sure the the key is fully inserted.
If Display Isn't Working
Step 1
Unplug the treadmill from the wall for safety.
Step 2
Have a friend help you tilt the base of the treadmill up so you can access the bottom of the device. Look for four screws located below the front of the treadmill under the handles and control console.
Step 3
Remove these four screws using your screwdriver and set them aside for reuse. Lift the casing along this section of the treadmill up by pivoting it along its hinge.
Step 4
Look inside the treadmill to find the operating pulley, or wheel. There is a magnet attached to the left side of the pulley, as well as a coiled device called a "reed switch" sitting just to the left of the magnet. Use a screwdriver to adjust the screw holding the reed switch until the switch is 1/8-inch away from the magnet. You may need to adjust the screws several times to find the correct alignment.
Step 5
Replace the cover and reinsert all screws. Place the treadmill flat on the floor and plug it back in to test the display.
If Belt Needs Adjusting
Step 1
Examine the base of the treadmill along the back end--(the end farthest from the handlebars. Find the belt adjustment bolts located on either side.
Step 2
Use an Allen wrench to turn both of these bolts 1/4 turn counter-clockwise to loosen the belt. You'll know your belt is too tight if it feels like it slows down as you run or walk on the treadmill.
Step 3
Turn both of these bolts 1/4 turn clockwise to tighten the belt. A belt that's too loose will bunch up or slip off the track as you run.
Step 4
Adjust the bolts individually to center the belt. Turning both bolts tightens or loosens the belt, while adjusting only one bolt moves the belt from side to side along the width of the track. You may have to adjust the bolts several times to find the correct alignment.
Step 5
Pull the edges of the belt away from the track by hand to test fit and alignment. According to the ProForm Owner's Manual, you should be able to lift the belt 3 to 4 inches off the track if it is correctly adjusted.
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Allen wrench
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