My F80 quit working after 54 hours

by john
(Wisconsin)

My F80 quit working after 54 hours. The slow speed error came up on the console. I called for repair and the operator told me "a technician will contact you in 2-3 days". I called the store where I purchased it to complain. Several hours later I get a call from Sole telling me that they are fed ex'ing a part to me and that a technician will cal in 2 - 3 days.

This is unacceptable, if they know what part to send, they must have a common problem with the treadmill. I never recieved any correspondance that there was a problem with my model of treadmill.

I am sorry that I bought it.

Comments for My F80 quit working after 54 hours

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Jul 21, 2021
Rating

Don’t buy this piece of trash
by: Nick

Don’t buy it their customer service sucks the treadmill quit after less than 2 months giant piece of crap waste of money

Jan 18, 2021
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LS1 due to intermittent speed sensor
by: Anonymous

My F80 would run fine then speed up slightly before throwing the LS1 error.

I would turn it off for a day and then it would run again. The tell tale is the speeding up before the error.

In this case the speed sensor would stick closed.

The board would not get any more pulses and try to speed up to make up for it. This would then cause the LS1 error.

An easy we to check if your speed sensor is not working is to walk on the belt while you have the LS1 error.

look at the speed LED next to the speed sensor on the board. If it is solid on or solid off your speed sensor is bad, it should be blinking.

I purchased a universal speed sensor on ebay since the OEM one is not a reliable part and so far so good. no more issues

May 01, 2020
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UPDATE to My Post "SOLE LS1 Error Message SOLVED - the fix is DIY and pretty easy & costs $230 bucks"
by: Anonymous

UPDATE to My Post "SOLE LS1 Error Message SOLVED - the fix is DIY and pretty easy & costs $230 bucks"

It wasn't solved. Still have to lube frequently (cheaper lube does not last as long as SOLE lube) and adjust track due to LS1 error - ongoing, however I can usually get it going by adding lube and tweaking belt settings (tension & centering the belt).

My call to tech support was decent, in that they answered the phone and tech can walk you thru common errors. Not necessarily fix them - but help cross possible issues off the list.

Before buying a new circuit board - call the Help line and try suggested free fixes first (and those on Youtube and listed here). Ultimately I am not sure if my circuit board was bad or not (but at least I can rule that out I guess).

Apr 29, 2020
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LS1 error
by: Nick

After replacing the deck and motor (free under warranty) the error remained.

Was told it was a deck belt friction issue and to replace the belt as well. Which I did.

Was able to run on it once, then the error came back. I was aware that this could be a circuit board issue but didn’t want to spend the cash if it wasn’t.

Checked out a posting on you tube and saw there was a way to test the circuit board to see if it was bad.

Just needed a digital multi meter to test it. Went out and bought one at Home Depot. Was about 50 bucks for the average quality one that you clip over a few wires.

Make sure you get the meter that has a clip it’s much easier to do the test. Turned out it was in fact the board as it was drawing to many amps when I would walk on it.

I called a guy named Tyler who I believe works in the service department. He was great.

Sold me a new control board at a good price, less than 200.00, and I received it in a few days.

I replaced the board (like the other post says take a few pics before) and it was just a wire swap out. Restarted the treadmill and tested it.

Found the amps were back down to where they
should be with a person walking or running on it. That turned out to be the problem.

I have since put about 70 miles on it again and no more issues. I also learned that my lack of lubrication of the belt and deck is probably what caused this problem to begin with.

If you’re willing to replace the board I would suggest calling Tyler at 866-697-6531, ext. 642.

Apr 29, 2020
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Same LS1 error
by: Joshua

I had the same LS1 error.

Sole was very unhelpful. I found a company called CircuitBoardRepair and they walked me through a few tests.

They determined it was the circuit board, charged me $110 to fix it, and had it back to me in a couple of days.

If you have this issue, give them a call.

Mar 25, 2020
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Sole f80 Treadmill LS1 Error SOLVED
by: Anonymous

SOLE LS1 Error Message SOLVED - the fix is DIY and pretty easy & costs $230 bucks.

In short, strain from the (read: Your) lack of lubing in between the belt and the deck puts strain on the motherboard and it burns out.

So you go to Ebay and buy a new "Motor Controller" board - I got mine from Ebay user: fitness-technology.

While you are at it, get a few tubes of lube - you dont have to get the expensive one from Sole, you can get a cheapie 3 pack - also from Ebay. Your supposed to lube it every 2-3 months.

When you replace the board - take lots of pics of where the wires go so you plug them all back in the right spots. Its not hard - it just takes some time, but its a swap out. Cheers.

Mar 08, 2020
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Dreaded low speed error - F85 Sole Fitness Treadmill Error
by: Anonymous

I originally bought the F85. I thought it was a great treadmill until I got the dreaded low speed error after one year.

They sent me a new circuit board and it fixed the problem.(Little did I know it would only be temporarily).

It happened again 3 years later, Again they sent new parts which I had to install (past labor warranty).

After many hit and misses finally got it working after replacing almost everything.

Six months later I lost the treadmill in flooding from Hurricane Sandy. Like a fool I bought another Sole treadmill the F80 (Still wondering why I bought another one).

I really liked the treadmill and thought I just had a lemon the first time. Now I'm on my second low speed error after having paid someone to replace everything the first time (again after labor warranty expired).

I am beyond frustrated. I'm ready to dump this POS and will never by a Sole again. They should have to have a disclosure warning buyers of this problem.

Unbelievable and all the sites still have them as top ranked treadmill. Sole must be paying them off.

===========Response======

So sorry to hear of all these. Sole should do a better job in customer service and standing up for their products.

Jan 16, 2020
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LS1 error Circuit board repair
by: Peter

I was getting the same LS1 error. I called Sole and after some discussion they sent me a motor - which didn't fix my issue. When I called back I was told I needed a new circuit board ($300). I angrily did a Google search and found a company called CircuitBoardRepair.net. They were super helpful in explaining my error. I sent them my circuit board. They fixed it and sent it back in a day and a half. I re-installed the circuit board and the treadmill has been running great.
The whole thing cost me $110 and a few days. I highly recommend them.

Dec 24, 2019
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Test for LS1 Error?
by: DM-n-CO

I have a LS1 error and I am pretty sure that it is the comtrol board but is there a test that I can do to be sure?

Dec 21, 2019
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Sole F80 - LS1 Error message
by: Anonymous

I have 2400 miles on my treadmill, and while it has had issues it still keeps running.

I bought it in 2011 and the first issue was in 2018. Sole replaced the motor, but I still needed a control board for $300.

Now I am getting the LS1 error message. machine calibrates fine but stops under load.

I repaired the circuit board, as per this board and all is fine.

Just keep lubing the deck and keeping it clean. I hope to get many more miles out of it.

Apr 19, 2019
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LS1 error
by: Nick

I have a Sole F80 with about 1200 miles on it. Noticed when running on it one day, the deck felt spongy. Suspected it was cracked and read a few reviews which seemed to confirm what I had thought. Took it apart and and found the underside of the deck was indeed cracked. Ordered a new one and received it free from Sole under the lifetime warranty. Installed it without issues and lubed the underside of the belt for good measure. Ran on it once afterward and everything seemed ok. On my second run after replacing it, I got the dreaded LS1 error. It calibrated fine but every time I tried running, it would stop and the error would pop up. I checked several things including speed sensor and drive belt. All seemed ok. Called the parts guy that sent me the belt and he believed it may be an issue with the motor. A week later, I received the new motor under warranty and installed w/o issue. Calibrated it and tried to run on it. Again, same LS1 error. After numerous hours of messing with everything from the belt tension to the speed sensor, drive belt, etc., I called Sole and spoke to a guy. He had me run it through a test by getting it up to 3 miles per hour, stepping on it and walking for 3 seconds, and then pull the emergency stop. I did this and the belt immediately stopped. He said it was a deck belt friction issue and recommended a new belt. I inspected the belt and it looked fine. Decided to hold off on the new belt and bought some more silicone spray and silicon oil instead. I sprayed the crap out of the new deck and hit the underside of the belt with the oil. Cycled it a few times and re adjusted the belt tension. I re tested it and everything seems back to normal with no errors. Alot of wasted hours and such a simple fix.

Mar 23, 2019
Rating

Sole F80 LS1 - long road to a fix
by: Scott_VA

2011 Sole F80 (580801) threw an LS1 and wouldn't calibrate. Lubed belt, no joy. Worked with Sole tech support and they had me connect a 9v battery to the motor leads (red and white on the motor control board). The motor wanted to turn but couldn't quite move. Sole sent a new motor and deck under warranty. I ordered a new walking belt and motor drive belt since everything would be apart anyway. Everything came and I installed the new parts - imagine my disappointment when motor struggled and still wouldn't calibrate before dying with LS1. Called Sole and they had me add more lube to the belt, check the drive belt tension, and mess with the little torque screw on the motor control board. Couldn't get past 3 mph unloaded before throwing LS1. At this point I was contemplating hauling this thing to the dump. Sole didn't recommend further parts, but did say everything else was out of warranty. I Googled for solutions one last time and stumbled on a guy on eBay would advertised he would diagnose and rehab any Sole motor control board with new, stronger capacitors. By process of elimination, my LS1 issue strongly suggested a motor control board problem, so I added numbered tags to all the wires on the control board and took lots of pictures before removing it and packaging it up and sending it off to Wisconsin. It took about a week and a half and $109 and I got the board back with a note saying all capacitors had been replaced with "stronger than OEM" and a couple of "filters" were found to be bad and replaced. I reinstalled the board and referenced my pictures to plug the wires back in properly. Started up the treadmill and it ran like new. It fully completed the calibration without issue. I vacuumed everything well and put the lid back on and no more LS1.

My experience with LS1 has seemed to be related to one of two things over time - either lack of lubrication / damaged deck, or motor control board. I have a new motor this time (thanks Sole), but I suspect the old one was good and only the board was bad this time. Sole should really have a better way of diagnosing the cause of LS1. If you are having problems, look up CircuitBoardRepair.net on eBay. If you can wait a couple weeks for a repair, they seem to do good work.

Oct 17, 2017
Rating

sole f80 error 1 code fixed
by: Anonymous

DEVELOPED ERROR 1 CODE ON 2011 SOLE F80 AFTER QUITE A BIT OF USE...

REPLACED DECK AND TREADMILL BELT NO CHANGE..

TREADMILL WOULD WORK OK TILL I STEPPED ON IT THEN IT WOULD QUIT AND ERROR OUT.

TESTING MOTOR LEADS WITH A 9V0LT BATTERY AND ALSO 18VOLT DEWALT BATTERY TREADMILL WOULD RUN GREAT..

TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORTER I FOUND A REPLY FROM SOMEONE ELSE TO INSPECT CONTROL BOARD TERMINAL CONNECTION WHERE I BELIEVE POWER FLOWS THRU.

IT LOOKS LIKE A HEAVY PIECE OF WIRE IN A "U" ON UPPER RIGHT OF CONTROL BOARD. I NOTICED ONE SIDE OF SOLDER DISCOLORED BUT IT LOOKED OK.

I DRILLED A COUPLE HOLES ABOVE IT AND SOLDERED IN A SIMILAR SIZE WIRE IN THE R2 CONNECTION WHICH IS PART OF THIS CIRCUIT. THIS FINALLY FIXED IT WHICH TOOK ME 6 MONTHS TO FIGURE OUT...

I HAD TO MAKE A POST FOR SOMEONE ELSE IN SIMILAR SITUATION.

Sep 29, 2017
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Mine quit at 4467 miles
by: Paul

I have a melted circuit on the motor control board of my 9 year old Sole F83… repaired it and the same circuit melted in another place.

I am going to risk buying a circuit board. If that doesn't fix it will spend $1499 and buy a new F80 as I am pleased with my nine years of service

Aug 18, 2017
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Sole F60
by: Anonymous

We bought a Sole F60 and the incline does not work.

At the recommendation of Sole technicians we have replaced the incline motor, data cable and computer board.

The incline still does not work. I feel like we wasted our money. Regardless of other reviews on other websites that rate Sole highly, I would recommend people seriously consider other alternatives.

They may not be any better than Sole, but I do not see how they can be any worse.

Long story short, treadmill does not work and Sole does not stand behind it.

Jul 22, 2017
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LS1 Resolved
by: Anonymous

Sole Treadmill was giving LS1. The drive belt is very sensitive.

If you have it too tight it will draw more amps and cause LS1. I adjusted my drive belt from being too tight to slightly slipping.

I then adjusted the bolt two turns to just get it past the slipping. That's all it needed. No more LS1.

Jan 13, 2017
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Sole 80
by: Anonymous

My Milwaukee super sawzall with a general purpose metal blade fixed it for ever.

After looking at components I found the motor was garbage and all that nonsense of not enough lube under belt is stupid.

Oct 10, 2016
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Bypass bad RT1 on Controller Board
by: Gene M

Besides checking that the green LED on the motor controller board (in the lower part of the treadmill) flashed once for every revolution of the motor wheel that drives the belt that spins the treadmill and adjusting the speed sensor's position next to that wheel if it does not, I'll add one other thing to look at if you have not replaced your controller board with a brand new from the factory already.

There is a fat square loop of bare wire that acts as a jumper between two very thick copper traces on the motor controller board.

The white component marking next to it is "RT1". Take a good look at where it connects to the board.

If either connection looks black or otherwise different than other similar solder joints on the board, it is likely you board has the same problem mine did.

That jumper supplies the very high current juice to the motor, and when such a connection is not so good, it heats up and makes the connection even worse.

All of the sudden the juice going to the motor is diminished, because it's busy heating up that joint instead, the motor goes slower than it should, and your properly adjusted speed sensor tells the controller that is so.

It tries to correct, but that makes the joint even hotter and even less juice goes to the motor. Eventually the controller figures out something is wrong and shuts things down - and you get an LSI speed error.

Anyway, how do you fix this for virtually nothing? Notice that right next to that jumper there's another EMPTY set of pads that are marked RT2. Notice also that they connect to the same place on the board as the RT1 jumper. You simply need to solder a piece of wire about the same size as the RT1 jumper across the two RT2 pads. Some advice on doing that. UNPLUG the machine.

Take pictures of every wire connection to the board so you know where to put wires back to (further hint - there are two white and two black single wires. You'll probably confuse them when you plug them back in. The THINNER white and black go next to the red wire).

Make sure your pictures show the orientation of the connectors - at least one is a bit confusing. Remove the board. Find a nerd that has a soldering iron if you don't or are uncomfortable using one - they'll understand what you are trying to accomplish.

Put it all back together and be thankful someone besides you was too cheap to shell out $300 on a new board and did better.

Sep 17, 2016
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low speed errors
by: Anonymous

Worked great for maybe a year then out of nowhere low speed error. Nightmare from there so you better buy that extended warranty you will need it. Had control board replaced twice, entire deck once, speed sensor twice. It happens randomly of course after 20 minutes so the tech guys never know if its really fixed, and it never is.
At this point the whole tread mill other then the motor is all new still low speed errors.
Good luck if you get it hopefully its a simple thing like speed sensor.

Jul 13, 2016
Rating

ls1 error - on F80 treadmill
by: Anonymous

My Sole f80 works great... for hanging clothes on...

Yet another ls1 error.

Company told me it was most likely the belt and that was a wear item.

150 bux to see if that might fix it... rather add some to it for a different brand and rid my life of one less problem.

Mar 14, 2016
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Check your belt
by: Anonymous

My F80 started throwing the dreaded LS1 error and wouldn't resolve with recalibration, cleaning the motor, lubing, etc.

It turns out that my belt was worn and the deck had grooves.

Sole replaced the deck for free and I got a replacement OEM belt from Spirit (FitnessPartsWebSite.com) and some fresh silicone lube.

Once everything was back together the LS1 problem went away.

I didn't think my belt was dry but in fact it was. I was using the Lube-N-Walk kit previously and I guess it either didn't work or I didn't apply enough.

Now I just use squeeze bottle silicone from Amazon.

Good luck!

Sep 30, 2015
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Low speed error
by: Tracy

Used my Sole treadmill about twenty times went to get on it this morning and I too am getting a low speed error and it won't turn on!!

Piece of crap- was working fine last time I used it.

Very frustrating after reading that they have these problems a lot wish I would have done more research before spending so much money on this brand.

Sep 02, 2015
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My F80 stopped after 700 miles - Low speed error problem
by: Anonymous

This is the worst purchase I have ever made. No response from the company. Poor product. Do not purchase!

Mar 25, 2015
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sole treadmill JUNK
by: Anonymous

First off I owned Walmart treadmill that lasted five years that I paid $200 for and up sonic for 100 when I was done with it after five years.

Bought a sole F 80 paid $2000 and bought the extended warning and it was down more than it work - one controller replaced, 01 switch replaced, three Computer controllers, the main belt three and other miscellaneous issues that the tech had to come out for.

initially it didn't work more than a week and I would not recommend this treadmill to anyone on the planet biggest.

Complete waste of money I ever spent in my life

Jan 31, 2015
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Possible Fix
by: Anonymous

I got a low speed error on another brand treadmill made by the same company.

But after a few Google searches, I was able to fix the problem.

Take off the main housing cover and check your speed sensor on the motor side near the front roller.

mine had some debris on it (metal shavings from manufacturing) that were interfering with the sensor.

Once I removed them it worked fine.

No more low speed errors. Hope this helps!

Nov 23, 2014
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SOLE F80 LS1 LOW SPEED Error
by: Anonymous

Just bought this today unit today.

Took about 1 hour to setup.

Pressed START for the very first time.

Belt went for 5 secs and the error popped up.

Did calibration and it has no effect.

Tried to call support, they are closed on Sunday.

VERY VERY VERY Disappointed.

This is CRAP. Many reviews indicated a good unit, but not for me apparently and those here as well.

Will try to have it fixed and ask for money back for days I can't use it as their support hours SUCK!

--------Comments----------

Please, return and ask for a refund, while you still can. The QC in the industry is very low. If you get a defective item, don't try to get it fix, as for your money back or a new item as replacement.

Nov 10, 2014
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Sole f63 (LS1 issue)
by: Anonymous

Bought my Sole F93. 2 months ago and had no problems until recently.

The LS1 showed up on the display and the belt would not turn at all. I tried calibrating it but that didn't work.

I took the motor housing off to see if anything stood out to me.

Everything looked ok except the belt from the motor to the deck seemed very tight.

So I loosened the motor and took the tension off the belt. Retightened the motor bolts and tried the treadmill.

It seems to be working fine now.

I ran the calibration test without incident.

Jun 27, 2014
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Sole F85 Stopped Working
by: Anonymous

It is 6/27/2014 and I purchased the Sole F85 on 10/13/2013.

It stopped working while I was warming up (6 minutes) last week.

Called yesterday and they thought a button was stuck, so I took apart a few things (they recommended) and that didn't work.

Called back and they are sending out a new console.

There are no errors on my machine, just stuck in store mode or something.

Paid way to much for this machine to crap out this soon.

Jun 26, 2014
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SOLE SUCKS
by: Anonymous

LS1 LOW SPEED ERROR MESSAGE....

This company is horrible and a waste of MONEY..

I hope they go bankrupt and I suggest no one to ever purchase their product!

Everything BREAKS only 50 hours on it..WOW

Mar 20, 2014
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Me Too
by: Anonymous

I just bought a Sole F85. treadmill, directly from Sole.

After my husband and I carefully carried the 400# POS to my workout room and put it together, we were disappointed to see the L1Low Spped error.

This was on a Saturday. I called Sole tech support, and after a few minutes it was determined that the motor control board was faulty, or maybe the motor.

He would have both shipped out next buiness day and a technician would call me to st up appt. I got a confirmation email that said I would recieve tracking number once item shipped.

By Tuesday, no tracking number. I called again to complain and was told that request had not been sent to Fedex. It is now Thursday-- parts have just now been picked up by Fedex, ETA is Friday.

First available appt for tech repair is end of next week.

Very disappointed! I buy a $2000 TM that I have to look at for 2 weeks.

Dec 18, 2013
Rating

Low Speed warning
by: Anonymous

I purchased the Sole F60. about a week ago and the LS warning error message has come on and I can't get it to work anymore.

I purchases this at Dick's Sporting Goods and hope I can bring it back and get a refund.

Aug 13, 2013
Rating

Sole F60
by: Louis

WOW, I wish I would've found this site before buying my Sole F60.

I had a much less expensive treadmill that lasted for 8 years, I've had this one for 5 months and just started getting the low speed error.

Unbelievable. I bought mine at Sears with the extra warranty so Sears is sending out a technician, I hope they fix it.

I'm under 200 lbs and run on it 3 times a week, loved it until it went out.

I'll post back after the tech comes out.

Jul 02, 2013
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Don't Buy One
by: Anonymous

My mom uses her treadmill every single day, so it gets used a lot.

This treadmill couldn't even last a year! She weighs under 200 lbs, and the motor went out in the first year! A year later the motor went out again.

This time it was more than just the motor, and they still haven't fixed it all the way yet.

It has been over a month of shipping this part and that part and each week trying a different part.

It also won't let me use it, and I am under the weight limit. It gives me low speed, no matter what I do.

I am a bigger man (286 and six foot two), but that is ridiculous.

Save yourself a headache and buy a different brand.

Aug 21, 2011
Rating

Sole F63
by: Anonymous

I bought a Sole F63 in June and it's now August, I ran on it every day until the roller pin broke and now it doesn't work right. I cannot use it so I had to go buy a Pacemaster (far superior machine). I'm sorry for anyone who has purchased a Sole Treadmill.

They should market these things as "light walking treadmills", because from the second I stepped on that thing I had a feeling it was going to break somewhere, and I weigh under 200 so there's no excuse.

Mar 20, 2010
Rating

Low speed error
by: Mike B

I bought an F85 in February - I purchased what I thought was the more robust F85 in the hopes it would last longer. In the past I bought much less expensive treadmills and the belt always wore out after a couple of years - it cost as much to replace the belt as buy a new one.

After two uses, I started getting the low speed error. It starts slow for about 5 seconds, speeds up for a few seconds, and then I get the error.

When I called Sole there was no mention that this is a common problem, despite what I now see from several posts.

A technician called me about 48 hours after I called and emailed me instructions on adjusting the sensor. I did this, it seems to have mitigated the problem to dome degree but didn't fix it. It still won't calibrate without getting the error.

I'm not happy with this machine. $2000 for something to take up space. I did better with the $500 treadmill I had before.

Feb 15, 2010
Rating

SOLE Treadmill PIece of Crap
by: Anonymous

I got my SOLE treadmill missing a part, and then after two days of using it got a low speed error where the belt on the machine simply won't move.

I tried shutting it off and on but nothing.

I am thinking of returning it, but they better not make me pay for the repacking fee on their crappy product!!

Feb 15, 2010
Rating

Stopped working after 2 days
by: Anonymous

I got my SOLE treadmill 2/12/10 and today, 2/15/10, it doesn't work.

The product already came with the left side hand grip missing and now after only using it for 2 days, it has stopped working.

I even decided on getting the F80 over the F63 because I thought it would last longer. Ha, guess that was a wrong assumption.

Now I paid all this money for something that doesn't work. Great.

May 01, 2009
Rating

Piece of Junk
by: Anonymous

I have an F63 Sole treadmill which has done nothing but give me a headache since very shortly after I purchased it.

Sole sent out a replacement "computer" for it...and it is acting up AGAIN.

It is rarely used...and all I get are "LOW SPEED" errors, where the treadmill just stops, after about 6-7 seconds on. It seems a lot of people also have this problem.

UNACCEPTABLE, SOLE!!!

Dec 23, 2008
Rating

Sole Low Speed Error
by: Tom Petersen

We bought a Sole Treadmill and it stop working with a low speed error.

I am very dissatisfied with the product.

It has been lightly used.

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My F80 quit working after 54 hours

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