Life Fitness error codes: the 10 we see most, and what to do
A Life Fitness treadmill, elliptical, bike or PowerMill shows an error when it detects a fault. Most Life Fitness consoles show a short message with a number, such as "Notify Maintenance, Motor Controller Comm Bad" with code 20. Newer touch screens show an E in front of the number, like E161. These are the 10 codes our technicians see most often in gyms, apartment communities and hotels, what each one means in plain words, and the one safe thing your staff can check first.
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- Write the code and the message down exactly as they show on the screen.
- Turn the machine off, wait one minute, and turn it back on. Do this once.
- If the code comes back, take the machine out of use and put up an Out of Order sign. Free printable Out of Order sign
- Call ServiceRX at 888-383-6371. We repair Life Fitness equipment in North Carolina and South Carolina.
What does Life Fitness error 20 mean?
When the machine powered up, the console could not reach the motor controller, the board that runs the drive motor. It is usually a loose or damaged cable between the console and the base, sometimes one of the boards. Restart once. If it comes back, call for service.
What does Life Fitness error 21 mean?
The console was talking to the motor controller and then lost the connection during use. Same causes as error 20: a cable or a board. Restart once. If it comes back, call for service.
What does Life Fitness error 25 mean?
The treadmill went looking for its flat, zero percent incline position and could not find it. The small switch that marks that position, its cable, or the incline motor is at fault. Restart once; the machine will try to find home again. If it comes back, call for service.
What does Life Fitness error 34 mean?
The motor controller shut the belt down because the motor was pulling more current than allowed. A very heavy load, a worn belt and deck, or a failing board can cause it. Stop using the machine and call for service. Do not keep restarting it.
What does Life Fitness error 38 mean?
The motor controller saw the voltage climb too high. On a treadmill this usually happens when someone pushes or drags the belt by hand, or runs very hard at high speed. You may also see "Warning, step off belt." Step off, restart once, and do not push the belt by hand. If it comes back during normal use, call for service.
What does Life Fitness error 49 mean?
The machine is not getting enough power from the outlet. Causes are a brownout, a weak circuit shared with other equipment, or a damaged power cord. Make sure the machine is on its own circuit and the cord is in good shape, then restart once. If it comes back, call for service.
What does Life Fitness error 62 mean?
The motor controller switched off the drive motor when it was not supposed to. There is nothing safe for staff to check. Take the machine out of use and call for service.
What does Life Fitness error 78 mean?
The drive motor overheated and its built-in safety switch shut it off. It will reset on its own once the motor cools. The usual causes are a worn belt and deck making the motor work too hard, blocked air vents around the motor compartment, or a hot room. Clear anything stacked around the machine and let it cool for 30 minutes. If it happens again, call for service; the belt and deck likely need attention.
What does Life Fitness error 161 mean?
On touch screen consoles, the display and the main board stopped talking to each other. Restart once. If it comes back, the console needs service.
What does Life Fitness error 170 mean?
The console found an internal hardware fault. Restart once. If the code returns, the console itself is failing and will need to be repaired or replaced. Call for service.
Fitness Equipment Maintenance Log
A 5-page log for your facility: a preventive maintenance checklist, an equipment list, a page per machine, and a staff problem report. Print it and keep it in a binder.
Related services and guides
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Code keeps coming back?
Take the machine out of use, put up the Out of Order sign, and call ServiceRX at 888-383-6371. Factory-trained technicians, North Carolina and South Carolina.
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