FAQs - Scales

I received my scale and my first weight reading was really wrong. What happened?

The scale may need to be initialized. This process is necessary because the scale was moved during the shipping process. Initializing the scale “re-seats” the internal parts allowing the scale to find the correct “zero.” Here is how to initialize your scale:

1. Place the scale back on a hard surface floor.
2. With one foot only, place just enough weight on the scale for the display shows zero’s or dashes. Once you see zeros or dashes remove your foot.
3. Wait for the scale to turn off again.
4. Step up onto the scale for a weight.

Or, your scale may be on an uneven surface or on carpet. Be sure to place your scale on a hard, flat surface to get an accurate weighing.

How do I program my body fat scale?

The easiest way to program the scales is to pull the manual up for the scale and follow the directions. The procedure does vary according to the scale.

In general the procedure is to tap the power or set button until it brings up the height and then hit the arrow keys until you get to the correct height. Hit the power or set after each entry usually height, age, gender, athlete mode. It will then beep and you will need to hit the arrow up until you see 1 (this is the memory number) tap the set or power and it will beep again. The scale is now programmed.

The general recall procedure is to hold the power or set button down for 2 seconds (or tap the up arrow) until the memory number goes up. Then just tap the power or set and it will beep. Then step on the scale to get the information. The weight will be first, then running zeroes, then thefat%, and finally water%.

What do the ERR messages mean?

Here are the basic ERR messages and their meanings:

• Error 0: Initialization
• Error 1: Instability (scale is on an uneven surface ex: carpet)
• Error 2: Unit may have been jarred or unit was overloaded (customer went over the maximum weight capacity)
• Error 3: Contact error (Feet were not wet for Body fat reading, feet aren’t big enough to reach sensors)
• Error 4: Body fat is out of range
• Error 5: Water is out of range

I got an ERR2 message and now the scale doesn’t work. What should I do?

The following reset procedure is used when the scale shows an err2, err, 0.0, inaccurate weight, or some other unusual error.

1. Remove the battery from the scale.
2. Sit the scale on a hard surface floor.
3. Step up onto the scale, stand still for about 5 seconds and step off the scale.
4. Re-install your battery.
5. Place the scale back on a hard surface floor.
6. With one foot only, place just enough weight on the scale for the display shows zero’s or dashes. Once you see zeros or dashes remove your foot.
7. Wait for the scale to turn off again.
8. Step up onto the scale for a weight.

If the reset is successful, you should receive a weight right away. If you continue to receive one of the error messages above please call our Customer Service department or contact us via email. You can also try the reset procedure a 2nd time. Sometimes the reset procedure will work the second time.

My scale readout is now blank? Do I have to buy a new battery?

First, did you notice of the scale had a “lo” or “bat” display before it went blank? If so this means the battery needs to be replaced. If you did not get the battery indicator, did you “miss” seeing this? Has it been a week since you were on the scale? If you stand on the scale regularly and did not receive the battery indicator then you can try the reset procedure above. If neither of these cases are true, please contact our Customer Service Dept.

Do I have to “tap” on my scale?

No, all Taylor scales feature an “auto on, auto zero” technology. This means that the scale is ready to be used just by stepping on the scale. Tap scales require the scale to be turned “on” prior to being weighed, and you must wait for the scale to be activated. Taylor scales are auto on, meaning they are ready. If you store your scale upright or in a cupboard, or having used it in awhile, you may need to initialize the scale again. Please see those steps above.

I weighed myself twice right away and the numbers were really different. Is my scale defective?

The manufacturing tolerance is typically plus or minus 2 pounds under 200 lbs, and 1% over 200 lbs. If the readings are within this tolerance, the scale may be performing as designed. If the weights are more than 2 pounds, your scale may have been “bumped”, or the scale may be on an uneven or carpeted surface.

Weighing yourself twice right away is not a way to test the accuracy of your scale. The scale is calibrated for accuracy at the factory. The only definite way to check for accuracy in the home is using certified weights.

Do I have to store the scale flat?

We recommend keeping the scale in the same position at all times, on a flat, hard surface. If you have to store it, the scale parts may shift causing you to have to initialize the scale during your weighing process.

Can I weigh myself on carpet?

Taylor scales do not feature “carpet feet” and thus will not provide accurate readings on carpeting. We suggest placing the scale on a hard, flat surface.

My body fat measurements are different than at my health club. Which is correct?

Every method of measuring body fat can differ. The results from the water test, or calipers will differ from a BIA body fat scale. The key to measuring body fat is to use that method consistently. If you use a scale, use the same scale over and over. You should not compare the results with a scale at the gym.

Another difference is body fat monitors that are hand held versus step on. The hand held methods will not necessarily measure throughout the entire body, whereas the step on type will be more accurate.

Why is the weight at my doctor’s office so different than at home?

Weight of a person can vary widely throughout the day, and depends on such factors as meals, amount of water in the body, exercise, etc. If you weigh yourself at home in the morning and then at the doctor’s in the afternoon, the weight can vary, maybe as much as 5 lbs. That is just the nature of the human body.

Also, even though the doctor’s scale may be a professional model, it is not known when it may have been calibrated. Your Taylor scale finds the zero (calibrates) after the user has stepped off.