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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 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 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 11 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 11 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 15). 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.
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.
Motor runs backwards:
Motor wired backwards - Check the wiring and correct.
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 15.
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.
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 12) and “Adjusting the
Electronic Speed Control” (page 15) sections.
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.
Keep stripping spur gears:
Improper gear mesh, refer to “Adjusting Gear Mesh” on page 21.
Improperly adjusted slipper clutch, refer to “Adjusting the
Slipper Clutch” on page 20.
