Replacement Parts for Fitness Exercise Equipment at SPORTSMITH
This video covers general resistance troubleshooting for the Stairmaster 4400CL, 4600CL, and SC916 Steppers.
Tools Needed: Multi Meter, Jumper Wire
Resistance problems could be either mechanical or electrical in nature.
Mechanical problems are easily identified by noise. If a grinding noise is heard while pedaling, this is an indicator the drive hub assembly is having a problem. If a ratcheting sound is heard while pedaling, this is an indicator of a loose belt or a belt that could be coming off.
Once you've eliminated the possible mechanical causes for resistance problems, then it is time to investigate the electrical system.
The easiest test of the electrical system when investigating a resistance problem is to step onto the pedals and access Diagnostics. This is done by pressing Level ^, 6, ENTER. (DIAGNOSTICS will appear in the upper display window.) Press Level Down twice to get to the alternator test. (ALT TEST will appear in the upper display window.) Press ENTER to begin the test. As the video shows, resistance drops out when the test begins. So, if this occurs, press the Level ^ one time. This will turn the field ON. This verifies that voltage is passing from the display through the display cable to the lower control board. This confirms there is good communication between the console and the lower control board and that the voltage is being supplied to the alternator. If resistance is lost during this portion of the test, inspecting the cable should be the first step of action. Look for bent pins, loose connection or crimped wire.
Other components of the electrical system to inspect for resistance problems are the battery, load resistor, speed sensor and alternator.
We'll discuss the battery first. In order to get a proper reading, testing the battery should be done with the pedals in motion. There are 3 different battery readings a person may encounter. A reading of 6 VDC or greater indicates a good battery. A reading below 6 VDC but higher than 4.8 VDC indicates the battery needs charged for 24 hours. A reading below 4.8 VDC indicates your battery is bad and needs replaced. For more information, watch our battery testing video.
If your battery is good, the next item to check is the speed sensor. The speed sensor should be spaced a business card thickness away from the speed disc. If the speed sensor is spaced properly, the function of the speed sensor can be verified by confirming that proper voltage is present. For more speed sensor troubleshooting, watch our video on speed sensor testing and adjustment.
Next to inspect is the load resistor. Load resistor testing is pretty simple. Load resistors are ohm rated, and you want to verify the proper ohms for the load resistor being tested. Load resistors can cause the resistance to come and go. This means you may pedal a few steps and then the pedals will drop or loose resistance. Then, as the load resistor cools down a bit, you may get resistance again for a few steps. If the resistance goes back and forth like this, the load resistor likely needs replaced. For more information, see our load resistor testing video.
The last electrical component to inspect when investigating a resistance problem is the alternator. The alternator can be easily tested by performing the B+ to Field jumper test. For details on how to perform this test, watch our alternator testing video.
Resistance Troubleshooting Video for Stairmaster Stepper 4400CL 4600CL...
Chances are all you are missing is that you need to set that console to the correct machine type and to do so you will need to hit the following keys.
Level, UP, 90, and Enter and just scroll until you find stepper and hit enter.
If that does not solve the issue, it is definitely something more substantial and we would be happy to help you out :) by chat at www.sportsmith.net or by phone at 888-713-2880
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sounds like you just need to set the correct type of machine for the console and to do so you just hit these buttons;
LEVEL UP then 80 and ENTER
Scroll through and select Stepper and then ENTER
Hope this helps, If you find you need further assistance go ahead and give our Tech Support Team a call at 888-713-2880 or visit us online at
http://www.sportsmith.net/Categories.aspx?did=30086C54-6F80-43D2-8BF3-36065F9384AB
Taken from the service manual under "mechanical troubleshooting":
"If you hear a grinding or clicking noise, or experience excessive vibration during exercise.........you probably have a problem in the drive train."
You can find more information in the following linking, beginning on page 57 of the document reader.
http://www.sportsmith.net/images/product_support%5Cstairmaster%5CManuals%5C42-44-4600PT-CL_Red-LED_Display_Freeclimber_Manual.pdf
You might try adjusting the speed sensor. It may simply just be that they are not heavy enough to make it turn fast enough to work. The following information should help you to make the adjustment I mentioned.
Speed Sensor Testing and Adjustment for Stairmaster 4400cl and 4600cl Steppers
Testing and Adjustment of Stairmaster 4600CL and 4400CL Speed SensorTools Needed: Volt Meter, 7/16" Wrench
A common misconception about battery powered units, it that it only requires you to step on the pedals to power the console; when in fact the speed sensor plays a major role in powering the console.
If you step on the pedals and they fall to the floor due to the console not powering up so there is no resistance, you should check the speed sensor.
The speed sensor is mounted to the alternator and reads the speed sensor disc when the unit is pedaled producing an AC voltage. The voltage from the speed sensor can be tested at the connection of the speed sensor to the lower control board. The connection is a red and black wire. Using AC setting on your volt meter at its lowest range, place the red lead to the red wire and the black lead to the black wire. Make sure the leads of the volt meter are making a good connection. Now step on the unit and verify the voltage from the speed sensor. A good speed sensor will produce about 3 VAC before the console powers up.
If the voltage is not correct, inspect the adjustment of the speed sensor. It may be necessary to adjust the sensor closer to the speed sensor disc. Proper gap of the speed sensor to the disc is about the thickness of a business card.
Retest unit after making speed sensor adjustment.
Display reads CONFIG RQRD or NTM CONFIG RQD on Stairmaster Equipment
Probable Cause
The message CONFIG RQRD or NTM CONFIG RQD appears when the console needs to be configured for the machine type it is installed. This message is common when the console has been replaced or if the settings have been changed. Message is commonly seen on various Stairmaster equipment such as bike models 3000CE, 3300CE, 3400CE, 3600RC, 3800RC and 3900RC; stepper models 4400PT, 4600PT, 4400CL, 4600CL and SC916; stepmill models 7000PT and SM916; elliptical model ClubStride 5100.
Corrective Action
Make sure the unit is in an "idle" state. "Idle" state means the console is not displaying an error or any message that requires data input. The display should basically be freshly powered up, scrolling the EKG or welcome message
Configure the console for the proper machine type by pressing Level UP, 80, ENTER
Using the Level UP or Level DOWN keys, scroll through to the proper machine type (Bike, Elliptical, Stairclimber or Stepmill)
Once the proper machine type is shown on the display select the machine type by pressing ENTER
This completes the steps necessary when your Stairmasterdisplay readsCONFIG RQRD or NTM CONFIG RQD
Display reads CONFIG RQRD or NTM CONFIG RQD on Stairmaster Equipment
Probable Cause
The message CONFIG RQRD or NTM CONFIG RQD appears when the console needs to be configured for the machine type it is installed. This message is common when the console has been replaced or if the settings have been changed. Message is commonly seen on various Stairmaster equipment such as bike models 3000CE, 3300CE, 3400CE, 3600RC, 3800RC and 3900RC; stepper models 4400PT, 4600PT, 4400CL, 4600CL and SC916; stepmill models 7000PT and SM916; elliptical model ClubStride 5100.
Corrective Action
Make sure the unit is in an "idle" state. "Idle" state means the console is not displaying an error or any message that requires data input. The display should basically be freshly powered up, scrolling the EKG or welcome message
Configure the console for the proper machine type by pressing Level UP, 80, ENTER
Using the Level UP or Level DOWN keys, scroll through to the proper machine type (Bike, Elliptical, Stairclimber or Stepmill)
Once the proper machine type is shown on the display select the machine type by pressing ENTER
This completes the steps necessary when your Stairmasterdisplay readsCONFIG RQRD or NTM CONFIG RQD
