Precor Error Code 12 MC / LPCA Software Watchdog (Lower PCA)

Feb 21, 2022

Applies to Treadmills and powered Ellipticals

Issue symptoms

On an EFX, the watchdog program monitors the proper execution of software in the LPCA microcontrollers. If a program is stuck in a routine, has a memory leak, or has any other fatal error that stops the program from performing its critical tasks (aka “hung”), the watchdog will be triggered. When this happens, the microcontroller is automatically reset and will restart operation and log an Error 12.

If it is a single occurrence, the machine may log communication errors, go out of order, or go to pause mode before resuming normal operation. If it is continuously occurring, the machine will be unusable, and a workout cannot be started.

On a treadmill, the watchdog program monitors the voltage of the LPCA and displays Error 12 if it drops below the acceptable value. This can be present if the communications cable between the LPCA and the UPCA is faulty, or if a failure in the UPCA causes an overload in the low voltage power supply, causing it to drop below the limit.

It is also possible to see this message displayed intermittently due to external causes. If the unit's AC input significantly dips during the power-up test sequence, the test could fail resulting in this message being displayed. Treadmills operating on non-dedicated branch AC circuits may see this message displayed intermittently.

Troubleshooting steps

EFX16 ellipticals

1. Install known good LPCA.
2. Reprogram (future feature) or replace bad LPCA.

Treadmills

1. Test the interconnect cable.
2. Clear the error log and switch OFF unit.
3. Substitute a known good interconnect cable in place of the existing cable directly between the UPCA and LPCA.
4. Switch ON unit and check the error log.
5. Check the UPCA.
6. Cycle power on the unit and check the error log.
7. If the error is consistently displayed when the unit is powered up, replace the console.