NordicTrack elliptical trainers are one of the top choices when it comes to at home cardio machines.
They offer a great value for money and have a fantastic range of models to provide something to suit every individual.
If your NordicTrack Elliptical console doesn’t power up properly or the display readout is growing dim, then let’s review the most proven troubleshooting steps you should follow if your NordicTrack elliptical console not working or displays incorrect workout data.
Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
Why Your NordicTrack Elliptical Console Not Working?

The digital console is an important part of exercising on your elliptical, you can basically use it to adjust things like speed, resistance and incline.
The two most common reasons why NordicTrack elliptical display console will be dim, display bad results, or fail to turn on are bad batteries and problems with the reed switch.
The following troubleshooting guides will help you identify and fix your NordicTrack elliptical display problem.
NordicTrack Elliptical Console Not Working – Troubleshooting Guides
If your NordicTrack Elliptical console doesn’t power up, or the display readout starts growing dim while the machine is in operation, the first thing you have to try a NordicTrack elliptical battery replacement to see if it fixes the problem.
1. Replace The Batteries
NordicTrack recommends using alkaline batteries in all of their models as these will give better performance and last longer.
Start by taking off the cover to the battery compartment, remove and discard the old batteries.
Replace all of the batteries, not just one if you happen to have one good one.
Make sure they are facing the right direction and that the connections are clean, and free of damage.
Replace the battery cover and turn on the NordicTrack elliptical console.
2. Check The NordicTrack Power Supply
If the console doesn’t work after replacing the batteries and the screen doesn’t receive any power, you need to make sure you’ve already plugged your machine into a power source outlet first.
Check your outlet first, ensure the power cord is connected securely, and that the cord and plug are free of damage.
If the power doesn’t come to the console, check if your outlet is workable by plugging an appliance into it.
If the appliance doesn’t power, you may need to check your Circuit Breaker or move the machine to another outlet.
However, if it’s still working correctly, your machine may have a loose connection and you need to replace your power supply.
3. Adjust The Reed Switch

In case your screen only reads zeros, or displays inaccurate workout data, you need to adjust its reed switch.
The information on the display will not be right if the reed switch is too far from the flywheel magnet.
So what you are going to do is to remove your NordicTrack motor cover, then regulate the reed switch using a robust Phillips screwdriver.
First, unplug and turn off NordicTrack elliptical, then pry up the lower upright cover using a slot screwdriver, then slide the cover up to release it from the side shield.
Next, slide the right side shield off to expose the flywheel magnet.
Next, loosen the screw located on the reed switch without removing it and move it manually until you successfully lengthen the distance between the magnet and the switch of ⅛ inch.
Plug in the power cord , press the power switch to the reset position to power on the machine, and rotate the pulley for a moment.
Repeat these actions until the console displays correct feedback.
When the reed switch is correctly adjusted, press the power switch to the off position, unplug the power cord then get on NordicTrack elliptical assembly to get your machine back together.
4. Check Wires Connections
The exact steps for this portion will vary based on your NordicTrack machine and model number.
This will be a general guide to take you through the necessary steps, but use your manual to identify how to access the parts indicated.

Start by unplugging your machine. Next, use your elliptical manual to identify how to access the main wire. It typically goes through the upright and connects to the console.
With the main wire now accessible, check this wires connections and pins.
These pins sit inside the plastic casing that connects the wire to the controller or console. You need to make sure none of the pins have been broken or bent.
If a bent pin is found, carefully bend it back into place.
Identify and check any pinch points the wire may have. Pinch points are any place the wire moves between two parts.
If this wire is damaged anywhere, you may want to replace it.
If no damage was found, reconnect the main wire and plug your machine back in.
Check if the console works now.
5. Check The Motor Control Board

Your machine will have a controller if it has an incline motor.
What you are going to do is to remove your NordicTrack motor cover in order to check your controller board.
After you unplug the machine, pry up the lower upright covering using a slot screwdriver, then slide the cover up to release it from the side shield.
Next, slide the right side shield off to expose the flywheel magnet.
Here is a video demonstration for more detailed instructions:
Once you have an eye on the motor control board, you should see a red LED, if that light doesnt turn on you may need a new controller.
If the light is powered and you have checked everything above, the issue may be the controller or the console.
Final Tip

If none of the above steps seem to fix your problem, then your console is probably damaged and you will need a NordicTrack elliptical console replacement.
Call NordicTrack customer service for a new part or service.
Final Thoughts
It can be quite frustrating when your elliptical machine console stops operating properly as it should be.
Resetting the NordicTrack elliptical can be a great problem solver for most of the issues that may occur.
After this article you will be willing to know the reason why your NordicTrack elliptical console is not working and the necessary steps to take in order to safely and successfully resolve the issue.