True 450 design flaw - self destruct feature

by Craig Wasson
(Swanton, MD)

I have a True 450 treadmill which is about 10 years old. It got very little use but recently I decided to get back in shape. Unfortunately the treadmill now won't work and displays an EEPROM error message.

I did some research online and apparently they used a component to store the software that controlls the treadmill which has an internal battery with a 10 year lifetime. So when they sold this they KNEW it would quit working after 10 years. Now they want $489.00 plus S/H for a new circuit board.

How do I know whether this new board is new or old - it may have old components and be about to die too.

I am hesitant to do business with a company that would sell a product with a built-in self-destruct feature.