If you smell a burning odor while using your treadmill, you have a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. While new rubber has a distinctly acrid odor, a burning smell is different and might be accompanied by smoke. If your treadmill is new and you can smell the odor while the treadmill is off, it might just be the smell of new parts.
Immediate Action
If you smell a burning smell while using your treadmill, dismount, turn off the machine and unplug it. Try to remove it from inside the building before inspecting it. If you are not skilled with electricity, consult an electrician before trying to repair your treadmill. Attempting to repair a treadmill that is under warranty could void the warranty.
Causes
According to the website the Treadmill Doctor, the main cause of a burning smell is too much friction between the belt and the deck. Other causes can include a short in the motor, a short in the wiring or electronics, or too much heat in the motor that can cause damage to the lacquer or cardboard core. A drive system obstruction can also contribute to overheating.
Excess friction can occur if you are too heavy for the treadmill, the belt is too tight or needs lubrication.
Damage
The burning smell could come from smoldering of the cardboard core of cheaper treadmills. If the voltage and amperage from the motor overheats the cardboard, it will need to be replaced. If the motor has overheated, the motor could be damaged and will need to be replaced. Scorched or burned parts need to be replaced.
Checking the Belt and Deck
To check the belt and deck for friction, disassemble the deck and look for grooves or other signs of excessive wear in the belt. If damage is present, contact the dealer for a replacement. If the belt and deck look smooth, check for a short in the motor or damage to electrical parts.
Testing the Motor
Use an independent power source, such as a cordless drill battery or an outside DC converter with a variable speed input, to run the motor. If the burning smell occurs, your motor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Electronics and Wiring
If the belt, deck and motor are sound, you might have a problem in the wiring or electronics of the machine. If scorched, burned or melted parts are present, replace them.
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