Precor is one of the most popular fitness brands in North America, well-known for building quality ellipticals.
If you have never used a Precor elliptical machine before, chances are you don’t know how to operate it.
Well, the process is so easy and only takes less than a minute.
Follow this step by step guide on how to turn on Precor elliptical and successfully start using it for the first time. As well as a list of reasons why your Precor Elliptical doesn’t turn on, and how to fix it.
Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
How To Turn On Precor Elliptical? Step-By-Step Guide
Precor machines are either self-powered or externally powered using an optional power adapter.
Self-powered equipment requires the user to exercise to initialize the console.
1.1 How To Turn On Precor Self-Powered Models?
On self-powered Precor models, when a user starts exercising, the console initializes and displays the Welcome banner.
A minimum rate of motion must be maintained for the Welcome banner to appear.
The equipment saves its battery charge by moving into a shutdown mode. If the user does not maintain the minimum rate of motion, a 30-second shutdown process begins.
In this mode, the console displays a countdown indicator and ignores all keypresses. If no movement is detected or the rate of motion remains below the minimum, the indicator changes as the countdown continues.
However, the user can resume exercising before the countdown period elapses and the workout will continue from the point at which it was paused.
1.2 Using The AC Power Adapter
The usage of the AC power adapter provides sustained power to the equipment. This adapter allows you to change settings without having to pedal the equipment.
The power adapter needs to be purchased separately.
But when you do get the power adapter, you must also purchase the internal cable kit.
The kit supplies the cable, bracket, and fasteners that connect the power adapter to the lower electronics board.
Once the internal cable kit is installed, you can plug the optional power adapter into the equipment, and plug the opposite end into the appropriate power source for your equipment (120 V or 240 V).
The control console functions differently when the power adapter is connected. Because the power adapter provides a constant source of power, a user can pause for brief periods without initiating shutdown procedures.
When the pause time limit expires and the user has not resumed exercising, the console returns to the Welcome screen.
The default pause time is 30 seconds for all fitness equipment.
2. Start Exercising
To mount the elliptical, just hop into the machine, hold the handlebars or the upper body arms and step onto the pedal that is in the lower position.
Then, step onto the other pedal and start moving the pedals until they begin to move with a continuous motion
The Precor pedals can turn in either direction.
However, it is recommended that you turn the pedals in the direction shown by the arrow.
How To Turn On Bluetooth On Your Precor Elliptical?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that you can use to connect your elliptical machine to your phone or other device. This way, you can listen to music or other audio files, send or receive phone calls, and use other apps on your phone while exercising.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your model of elliptical machine to learn how to turn on Bluetooth.
With most machines, you’ll need to pair your device with the machine so they can communicate with one another.
Here is how to turn on Bluetooth on a Precor elliptical:
- Place the device you want to connect on the console.
- Press the Bluetooth button. The machine will automatically pair to your device.
Once your devices are paired, you can use your elliptical to listen to music, send or receive phone calls, or use other apps on your device.
You can also use your phone to track your progress, calories burned, and other information about your workout.
Why Won’t My Precor Elliptical Turn On?
The elliptical machine is a complex piece of machinery. From the motors that drive the pedals to the computer chip inside, every part is designed with specific functions in mind.
When one part fails, others are negatively impacted as well.
These are some things to check in order to figure out what’s wrong with your machine before calling a repair technician.
But before you jump right into trying troubleshooting tips or trying to figure out what’s wrong with your elliptical, make sure there isn’t something else wrong that could cause your machine to not work.
The first thing you should do is check if your machine is plugged into an outlet and the cord is securely attached.
Check if everything that touches the pedals is in good working order. The belt is tight, and the Pulley is in good shape.
1. Check the drive belt
The belt is the part that connects the pedals to the drive system.
If the elliptical drive belt is no longer in good shape, it will cause the pedals to get stuck. This will cause your elliptical to not work.
The best way to check if the belt is worn is to look at the belt from above. If there are noticeable grooves “wear spots” in the belt, your belt is worn.
The grooves will cause the belt to slip on the pulleys inside, which will cause your elliptical to stop working.
How to replace the elliptical machine drive belt?
To replace your belt, follow the steps below:
- Unplug your elliptical. This will prevent any accidents.
- Remove the cover plates off the back of the machine.
- Unplug the motor cable from the motor.
- Remove the cover off the flywheel.
- Now you can remove the belt.
- Replace the belt and re-install the cover plates.
2. Check the screws
The next thing you should check is to ensure that all the screws that hold the machine together are tight.
The best way to check if the screws are tight enough is to go back to the front of the machine and check the level of the screws.
If any of them is loose, then the machine will not work correctly.
If you find any loose screws, then tighten them up before moving on to the next tip. The easiest way to do this is with a screwdriver.
But before you tighten screws, make sure not to turn them too far.
The screws should just be snug enough for the machine to operate without falling apart.
Here are the steps to follow to check if the screws are tight enough:
- Unplug your elliptical. This will prevent any accidents.
- Remove the cover plates off the back of the machine.
- Now you can access the front and back of the flywheel.
3. Check the power plug
The next thing you should check is to make sure the plug on the cord is firmly seated in the outlet.
Sometimes when the cord gets lodged in the outlet, this can cause your machine to stop working.
If you find that your machine is not turning on because of an outlet issue, here is what to do:
- Unplug your elliptical.
- This will prevent any accidents.
- Unplug the cord from the outlet.
- Pull out any excess cord.
- Re-insert the plug into the outlet.
4. Check for mechanical issues
If none of the above have worked to fix your Precor Elliptical, you’ll have to check the mechanical nature of your machine to see if there is a problem.
There could be a problem with the gear train and flywheel inside your machine.
When you turn the pedals, the gear train inside may not be turning the flywheel fast enough, as this will cause your machine to not work correctly.
To fix this problem, follow these steps:
- Unplug your elliptical. This will prevent any accidents.
- Remove the cover plates off the back of the machine.
- Now you’ll need to disconnect the electrical components from the drive system.
- You may need to remove the console from the machine.
- Now you can reach the gears inside the gear train and the flywheel.
Final tip
If none of the above have worked for you, then you’ll have to call a repair technician.
There could be a problem with the gear train and flywheel inside your machine, or there could be a problem with the console.
If you decide to call a service technician, make sure you have all of your receipts, parts, manuals, and other paperwork ready to hand over.
Also, make sure you know exactly what the service person needs to see.
Also keep in mind that waiting a few days for a repair technician can save you money. If your machine needs to be ordered out, the technician may be able to get the part on the same day, or the same week.
Bottom Line
There are two different types of Precor machines, they are either self-powered or externally powered using an optional power adapter.
All you need to do is either start exercising using the self-powered option and the console will initialize
The other option would be to use the AC power adapter, and then you should be able to start using the elliptical machine without any issues.
