HI our Bowflex series 3 treadmill is giving us a continued Err L5 code when trying to use our machine. We bought it used so do NOT have ant trouble shooting instructions. Any advice?

this meand 2 alternatives:
1) problem with the display board adjust the reed switch
see the diagram
2) mean the elevation motor; lube the gear and shaft ,and adjustment the potentiomenter, and check the voltage input motor .
God bless you

L5 or LS is short for Low Speed error

It basically means that the speed sensor is not picking up a signal. Unfortunatley its a pretty vague error code and can be caused by several different problems.

First you have to determine wether or not you have belt movement. If you have a LS with belt movement you know that it is related to the speed sensor itself (or the MCB motor control board - the part of the MCB that handles speed sensing function). If you are getting an LS w/belt movement you have to check to see if you have power output from the MCB. If you have no power output, check fuses, if fuses are good you will need the MCB replaced.

Hope this helps (remember to rate this answer).

The machine needs to be re-calibrated if its an L5 error.
Your speed sensor must have been damaged either during shipping or use. You'll need a new one. If under warranty - give Bowflex a call. They will ship you out a new sensor and guide you through installing it via the phone... re-calibrating the machine... and getting it operational again. It will take about 2 hours.

This error indicate that the console is unable to deter mine the speed of the belts. Potential parts associated with this are the Speed Sensor, MCB, Motor, I/O cables, and Upper Electronics. Call Nautilus Service Dept 1-800-628-8458

I had this happen on our machine after about 5 years of use. I just recalibrated it and it appears to be working fine now. See the manual for information on the steps needed to take in order to do this.

Try recalibrating your machine. Use the owners manual for the steps. This might work. I had an L5 error and it wouldn't run either. Recalibrating fixed the problem.

sounds to me like your speed sensor fried itself. The speed sensor is on the pulley that turns the belt. If you're under warranty them give bowflex a call. If not under warranty you can still call and order the part. Porbably about $20 for a new sensor.

(800) 952-7205 - Bowlfex Customer Support

Had my TC5000 for a year and this is the first time this happened. I use it everyday. Googled "Bowflex Teadclimber error codes" and found this link  download.dfxi.com/supportdocs/AM/Bowflex/BFX_TC135_AM_2008.pdf which is a pdf manual. 
I'm going to try this fix now, hope it works for you and me
Here's what it says for ERR LS:
Belts stop turning and “err LS” or “err OS” is displayed Calibration Re-calibrate machine using Owner’s Manual calibration procedure. Speed sensor 1. Cycle power off and on. 2. Put the machine in calibration mode (see Calibration procedure in Owner’s Manual) but do not start the calibration routine. 3. Remove right rear plastic cover to view LED diagnostics on control board. Caution: Machine is on. Current is active!! 4. Locate LED D on the motor controller board. LED may be lit or unlit. 5. Manually advance the treadle with your foot, and check if LED D is blinking. 6. If LED D is not blinking, then the speed sensor is not supplying a signal. Check that the speed sensor wire is plugged into the motor controller board, to the connection labeled “P1”. Check connection of speed sensor to jumper wire. Check speed sensor adjustment (use business card to set gap between sensor and pulley). If LED D still does not flash replace sensor. I/O cables If LED D is flashing when the belts are turning but err LS or OS persists check connections and for signs of visible damage to any of the three I/O cables. If no damage, check continuity using a multi-meter. If a multi-meter is not available contact customer service for replacement cables and further assistance.
Mike

I have an error code Err L5 this happened after my machine main power has been turned off.

The machine needs to be re-callibrated. L5 error.
Your speed sensor must have been damaged either during shipping or use. You'll need a new one. If under warranty - give Bowflex a call. They will ship you out a new sensor and guide you through installing it via the phone... re-calibrating the machine... and getting it operational again. It will take about 2 hours.

The instruction book doesn't mention calibration. be sure to not callibrate in metrics, however (there's no way to easily tell the difference - you have to ask) or you'll be strolling like a walk in the park at 5 "mph".

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