Can I Recalibrate My Treadmill's Speed?

If you notice that the speed of your treadmill's running belt does not seem to match up with the speed displayed on the screen, you may be able to fix this problem by calibrating your treadmill. Calibration runs the belt and the incline ramp through all its possible settings.

Recalibration Instructions

The recalibration procedure for a treadmill varies by brand and model. Some manufacturers include speed and incline calibration instructions in the owner's manual. If the manual does not include calibration instructions, remove the motor hood cover and look for instructions printed on the inside of the cover or belly pan. If neither of these places contains the instructions, contact the manufacturer.

Recalibration Procedure

Speed recalibration involves pushing various keys on the treadmill console in a specific order. Sometimes the instructions also involve inserting and removing the safety key while you hold certain keys down. Because different models made by the same brand do not always have the same console buttons, the speed recalibration procedure not only is specific to each brand of treadmill but also to each model.

Adjustments

The treadmill runs the belt through all the speed settings. Most treadmills display the lowest and highest actual speed of the belt. If these speeds do not match the speed range of the machine, you may need to adjust the speed cube or potentiometer. For example, if the belt's top speed is 11 mph, but your treadmill model is capable of 12 mph, increase the speed by turning a screw on the speed cube.

Considerations

Do not stand on the walking belt while the treadmill recalibrates as the belt changes speeds quickly and unexpectedly. Stand on the side rails. Small adjustments on the speed cube or potentiometer result in large changes of the running belt. Adjust these devices carefully. It is not necessary to exactly match the actual and potential speeds. Try to get within .2 mph. For example, if the top speed of your treadmill is 12 mph, try to set the actual speed between 11.8 and 12.2 mph.