Life Fitness SC95 User manual

Independent Stairclimbers
®
SC95, SC91, SC85, S9I,
95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
Customer Support Services
SERVICE MANUAL

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
GENERAL CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................ii
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS.............................................................................................iii
GLOSSARY ......................................................................................................................iv
SECTIONAL CONTENTS
TROUBLESHOOTING 1
DIAGNOSTICS LED 2A
DIAGNOSTICS LCD 2B
HOW TO…SERVICE 3
ELECTRONICS 4
MISCELLANEOUS 5

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
INTRODUCTION
This service manual is applicable to Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and
95Se. Information represents typical configuration and may differ slightly from actual equipment. The service
manual provides recommendations for safe and efficient approaches.
If an operating problem should arise, turn to the TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDES and attempt to isolate what is
causing the malfunction. The GUIDES are listed by symptoms and follow with suggestions as to the most probable
cause of the problem.
Once you have pinpointed the source of the problem, turn to the appropriate "how to..." Section and review
the proper procedures for removing, replacing or adjusting a part. The "how to..." Sections are organized
by replaceable part (or assembly) name and each page lists the “special tools required“ to complete the
specific task.
If you do not have a part in stock, a form to order by FAX has been included in Section V for your convenience or
you can call Life Fitness Customer Support Services any Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (CST).
When you place a call, in order to speed our response to your particular situation, please have the following
information available for the customer service phone technician who will be prepared to assist you:
1. The Lifecycle equipment model number
2. The serial number
3. The symptom of the problem
4. The part name and number to order
When you receive your order, review the appropriate "How To..." section and follow the step by step procedures
designed to help you install the part quickly and correctly.
If you have any questions or comments please phone, mail, or fax us at:
LIFE FITNESS COMPANY - CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES
10601 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131; U.S.A.
Telephone: [phone], Toll Free: 800-351-3737, FAX: [phone]

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL REQUIRED
Unless otherwise specified, only basic hand tools are required to perform service procedures
outlined in this section. Some of these standard tools should consist of: Philips and Straight-
Blade Screw Drivers, Torx Set, Pliers, Rubber Mallet, Pry Bar, Snap Ring Pliers (internal and
external), Standard and Metric size Socket Set (3/8 or 1/2 drive), and Standard and Metric size
Combination, open-end, or Box Wrenches.
Specialized tools will be listed after the sub-heading Special Service Tools:, which appears
below the Service Procedure Heading at the top of the page. If no specialized tools are
required, then the title would read: Special Service Tools: NONE, which means that standard
hand tools should be employed to provide service to the product.
Specialized tools must be used to safely and effectively complete the service procedures.
Improvisation or attempts to use any other tool could result in unnecessary damage to
the equipment or personal injury.

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
GLOSSARY

Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
SECTION I
TROUBLESHOOTING
GUIDES
Page
Grinding Noise ....................................................................................................................3
Slipping and Squealing .......................................................................................................3
Burning Smell......................................................................................................................3
Pedals Resting on Floor......................................................................................................3
Slow Pedal Return...............................................................................................................3
No Power.............................................................................................................................4
Battery Drain .......................................................................................................................4
Display Console Doesn’t Illuminate.....................................................................................4
Display Console Dim...........................................................................................................5
Display Console Illuminates, then goes dark ......................................................................6
Heart Rate Inoperative........................................................................................................6
Life Pulse Sensors Loose ...................................................................................................6
Erratic Heart Rate Display...................................................................................................6
Telemetry Inoperative..........................................................................................................7
Unit Pauses Unexpectedly..................................................................................................7
Display Step Activity Inaccurate..........................................................................................7
Load Resistance Varies ......................................................................................................7
Unable to Change Audio.....................................................................................................8
No Audio to Headphone......................................................................................................8
Unable to Receive any Stations when using Cable.............................................................8
TV Picture Snowy................................................................................................................8
LCD Screen Illuminates but is blank ...................................................................................8
LCD Screen is dark.............................................................................................................8
Screen Doesn’t Respond ....................................................................................................8
Erratic Touch Screen Operation..........................................................................................8
Testing the Inverter Board...................................................................................................9
Testing the Power Supply Cable.........................................................................................10

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95SI, 93SI, 90S, and 95SE
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
NOTES

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Clutch roller bearings worn excessively If necessary, replace clutch assembly.
Crossover pulley bearings worn
excessively Inspect crossover pulley bearings for excessive wear or binding. If
necessary, replace crossover pulley.
Alternator bearings worn excessively Remove alternator and drive belts.
Spin alternator flywheel and listen/feel
for roughness. If necessary, replace
alternator.
Main drive shaft bearings worn
excessively Remove alternator and drive belts. Inspect main drive shaft bearings for
excessive wear. If necessary, replace
bearings.
Grinding noise during
operation
Pedal roller bearings worn excessively Inspect all roller bearings for excessive
wear or binding. If necessary, replace
rollers.
Main drive belt loose or worn
excessively Adjust or replace belt.
Alternator belt loose or worn
excessively Adjust or replace belt.
Belt spring assembly worn excessively If necessary, replace belt spring.
Slipping or squealing noise
Clutch roller bearings worn excessively If necessary, replace clutch assembly.
Alternator belt tension too low Adjust alternator belt tension.
Burning odor when
functioning New machine A new Stairclimbermay emit a slight
odor during the first few hours of
operation as the load resistor heats up
for the first few times. If odor persists,
contact customer service.
Pedals resting on floor Belt spring assembly broken If necessary, replace belt spring
assembly.
Pedal roller bearings worn excessively If necessary, replace rollers.
Belt/spring assembly binding If necessary, replace pulley.
Clutches binding Check clutch operation to make sure
there is no binding in the free-spinning
direction. If necessary, replace clutch.
Slow pedal return
Back side idler gap too tight Check for minimum gap of 1/16”
between the back side idler and belt. If
necessary, replace bent or damaged
components as needed.

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Unit will not allow lighter
weight user to reach higher
level
Main drive belt tension excessive Adjust main drive belt tension.
Faulty battery (SC95, SC91 and SC85) Verify battery pack voltage is minimum
of 6VDC. If necessary, replace battery
pack.
Faulty AC Adapter (SC91 and 93Si
only) Verify AC adapter supplies 9VDC(+/- 0.3V). If necessary, replace AC
adapter.
Faulty reed switch Position magnet away from reed
switch. Verify continuity between pin
#2 and #3. Verify an open connection
between pin #1 and #3. Reposition
magnet close to reed switch. Verify an
open circuit between pin #2 and #3,
and continuity between pin #1 and #3.
If necessary, replace reed switch.
Faulty battery charger (SC95, 95Si,
SC91. 93Si, SC85, and 90S) Output voltage of charger should be 6VDC(+/-0.3V). If necessary, replace
charger.
No power
Reed switch improperly positioned Verify reed switch is in correct position.
Stepping rate extremely slow Increase step rate. Use optional
charger.
Stairclimberis consistently used by
lighter (less than 120 lbs.) Users and
workout duration’s are consistently
less than 20 minutes, or usage is less
than 2 hours per day
Charge unit overnight at least once per
week to ensure a long life for the
battery.
Not enough downward force on pedals Eliminate resting majority of body
weight on handlebars.
Battery runs down
Faulty battery pack Charge battery overnight. Verify that
battery voltage is 6VDC (+/-0.3V). If
necessary, replace battery pack.
Faulty reed switch Position magnet away from reed
switch. Verify continuity between pin
#2 and #3. Verify an open connection
between pin #1 and #3. Reposition
magnet close to reed switch. Verify an
open circuit between pin #2 and #3,
and continuity between pin #1 and #3.
If necessary, replace reed switch.
Display console doesn’t
illuminate
Reed switch improperly positioned Verify reed switch is properly
positioned in relation to magnet.

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Faulty display console Verify voltages at display console
connections. Substitute a working
display console. If necessary, replace
display console.
Faulty alternator control board Verify connections between display
console and alternator control board.
Substitute a working alternator control
board. If necessary, replace alternator
control board.
Faulty battery charger (SC95, 95Si,
SC91, 93Si, SC85, and 90S) Output voltage of charger should be 6VDC(+/-0.3V). If necessary, replace
charger.
Faulty AC Adapter (SC91 and 93Si
only) Verify AC adapter supplies 9VDC(+/- 0.3V). If necessary, replace AC
adapter.
Faulty connection Verify connections at display console
and alternator control board. Repair
connections.
Faulty wiring harness Verify continuity of main wire harness.
If necessary, replace wire harness.
Battery pack requires recharge Charger should be connected for a
minimum of eight hours to ensure a
thorough recharge.
Display console doesn’t
illuminate
Faulty battery pack Charge battery overnight. Verify that
battery voltage is 6VDC (+/-0.3V). If
necessary, replace battery pack.
Faulty display console Verify voltages at display console
connections. Substitute a working
display console. If necessary, replace
display console.
Faulty alternator control board Verify connections between display
console and alternator control board.
Substitute a working alternator control
board. If necessary, replace alternator
control board.
Faulty battery charger (SC95, 95Si,
SC91, 93Si , SC85, and 90S) Output voltage of charger should be 6VDC(+/-0.3V). If necessary, replace
charger.
Display console dim
Faulty AC Adapter (SC91 and 93Si
only) Verify AC adapter supplies 9VDC(+/- 0.3V). If necessary, replace AC
adapter.

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Worn overlay bezel assembly Perform keypad test. If necessary,
replace display console.
Display console dim
Faulty display console Verify voltages at display console
connections. Substitute a working
display console. If necessary, replace
display console.
Insufficient battery voltage Verify battery pack voltage is minimum
of 6VDC.
Faulty connection Verify connections and voltages
between display console and
alternator control board. Repair
connections.
Faulty display console Verify voltages at display console.
Substitute a working display console. If
necessary, replace display console.
Faulty alternator control board Verify connections between display
console and alternator control board.
Substitute a working alternator control
board. If necessary, replace alternator
control board.
Faulty battery charger (SC95, 95Si,
SC91, 93Si, SC85, and 90S) Output voltage of charger should be 6VDC(+/-0.3V). If necessary, replace
charger.
Display console
illuminates, then goes dark
Faulty AC Adapter (SC91/93Si only) Verify AC adapter supplies 9VDC(+/-
0.3V). If necessary, replace AC
adapter.
Faulty connection Verify connections between display
console and LifePulsesensors.
Repair connections.
Faulty LifePulsesensors Verify LifePulsesensors are
functioning correctly. If necessary,
replace sensors.
Heart rate inoperative
Faulty display console Verify voltages at display console
connections. Substitute a working
display console. If necessary, replace
display console.
LifePulsesensors loose Cleaning solution that contained a
caustic chemical has possibly been
used.
If necessary, replace LifePulse
sensors.
Cleaning solution that contained a
caustic chemical has possibly been
used.
Check for Loose LifePulsesensors. If
necessary, replace LifePulse
sensors.
Erratic heart rate display
Sensors dirty Clean sensors with a solution of mild
soap and water.

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Chest strap not making good contact
with body of user Adjust chest strap tightness. Moisten sensor for better contact with skin.
Faulty connection Verify connections between Polar
receiver and display console. Repair
connections.
Faulty transmitter or receiver Verify Polartransmitter (chest strap)
and receiver for proper operation.
(pulse simulator required)
Telemetry option disabled Enable telemetry.
Telemetry inoperative
User is out of monitoring range Move within three feet (1 meter) of
receiver.
Unit pauses unexpectedly RPM signal loss Verify integrity of RPM_ALT signal
between alternator and alternator
control board.
Insufficient pedal travel Increase pedal travel during operation.
Faulty connection Verify connections between display
console, alternator control board, and
alternator. Repair connections.
Faulty alternator brushes Inspect alternator brushes. Brushes
should be of approximate equal length,
not cracked, or less than ¼” long. If
necessary, replace faulty alternator
brushes.
Faulty alternator If necessary, replace alternator.
Displayed step activity
inaccurate
Faulty alternator control board Verify connections between display
console and alternator control board.
Substitute a working alternator control
board. If necessary, replace alternator
control board.
Faulty connection Verify connections between display
console, alternator control board, and
alternator. Repair connections.
Faulty alternator harness Verify integrity of harness between
alternator and alternator control board.
Faulty alternator If necessary, replace alternator.
Load resistance varies
during operation
Faulty alternator brushes Inspect alternator brushes. Brushes
should be of approximate equal length,
not cracked, or less than ¼” long. If
necessary, replace faulty alternator
brushes.

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Faulty alternator control board Verify connections between display
console and alternator control board.
Substitute a working alternator control
board. If necessary, replace alternator
control board.
Load resistance varies
during operation
Faulty display console Verify voltages at display console
connections. Substitute a working
display console. If necessary, replace
display console.
Faulty Keypad Perform keypad diagnostic.
Unable to change audio
level Faulty interface board If necessary, replace Interface board.
Faulty headphone If necessary, replace headphone
assembly.
Faulty headphone jack If necessary, replace headphone jack
assembly.
Faulty headphone jack cable If necessary, replace headphone cable
assembly.
Faulty computer board If necessary, replace computer board.
No audio to headphones
Faulty interface board If necessary, replace Interface board.
Air/cable setting may be incorrect Refer to TV configuration.
Unable to receive any
stations when using cable Faulty coaxial cable If necessary, replace coaxial cable.
Air/cable setting may be incorrect Refer to TV configuration.
TV picture has “snow like”
appearance Faulty coaxial cable If necessary, replace coaxial cable.
Faulty LCD backlight If necessary, replace touch screen.
Faulty backlight power inverter If necessary, replace inverter board.
Faulty LCD screen If necessary, replace touch screen.
LCD screen illuminated but
blank
Faulty computer board If necessary, replace computer board.
Faulty LCD backlight If necessary, replace touch screen.
LCD screen is dark
Faulty backlight power inverter If necessary, replace inverter board.
Faulty touch screen If necessary, replace touch screen.
Screen doesn’t respond to
touch Faulty computer board If necessary, replace computer board.
Erratic touch screen
operation Touch screen not properly calibrated Calibrate touch screen.

9
J3 J2
J1
1
2
3
4
5
6
Test Points
Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE – TESTING THE INVERTER BOARD
Special Service Tools Required: Multi-meter
CAUTION! HIGH VOLTAGE ON CONNECTORS J2 AND J3
1.
Remove the Entertainment System Console from the Unit.
2. Remove Rear Cover from the Console Assembly.
3. Plug in Power Supply and Remote Control to the Console
4. Press the Power On Key on the Remote Control.
5. TEST NO. 1: Place the Red Lead from the multi-meter onto Test Point 1 and the Black Lead onto Test
Point 3. Voltage should be 12 Vdc (+/- .5V).
6. TEST NO. 2: Place the Red Lead from the multi-meter onto Test Point 5 and the Black Lead to Test Point
3. Voltage should be 12 Vdc (+/- .5V)
PROBLEM SOLUTION
No Voltage on TP1 Replace Cable, Remote, or Main PC Board.
Voltage present on TP1 Replace the Inverter Board
Voltage on TP1 and TP2 but NO Voltage on TP5 Replace Cable between Inverter Board and Main PC Board
TEST POINT VOLTAGE DESCRIPTION PIN NUMBER
TP 1 & 2 12 Vdc VIN 1 & 2
TP 3 &4 0 Vdc Ground 3 & 4
512 Vdc Enable 5
50 Vdc Disable 5
6Not Used Not Used 6/7/8

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 93Si, 90S, and 95Se
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE – TESTING THE POWER SUPPLY CABLE
Special Service Tools Required: Multi-meter
1. Unscrew the Retaining Nut securing the Power
Cable Plug. Remove the Cable.
2. Using a Multi-meter, touch the Red Lead to the
POSITIVE area on the Cable, which is the center
of the cable. Next touch the Black Lead to the
NEGATIVE area, which is the side of the inner
Cable. The voltage should read 12 Vdc.
Retaining nut
Positive
Negative

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 90S, and 95Se
SECTION II
DIAGNOSTIC MODES
FOR
LED UNITS
Page
SC9500 and 95Si Console ................................................................................................................. 3
SC9100 and 93Si Console ................................................................................................................. 4
SC8500 and 90S Console .................................................................................................................. 5
S9i Console......................................................................................................................................... 6
Diagnostic Functional MAP................................................................................................................. 7
ENTRY LEVEL.................................................................................................................................... 8
Test/Service - All LEDs And Keypad Test .......................................................................................... 9
Test/Service - Walking LED Test....................................................................................................... 10
Test/Service – Alternator and Speaker Test......................................................................................11
Test/Service – System Voltage and Step Rate Monitoring ............................................................... 12
Test/Service – Signal Integrity Test ................................................................................................... 13
Test/Service - Life Pulse Test............................................................................................................ 14
Test/Service - CSAFE Network InterfaceTest ................................................................................... 15
Test/Service - EEPROM Test ............................................................................................................ 16
Test/Service - Telemetry Enable/Disable .......................................................................................... 17
Test/Service - Language.................................................................................................................... 18
Optional Settings - MAX Workout Duration .......................................................................................19
Optional Settings - English/Metric Units ............................................................................................ 20
Optional Settings - WATT Display Enable/Disable............................................................................ 21
Optional Settings - METS Display Enable/Disable ............................................................................ 22
Optional Settings - CAL/HR Display Enable/Disable......................................................................... 23
Optional Settings - METS Program Enable/Disable .......................................................................... 24
Optional Settings – Total Hours and Statistics ..................................................................................25
Optional Settings - Entertainment controls ........................................................................................ 26
Optional Settings - Photo Shoot ........................................................................................................ 27
Notes.................................................................................................................................................. 28

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Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 90S, and 95Se
Notes

3
Independent Stairclimbers SC95, SC91, SC85, S9i, 95Si, 90S, and 95Se
DISPLAY CONSOLE SC9500 and 95Si
Hidden Key
for Speaker
ON/OFF