*U.S. Customers Only
Troubleshooting Guide
This guide describes possible speed control problems, causes, and simple solutions.
Check these items before contacting Traxxas.
Steering channel works but the motor will not run:
• The speed control has thermally shut down, indicated by a solid red temperature
LED (Stage 1) or fast blinking red temperature LED (Stage 2). 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 batter(ies) or motor, indicated by solid red voltage LED (Stage 1) or slow
blinking red voltage LED (Stage 2). Check the operation with known good
batter(ies) and motor.
• VXL-4s: Possible internal damage. Return the VXL-4s 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-4s to Traxxas for service.
VXL-4s will not go into programming mode:
• Make sure the VXL-4s 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-4s is turned off before trying to program or select a profile.
• Unplug the batteries, reconnect, and repeat programming instructions.
• Check if transmitter is turned on.
Receiver glitches/throttle stutters during acceleration:
• The receiver or antenna is too close to power wires or the battery.
• 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 the VXL-4s is in Profile #3 (50% throttle).
• Bad batter(ies) or motor. Check the operation with known good batter(ies) and
motor.
• Incorrect transmitter or speed control adjustment. Refer to the Transmitter Setup
and VXL-4s Setup Programming sections.
• VXL-4s is in Thermal Shutdown Protection. Allow to cool and check for proper
gearing.
• VXL-4s has entered Low-Voltage Protection.
Model will not go in reverse:
• Make sure the throttle trim is in the correct position (LED on VXL-4s should be lit
solid at neutral throttle).
• Check for correct VXL-4s profile (Profile #2 does not have reverse).
VXL-4s Warranty Information
Traxxas warrants your Traxxas electronic component to be free from defects
in materials or workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
purchase. Before returning any product for warranty service, please contact our
service department (
1-888-TRAXXAS
)* to discuss the problem you are having
with the product. After contacting Traxxas, send the defective unit along with
your proof of purchase indicating the date purchased, your return address, e-mail,
a daytime phone number, and a brief description of the problem to:
Traxxas
6250 Traxxas Way
McKinney, TX 75070
If the component is found to be defective, it will be repaired or replaced at no
charge. The warranty does not cover damage caused by the following:
• Allowing foreign material to enter speed control or get onto
PC board
• Using other than 3s/4s LiPo (max. 16.8 volts) input voltage
• Removing the stock battery connectors
• Using the same gender connectors on the speed control’s motor and battery
connections
• Cross-connection of the battery/motor(s)
• Reverse voltage application
• Incorrect installation or wiring
• Components worn by use
• Short-circuiting the heat sinks
• Use without the heat sinks
• Splices to the input wire harness
• Disassembling the case
• Excessive force when using the EZ-Set button
• Tampering with the internal electronics
• Incorrect wiring of a FET servo
• Allowing exposed wiring to short-circuit
• Any damage caused by crash, flooding, or act of God
In no case shall our liability exceed the product’s original cost. We reserve the
right to modify warranty provisions without notice. All warranty claims will be
handled by Traxxas. Because Traxxas has no control over the use and future
installations of the VXL-4s, no liability may be assumed nor will be accepted for
damage resulting from the use of this product. Every ESC is thoroughly tested and
cycled before leaving the Traxxas facility and is, therefore, considered operational.
By the act of operating/connecting speed control, the user accepts all resulting
liability. Traxxas makes no other warranties expressed or implied. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights which vary from state to state. After the expiration
of the standard 30-day warranty, use the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty to
cover service and repairs. Documents and forms are provided with your VXL-4s.
Traxxas High Current Connector
Your VXL-4s is equipped with the Traxxas High-Current Connector. Standard connectors
restrict current flow and are not capable of delivering the power needed to maximize the
output of the VXL-4s. The Traxxas connector’s gold-plated terminals with a large contact
surfaces ensure positive current flow with the least amount of resistance. Secure, long-
lasting, and easy to grip, the Traxxas connector is engineered to extract all the power
your battery has to give.
To run this system, your batteries must be equipped with Traxxas High-Current
Connectors. Batteries must be purchased new with Traxxas connectors installed. For
best performance, your system requires LiPo battery packs that have cells rated for
high discharge and use high-quality, low-resistance assembly techniques. Cheaply
made battery packs do not retain their performance characteristics after repeated
uses in high-powered electric applications. They will lose their punch and run time
and may require frequent replacement. In addition, poor-quality, high-resistance
cell connectors could fail, requiring disassembly and repair. The main goal is to
reduce all sources of high resistance in the pack. This includes the connector, the
wire, and the bars attaching the cells together. High pack resistance will create
additional heat and rob you of the full power the cells are capable of producing.
If you have questions or need technical assistance, call Traxxas at
1-888-TRAXXAS
(1-888-872-9927) (U.S. residents only)
