Traxxas XL-5 Instructions page 4

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).
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• 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.