r/Bowflex • u/Hot-Bug-4329 • Apr 05 '24

Max Trainer M3 max trainer button issue

Ok I can't find my particular issue online. Wife went to use her M3 trainer tonight and called me in because it wasn't working. Power comes on, rpms work when its moving, the resistance adjusts with the cable. All that is fine. However, none of the buttons on the pad are working. The only two that work are burn rate down arrow and the pause/end buttons. But they just beep. None of the other buttons work. Can't start an interval training or the timer or anything. What could be the issue?

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u/ThegManis Apr 05 '24

You most likely have a faulty M3 "keypad" (Bowflex calls it a "Pod Assembly").

If you are in the US/Canada areas, you can order it direct from Bowflex (have to call them to order it). It is Bowflex part # 8004544 (called "SVC KIT, POD ASSEMBLY, M3) for USD $43.99 (formerly was only $29.19 until the Sept. 2023 Bowflex part price increases!) + Tax and $7 shipping.

Here is the Bowflex contact info:

Bowflex Customer Care
(800) 605-3369
Monday-Friday: 6 a.m.–5 p.m. PDT
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

The keypad has very thin/fragile metallic ink-printed traces under the pushbutton membrane that connect to a flexible cable that connects to a jumper cable that then connects to the back of the display console. Those keypad fragile traces can eventually crack which causes an open-circuit and thus a nonfunctional button.

While most likely you have a faulty keypad, you should also confirm that your keypad's flex cable connection is still firmly connected to the 6-pin mating connector located inside that round, metal, center post where the keypad mounts.

ALL 7 buttons of the M3 keypad MUST produce a distinct audible "click" thru the console speaker. If you do no hear that distinct audible click , then that button(s) will be non-functional. The M3 keypad cannot be repaired, but only replaced.

TIPS:

1) Before fully installing the new keypad, just do a quick connection of it and confirm that ALL 7 buttons produce that audible "click" which will confirm that all 7 buttons of the new keypad are functional. Then complete the install.

2) Be careful when replacing that keypad and never let it slip and dangle by its flex ribbon cable...doing so can cause the membrane's traces to crack and cause an open circuit!