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.

Featured
Treadmills

Budget Treadmill

Horizon T101 Treadmill
Cost: $599.99
Motor: 2.25 CHP DC Motor
Running Surface: 20" x 55"
Speed: 0-10 mph
Incline: up to 10%
Folding: Yes
Heart Rate: Yes
Max User Weight: 300 lbs

Entry Level Treadmill

Proform Power 995 Treadmill
Cost: $999.00
Motor: 3.0 CHP DC Motor
Running Surface: 20" x 60"
Speed: 0.5-12 mph
Incline: up to 15%
Folding: Yes
Heart Rate: Yes
Max User Weight: 325 lbs

Mid-Priced Treadmill

Nordic Track Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Cost: $1,499.99
Motor: 3.5 CHP DC Motor
Running Surface: 20" x 60"
Speed: up to 12 mph
Incline: up to 15%
Folding: Yes
Heart Rate: Yes
Max User Weight: 350 lbs

Premium Treadmill

Smooth 9.65LC Treadmill
Cost: $2,199.00
Motor: 4.0 CHP DC Motor
Running Surface: 21" x 64"
Speed: up to 12 mph
Incline: 15 levels
Folding: No
Heart Rate: Yes
Max User Weight: 400 lbs

For more treadmills that we recommend, please visit our
best treadmill buys page.

Help other poeple avoid costly mistakes by encouraging or dissuading them to buy a treadmill similar to yours. Visit our best treadmill or worst treadmill experience page.

True 450 design flaw - self destruct feature

Featured Treadmills

Featured
Treadmills