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Your model’s XL-5 Electronic Speed Control 

now features Low-Voltage Detection

The Low-Voltage Detection circuitry constantly monitors the battery 

voltage. When the battery voltage begins to reach the minimum 
recommended discharge voltage threshold for LiPo battery packs, the 
XL-5 will limit the power output to 50% throttle. When the battery 
voltage attempts to fall below the minimum threshold, the XL-5 will 
shut down all motor output. The LED on the speed control will slowly 
blink red, indicating a low voltage shutdown. The XL-5 will stay in this 
mode until a fully charged battery is connected. 

Your model includes a Power Cell NiMH battery. The XL-5 speed 
control’s Low Voltage Detection has been disabled for best performance 

with this battery. The speed control’s LED will glow red when it is turned 
on, indicating Low Voltage Detection is disabled. Be certain to activate 
Low-Voltage Detection if you install LiPo batteries in your model. 

Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage Detection is disabled.

Verify that Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED:

1. Turn on the transmitter (with the throttle at neutral).

2. Connect a fully charged battery pack to the XL-5.

3. Press and release the EZ-Set button to turn the XL-5 

on. If the LED is solid red, then the Low-Voltage 
Detection is DISABLED (not safe to use LiPo 

batteries). If the LED is solid green, then Low-

Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED.

To activate Low-Voltage Detection (LiPo setting):

1. Make sure the LED on the XL-5 is on and shines red.

2. Press and hold the EZ-SET® 

button (the LED will turn off) (A). 

After ten seconds, the motor will 

beep twice and the LED will shine

green. Release the button (B).

3. Low-Voltage Detection is now ACTIVATED.

To disable Low-Voltage Detection (NiMH setting):

1. Make sure the LED on the XL-5 is on and shines green.

2. Press and hold the EZ-SET® button

(the LED will turn off) (A). After 

ten seconds, the motor will beep 
three times and the LED will shine 
red. Release the button (B). 

3. Low-Voltage Detection is now DISABLED.

Throttle Neutral Protection

Your model’s XL-5 speed control also features Throttle Neutral 

Protection. If the transmitter’s throttle trim setting is changed while 
the speed control is switched off, Throttle Neutral Protection prevents 
the speed control from activating the motor until the throttle trim is 

corrected. Throttle Neutral Protection also prevents the model from 
suddenly accelerating if the speed control is switched on while the 

transmitter’s trigger is being held. When the trigger is returned to 
neutral, the XL-5 will operate properly.

 

LED Codes and Protection Modes

• Solid Green:

 XL-5 power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED 

(LiPo setting).

• Solid Red: 

XL-5 power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED 

(NiCad/NiMH setting). Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage 

Detection is disabled.

• Fast Blinking Red: 

The XL-5 is equipped with thermal shutdown 

protection to guard against overheating caused by excessive current 
flow. If the operating temperature exceeds safe limits, the XL-5 will 
automatically shut down. Let the XL-5 cool. Make sure your model is 
properly geared for the conditions (see pages 20-21 in the manual).

• Slow Blinking Red (with Low-Voltage Detection on): 

The XL-5 has 

entered Low-Voltage Protection. When the battery voltage begins 
to reach the minimum recommended discharge voltage threshold 

for LiPo battery packs, the XL-5 will limit the power output to 50% 
throttle. When the battery voltage attempts to fall below the minimum 
threshold, the XL-5 will shut down all motor output. The LED on the 

speed control will slowly blink red, indicating a low-voltage shutdown. 
The XL-5 will stay in this mode until a fully charged battery is connected.

• Fast Blinking Green: 

The XL-5’s LED will blink fast green if Throttle Neutral 

Protection is activated, or if the speed control is not receiving a signal. 
Make certain the speed control is properly plugged into the receiver and 
the transmitter is switched on. If this does not restore normal operation, 
then the XL-5 is indicating the transmitter’s Throttle Trim (see page 28) is 
incorrectly set. Reset the throttle trim to the “0” position.

Owners Manual Addendum: XL-5 ESC with 

Low-Voltage Detection

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

Red LED: Hold 10 seconds

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

Press and Release Button

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

Green Light: LVD Activated

Red Light: LVD Disabled

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

Green LED: Hold 10 seconds

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

3 Beeps: LED shines red

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

LOW

-VOL

TAGE DETECTION

2 Beeps: LED shines green

Covers Part #3018R

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