34 • NITRO RUSTLER
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR MODEL
The following section addresses some very basic engine and radio
questions you may have about your Nitro Rustler. Most questions arise
from simple user errors or minor adjustments that are easy to correct.
If you can’t find a solution for your Nitro Rustler here, then visit our
Web site at 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 U.S.
call 972-549-3000).
Radio system does not work properly:
• If the status LED on the transmitter does not come on, check for
proper battery installation and that the batteries are new. If the
power light is blinking, then the transmitter batteries are weak and
should be replaced. See page 10 for more details.
• If the transmitter light is on but the radio is still not responding,
check for proper installation of the receiver batteries and that the
batteries are new and/or fully charged. Check to make sure the
on/off switch on the model is in the on position. Finally, if there is
still no response, check the red and black wires that connect the
battery pack to the “batt” terminal on the receiver (you will have to
remove the receiver cover). Make sure the wires are not pinched or
damaged and that the plug is secure in the receiver. See page 10
for more details.
Short radio range:
• If the radio range appears short, make sure to hold the
transmitter so that it is pointed toward the model.
• Check that the antenna in the Nitro Rustler is in place and has not
been cut or damaged.
• Make sure the batteries are all fresh or fully charged.
• 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.
Engine will not spin (EZ-Start will not turn the engine):
• If neither LED on the controller lights, the EZ-Start battery could
be discharged or improperly connected. Inspect and recharge
if necessary.
• If the glow plug LED lights and the motor LED does not, then the
EZ-Start controller is in protection mode. Allow the controller to cool
for at least three minutes. The circuitry should automatically reset.
• Check to make sure the wires are connected to the EZ-Start motor
in the Nitro Rustler. The red wire should connect to the positive
motor terminal, indicated by a red dot next to the terminal.
• The engine could be flooded. If too much fuel accumulates in the
combustion chamber at start up, the engine will hydraulically lock.
Follow the procedure on page 35 for clearing a flooded engine.
• Check for binding at the engine flywheel. If you are not able to turn the
engine by hand, the engine could be flooded, there could be binding
in the clutch system, or there could be internal engine damage. (Note:
It is normal for the engine to be extremely tight and hard to turn when
the piston reaches the top of the compression stroke.)
Engine extremely sluggish, hard to start, and will not idle during
tank 1 of the break in:
• It is possible that the factory adjusted break-in settings on your
carburetor are too rich for your geographic location, atmospheric
conditions, or fuel brand. Extremes in temperature, humidity,
barometric pressure, and altitude can’t always be accounted for
with a single high-speed needle setting. The symptoms described
above can occur when the air density is very low, such as in high
mountainous elevations and extremely cold temperatures. Under
these conditions, lean the fuel mixture slightly, 1/8 turn, to see if
there is any improvement in starting and idling. Only lean the fuel
mixture just until the engine will run and idle reliably and then
proceed with the break in.
• The contents of different brands of fuel (other than Traxxas Top Fuel
®
)
in combination with extreme atmospheric conditions can also make
the factory preset break-in settings too rich and cause the symptoms
described above. Again, try leaning the fuel mixture slightly, 1/8 turn,
to see if there is any improvement in starting and idling.
Engine spins but will not start:
• If the engine is spinning but will not start, first check to make sure
that both the motor and glow plug LEDs on the EZ-Start controller
light when the button is depressed. If the glow plug LED does not
light, make sure the blue glow plug wire is tightly connected and is
not damaged in any way. If the wire is good, then replace the glow
plug. It is normal for glow plugs to require periodic replacement.
Only use Traxxas heavy-duty long glow plugs (see your parts list).
• Check your fuel mixture settings. It may be necessary to adjust the
fuel mixture if the outside temperature or barometric pressure has
changed significantly since the last time the engine was run (see
