• Traxxas
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 and click on the Support Central menu.
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 12 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 on/off switch on the
model is in the on position. Check for damaged wires, a loose crystal, or
loose connections. See page 12 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. 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 17). 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.
XL-5: Possible internal damage. Return the XL-5 to Traxxas for service.
MSC: Throttle servo is bad.
MSC: Resistor broken or bad. MSC is bad.
Motor and steering servo do not work:
Check the wires, radio system, crystals, battery and motor connectors,
and the battery pack.
Possible internal damage. Return the XL-5 to Traxxas for service.
XL-5 will not go into programming mode:
Make sure the XL-5 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 XL-5 is turned off before trying to program or select a profile.
Unplug battery, reconnect, and repeat programming instructions on
page 16.
Receiver glitches/throttle stutters during acceleration:
Motor capacitors broken or missing - Check and replace capacitors.
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 - Use a milder motor or a smaller
pinion gear.
MSC model only has slow or high speeds:
Visually inspect the resistor - if it’s cracked or discolored replace it with a
new one. If the resistor looks fine, you’ll need to replace the mechanical
speed control. The mechanical speed control includes a new resistor just
in case.
Model runs slowly / slow acceleration:
Check the motor and battery connectors.
Check to see if XL-5 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 14) and “Adjusting the Electronic
Speed Control” (page 16) sections.
Motor runs backwards:
Motor wired backwards - Check the wiring and correct.
Model will not go in reverse:
Make sure the throttle trim is in the correct position (green light on XL-5
should be solid)
Check for correct XL-5 profile (Profile #2 does not have reverse).
Motor runs as soon as the battery is plugged in:
Before turning on XL-5: Internal damage, return XL-5 to Traxxas
for service.
Mechanical Speed Control: Reset servo trim on MSC or
servo horn.
