TR A X X AS • 5
Troubleshooting
The following section addresses some very basic ESC and radio questions you
may have about your model. Most questions arise from simple user errors or
minor adjustments that are easy to correct. If you can’t find a solution for your
model here, then visit our website at www.Traxxas.com/support. There you
will find a much more extensive and detailed online troubleshooting area. In
addition, you may call Traxxas Customer Service at 1-888-TRAXXAS (outside
the US call 972-265-8000).
Radio system does not work properly:
If the power light on the transmitter does not come on, check for proper
battery installation and that the batteries are new and/or fully charged.
If the power light is blinking, then the transmitter batteries are weak and
should be replaced. See page 15 for more details.
If the transmitter light is on but the radio is still not responding, check for
proper installation of batteries in the model and that the batteries are new
and/or fully charged. Check to make sure the model is on (VXL-3s LED lit
solid at neutral throttle). Check for damaged wires, a loose crystal, or loose
connections. See page 15 for more details.
Short radio range:
If the radio range appears short, then first check to make sure the
transmitter antenna is fully extended and that the antenna in the model is
in place and has not been cut or damaged. Next, make sure the batteries
are all fully charged and check battery condition. Finally, if you are still
experiencing short range, try a different location. Sometimes there can be
interference from various sources that can cause your radio to malfunction.
Steering channel works but the motor will not run:
The speed control has thermally shut down (
see page 20
). Allow the
speed control to cool down. Use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear.
Check the drive train for restrictions. Check the motor connections. Check
the motor.
Make sure the speed control is plugged into the throttle channel of the
receiver. Check operation of the throttle channel with a servo.
Bad battery or motor. Check the operation with known good battery
and motor.
VXL-3s: Possible internal damage. Return the VXL-3s to Traxxas
for service.
Steering servo does not work:
Check the wires, radio system, crystals, battery and motor connectors, and
the battery pack.
Possible internal damage. Test the servo on channel 2 of the receiver or in
another model. Return the servo to Traxxas for service.
Motor runs backwards:
Motor wired backwards - Check the wiring and correct.
Motor runs as soon as the battery is plugged in:
Internal damage, return VXL-3s to Traxxas for service.
VXL-3s will not go into programming mode:
Make sure the VXL-3s is plugged into Channel 2 (the throttle channel) on
the receiver. If it is plugged into the battery terminal, it will not go into
programming mode.
Be sure the VXL-3s is turned off before trying to program or select
a profile.
Unplug battery, reconnect, and repeat programming instructions
on page 19.
Check if transmitter is turned on.
Receiver glitches/throttle stutters during acceleration:
The receiver or antenna is too close to power wires or the batteries.
Bad connections - Check the wiring and connectors.
Motor worn - Replace the motor.
Excessive current to motor (over-geared motor) - Use a smaller
pinion gear.
Battery voltage low. Recharge and/or verify charged status.
Disconnected brushless motor lead. Reconnect according to appropriate
wiring diagram.
Model runs slowly / slow acceleration:
Check the motor and battery connectors.
Check to see if VXL-3s is in Profile #3 (50% throttle)
Bad battery or motor. Check the operation with known good
battery and motor.
Incorrect transmitter or speed control adjustment. Refer to the
“TQ Radio System Adjustments” (
page 17
) and “Adjusting the
Electronic Speed Control” (
page 19
) sections.
VXL-3s is in Thermal Shutdown Protection. Allow to cool and check for
proper gearing.
VXL-3s has entered Low-Voltage Protection (
see page 20
).
Model will not go in reverse:
Make sure the throttle trim is in the correct position (LED on
VXL-3s should be lit solid at neutral throttle)
Check for correct VXL-3s profile (Profile #2 does not have reverse).
If brushed motor is being used, verify proper connection to VXL-3s. Correct
if necessary.
Keep stripping spur gears:
Improper gear mesh, refer to “Adjusting Gear Mesh”
(page 22)
.
Improperly adjusted slipper clutch, refer to “Adjusting the Slipper
Clutch”
(page 23)
.
Model does not run:
Check the radio system, battery and motor connectors, and the battery pack.
VXL-3s has entered the second stage of Low-Voltage Protection or
Thermal Shutdown Protection
(see page 20)
.
