32 • NITRO SLASH
TROUBLESHOOTING
The following section addresses some very basic engine and radio
questions you may have about your Nitro Slash. 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 Slash 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 and/or fully charged.
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 pages 9 and 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 Slash 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 Slash. 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 33 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
in 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 Fine Tuning
the Carburetor on page 27). Turn the high-speed needle out (rich/
counterclockwise) 1/4 turn, hold the throttle trigger at about 1/2 throttle
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