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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 is incorrectly set. 

Reset the throttle trim to the “0” position.

Throttle Neutral Protection

The XL-5 speed control 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.

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 motor could be bad or have a damaged brush. Check the motor 

and motor connections by supplying power directly to the motor. 

Note

Disconnect the motor from the ESC before testing. Remove the pinion 

gear from the motor or elevate the driving wheels to avoid a runaway 

and damage to the vehicle.

• The speed control has thermally shut down (look for a rapidly blinking red

LED). Allow the speed control to cool down. See the overheating section. 

• Make sure the XL-5’s power cable is plugged into the throttle channel 

of the receiver (Channel 2). Check the operation of the radio system’s 

throttle channel with a servo.

• Possible internal damage. Return the XL-5 to Traxxas for service.

Motor and steering servo do not work:

• Check the wires, radio system, crystals, battery and motor connectors, 

and the battery packs.

• 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 Channel 3 or 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. 

Motor runs backwards:

• Motor wired backwards: check the wiring and correct.
• Backwards motor timing: reverse the motor end bell. 

Receiver glitches/throttle stutters during acceleration:

• Motor capacitors broken or missing: check and replace the capacitors.
• The receiver or antenna is too close to power wires or batteries.
• Bad connections: check the wiring and connectors.
• Motor worn: replace the motor.
• Excessive current to the motor: use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear.

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 batteries 

(freshly charged) and motor.

• Incorrect transmitter or speed control adjustment. Reprogram the XL-5.
• Motor is improperly geared: use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear. 
• Check the drive train for binding or restrictions.

XL-5 overheats and shuts down:

• Overloading the motor (running through tall grass, binding in the 

drivetrain).

• Motor may exceed maximum specification. The XL-5 is limited to motors 

with no fewer than 15-turns (540 size). 

• Motor is improperly geared. Use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear. 
• Check the drivetrain for restrictions.

Short run time with NiMH battery, unrelated to overheating:

 

Make certain Low-Voltage Detection is disabled. Remember to enable 

Low-Voltage Detection if you install a LiPo battery.

KC1761-R01_3018R-XL5_INST_140429-EN-FR.indd   4

4/30/14   4:57 PM

Summary of Contents for XL-5

Page 1: ...ng speed controls Using a schottky diode with the XL 5 will damage the ESC and void the 30 day warranty Batteries and Battery Charging The XL 5 speed control uses rechargeable batteries that must be handled with care for safety and long battery life Make sure to read and follow all instructions and precautions that were provided with your battery packs and your charger It is your responsibility to...

Page 2: ...stment to 50 throttle and 50 brake either mechanical or electronic 6 Set the exponential setting if equipped to the zero or fully linear setting Aftermarket Receivers The XL 5 is compatible with most aftermarket receivers By removing the tab on the edge of the power connector the XL 5 can be plugged directly into some models of Futaba Airtronics Hitec and JR receivers Please refer to the manufactu...

Page 3: ...gger is moved back and forth Once the temperature returns to a safe level the XL 5 will once again function normally See the Troubleshooting Guide for conditions that could cause the XL 5 to overheat Profile Selection ___________________________________ The speed control is factory set to Sport Mode 100 forward brakes and reverse To disable reverse Race Mode or to allow 50 power patented Training ...

Page 4: ...nnel with a servo Possible internal damage Return the XL 5 to Traxxas for service Motor and steering servo do not work Check the wires radio system crystals battery and motor connectors and the battery packs 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 i...

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