SPIRIT TREADMILL - SPIRIT ESPRIT ET6 - ET8 - ET10 – How to calibrate the treadmill – Speed sensor adjustment for LS error - Treadmill running belt adjustment – Treadmill repair and service

Category: Treadmill Repair and Service 

Contents of this article 

• Calibration of the treadmill
• Speed sensor adjustment 
• Treadmill belt adjustment 

SPIRIT ESPRIT ET6 - ET8 - ET10 

Calibration procedure
1) Remove the safety key
2) Press and hold down the Start and Fast (speed up) buttons with one hand and replace the safety key with the other. Continue to hold the Start and Fast key until the window displays Factory settings, then press the enter key.
3) You will now be able to set the display to show Metric or English settings. To do this press the up or down key to show which you want, then press enter.
4) Make sure the wheel size diameter is 2.81 (2.98 for ET10) then press enter
5) Adjust the minimum speed (if needed) to 0.5 and then press enter
6) Adjust the maximum speed (if needed) to 12.0 and then press enter
7) Adjust the maximum elevation (if needed) to 15 and then press enter
8) Press start to begin calibration. The process is automatic. The belt speed will start without warning; so do not stand on the belt.
Adjusting the speed sensor:
If the calibration does not pass you may need to check the speed sensor alignment.
1) Remove the motor cover hood.
2) The speed sensor is located on the left side of the frame, right next to the front roller pulley (the pulley will have a belt around it that also goes to the motor). The speed sensor is small and black with a wire connected to it.
3) Make sure the sensor is as close as possible to the pulley without touching it. You will see a magnet on the face of the pulley; make sure the sensor is aligned with the magnet. There is a screw that holds the sensor in place that needs to be loosened to adjust the sensor. Re-tighten the screw when finished.
Maintenance menu:
1) Press and hold the Start, Stop and Enter key at the same time, until the display shows Engineering mode (it may say maintenance menu, depending on version). Press the Enter key.
2) You can now scroll through the menu using the up and down keys. Use the Stop key to return to previous menu selection. The menu selections are:
1) Calibration (used to verify calibration)
2) Factory settings (These should not be changed unless instructed by Spirit service department)
3) Security (This allows you to lock the console keyboard)
4) Functions
i. Sleep (turns sleep mode on or off)
ii. Pause (turns pause mode on or off)
iii. Maintenance (reset lube message and odometer readings)
iv. Units (set display to English or Metric readings)
v. Grade return (returns the elevation to lowest setting when pause is pressed)
5) Display test (lights all LED lights for testing)
6) Key test (tests that all keys are functioning)

Speed Sensor Adjustment for LS errors 
A “LS” error with belt movement usually indicates a speed sensor not reading the magnet. This is a simple adjustment to correct the problem. Listed below are the general instructions to adjust the speed sensor.
1. Remove the plastic motor cover. There are either 4 or 5 screws holding the cover in place depending on the model.
2. Locate the speed sensor between the front roller pulley and the frame of the treadmill. It is a small plastic piece approx 1 1/4” long and 1/4” in diameter with a black wire coming from the back of it leading to the electronic board in the motor compartment.
3. Locate the magnets mounted in the face of the pulley. (Approx. 3/8” in diameter)
4. The end of the sensor should be positioned approximately 1/8” from the magnet at the closest point. The sensor is in a clip that will allow you to slide it closer to the magnet.
5. Follow the wire from the sensor to the control board. Make sure the wire is connected on the board and it has not been damaged.

Treadmill Maintenance 

Belt and Bed - Your treadmill uses a very high-efficient low-friction bed. Performance is maximized when the bed is kept as clean as possible. Use a soft, damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the edge of the belt and the area between the belt edge and frame. Also reach as far as practical directly under the belt edge. This should be done once a month to extend belt and bed life. Use water only - no cleaners or abrasives. A mild soap and water solution along with a nylon scrub brush will clean the top of the textured belt. Allow to dry before using.
Belt Dust - This occurs during normal break-in or until the belt stabilizes. Wiping excess off with a damp cloth will minimize buildup.
General Cleaning - Dirt, dust, and pet hair can block air inlets and accumulate on the running belt. On a monthly basis, vacuum underneath your treadmill to prevent buildup. Once a year, you should remove the black motor hood and vacuum out dirt that may accumulate. UNPLUG POWER CORD BEFORE THIS TASK.
BELT ADJUSTMENTS:
Treadmill belt Tension Adjustment - Belt tension is not critical for most users. It is very important for joggers and runners in order to provide a smooth, steady running surface. Adjustment must be made from the right side of the rear roller in order to adjust tension with the 1/4” allen wrench provided in the parts package. The adjustment bolt is located at the end of the right side rail as noted in diagram below

Tighten the rear roller only enough to prevent slippage at the front roller. Turn the treadbelt tension adjusting bolt in increments of 1/4 turn and inspect for proper tension. When an adjustment is made to the belt tension, you must also make a tracking adjustment to compensate for the change in belt tension. This is accomplished by turning both the tension and tracking allen bolts an equal amount. This adjustment should be made by turning both bolts clockwise by no more than a 1/4 turn at a time.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN - Overtightening will cause belt damage and premature bearing failure.

TREADMILL BELT TRACKING ADJUSTMENT:
The performance of your treadmill is dependent on the frame running on a reasonably level surface. If the frame is not level, the front and back roller cannot run parallel, and constant belt adjustment may be necessary. The treadmill is designed to keep the treadbelt reasonably centered while in use. It is normal for some belts to vary near a side while the belt is running with no one on it. After a few minutes of use, the treadbelt should have a tendency to center itself. If, during use, the belt continues to move toward one side, adjustments are necessary.
TO SET TREADMILL BELT TRACKING:
A 1/4” allen wrench is provided to adjust the rear roller. Make tracking adjustments from the left side only. Set belt speed at approximately 2 to 3 mph. A small adjustment can make a dramatic difference. Turn the bolt only a 1/4 turn and wait a few minutes for the belt to adjust itself. Continue to make 1/4 turns until the belt stabilizes in the center of the running deck.
The belt may require periodic tracking adjustment depending on use and walking/ running characteristics. Some users will affect tracking differently. Expect to make adjustments as required to center the treadbelt. Adjustments will become less of a maintenance concern as the belt is used. Proper belt tracking is an owner responsibility common with all treadmills.
CAUTION - KEEP HANDS CLEAR OF MOVING REAR PULLEY.

LUBRICATION:
Do not relube with other than Spirit lubricant. The use of some other lubricants may destroy the deck surface or belt and will void warranty. If the treadmill belt/deck is kept reasonably clean it is possible to expect over 1000 hours before relubing is necessary.