Polar FT4 heart rate monitor issues

That will be the strap. They are not covered in the warranty either. I had one go on me about 2 days into a new one. Lucky I'd only upgraded from my FT4 to a FT60 so I could still use the strap.


Also hope you been either cleaning the strap (under running water is usually fine) or throwing it in the washing machine once a week. Sweat will kill it after a while.

I rinse it before using it, but I've never put it in a washing machine, great advice, thank you

Rinse it after use as well. Otherwise the sweat just sits in there.

Same issue with my Polar FT4 - I contacted them and they suggested I send my device in. I can't do my workouts without it, so I've been using it even though it's fautly. Not that this comment helps your situation, just know it's not only your device that does this.

I have tightened the strap to Max, wetter the electrodes, washed it after use but my FT4 still malfunctions. My husbands works just fine. He never washes the strap (yuck). Go figure!!!!

At 80bucks it is to expendive to replace with another. I wish there was an easier solution.

Because your strap is gone. They do that & that's why they are not covered. Put your husbands strap on with your wearlink..... bet it works.

Try getting your strap wetter or using a gel with it... but honestly, I had the same problem with 2 polars! Switched to a Garmin last year...problem solved!

I use a little oil based moisturiser with the water since the problem started (about a month ago). Hasn't really helped, I use a lot of water already and sometimes when it gives me a reading of 00, I take it off and re-wet it, but it still has the water on it from the first time

Apparently things like moisturizer makes the problem worse. The instruction manual is available online and recommends washing the strap frequently making sure to remove the sensor. I find that if I don't wash the strap, I'm guessing that the salts in the sweat causes it to give the 00 HR.

I have tightened the strap to Max, wetter the electrodes, washed it after use but my FT4 still malfunctions. My husbands works just fine. He never washes the strap (yuck). Go figure!!!!

At 80bucks it is to expendive to replace with another. I wish there was an easier solution.

Because your strap is gone. They do that & that's why they are not covered. Put your husbands strap on with your wearlink..... bet it works.

Thats what I was going to suggest next. Its most likely the strap. I am not sure how much a replacement one is, but the elastic is kinda stretched on mine and I know it wont last forever. I will probably need to get a new one eventually as I assume the Monitor should last longer than the strap.

I think you will find it is the strap. If you have one of the soft straps that is likely the case. Mine did the same thing and they sent me out a new strap with a hard rubber that sits against your skin. They said they were not using the soft ones in future. My FT7 is over 2 years old and they replaced mine for free.

Try getting your strap wetter or using a gel with it... but honestly, I had the same problem with 2 polars! Switched to a Garmin last year...problem solved!

I use a little oil based moisturiser with the water since the problem started (about a month ago). Hasn't really helped, I use a lot of water already and sometimes when it gives me a reading of 00, I take it off and re-wet it, but it still has the water on it from the first time

Ohh you should never ever use anything with an oil base on the heart rate straps. It'll void your warranty. Is your chest strap senor area fabric or is it the newer rubberized version? If you are using the fabric version, chances are there's a lot of build up in the strap from your sweat. Remember, sweat is salt and it'll gunk up in there. After every use, you should be washing it with a mild soap and then weekly, throw it in with your clothes or towels. Just make sure to hang it up and not put it in the dryer.

Mine had been acting up as well - I have the FT7 and FT4. Sometimes the sensor and the watch just have difficulties reading each other. I contacted customer service and have had no issues since. They replaced the entire watch, gave me a new strap and even sent an extra sensor for my troubles. I will say, Garmin's aren't fool proof either. Friends of mine have had the same issues with mis-reads and high heart rates. When the numbers start looking goofy, it's time for a new battery most likely.

Actually I don't believe you're supposed to wash the newer rubberized straps in the washer. Only the older fabric ones. A new strap is about $20 on amazon.

When they say they are washable I dont think they mean chucking it in a washing machine. simply after use wash it with shampoo or mild soap in the shower.

That will be the strap. They are not covered in the warranty either. I had one go on me about 2 days into a new one. Lucky I'd only upgraded from my FT4 to a FT60 so I could still use the strap.


Also hope you been either cleaning the strap (under running water is usually fine) or throwing it in the washing machine once a week. Sweat will kill it after a while.

I rinse it before using it, but I've never put it in a washing machine, great advice, thank you

Rinse it after use as well. Otherwise the sweat just sits in there.

I put mine in a bra bag to wash..ALSO the directions say NO fabric softener..so I toss it in with kitchen towels that I don't care if they are soft...and I hang it to dry after. It says to wash it after ever 5 or 7 uses I forgot which. It really makes a difference.