How to repair an E1 error a Schwin 418 elliptical

E1 error seems to indicate that the servo which controls the elliptical resistance is stuck. Here is how I fixed this (without using a "crank puller", which would be quicker by far).

You will need a very short phillips screw driver (snub nose), a long phillips screw driver, an allen key set, and crescent wrench.

- Remove the batteries from the unit.
- Remove the screws from the plastic housing (with the long phillips screw driver) on the left side. Do not forget the phillips screws at the front - they are smaller screws so don't mix them with the others. This will allow the plastic housing to flex and move around, but not come entirely off.
- Using the crescent wrench, remove the nut holding the left pedal to the crank. Carefully note the order of the washers on the crank attachment.
- Using the allen key, remove the little pedal attachment piece on the left crank arm.
- Using the short phillips screw driver, carefully reach inside the plastic housing on the top and remove the four screws holding the plastic plate on the outside of the fly wheel/crank. You will need to rotate the crank wheel to reach each of the four screws in turn on the inside of the case.
- Pull off the plastic cover for the wheel.
- Reinsert batteries and gently help the revealed cable (bottom) retract the magnet plate. In my case, the servo worked fine again after helping it retract the magnet plate that was somehow stuck/wedged.

If your little servo motor is dead (or the little gears are stripped), you can find a replacement online for about $50 with shipping.

Reverse steps to re-assemble.