Troubleshooting - Traxxas E-Maxx 3905 Owner's Manual

26 • E-Maxx

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 www.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(s) will not run:
The motor(s) could be bad or have a damaged brush. Check the motor(s)
and motor connections by supplying power directly to the motor(s).
Note: Disconnect the motor(s) from the ESC before testing. Remove the
pinion gear from the motor(s) or elevate the driving wheels to avoid a
runaway and damage to the vehicle.
The speed control has thermally shut down (look for a solid green LED).
Allow the speed control to cool down. See the overheating section.
Make sure the EVX-2'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. Contact Traxxas for service.
EVX-2 will not go into programming mode:
Make sure the EVX-2 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 EVX-2 is turned off before trying to program or select a profile.
Unplug batteries, reconnect, and repeat programming instructions
Steering servos do not work:
Check the wires, radio system, crystals, battery and motor connectors,
and the battery packs.
Possible internal damage. Contact Traxxas for service.
Motor(s) run backwards:
Motor(s) wired backwards: check the wiring and correct.
Backwards motor timing: reverse the motor end bells.
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 EVX-2 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 EVX-2.
Motor is improperly geared: use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear.
Check the drive train for binding or restrictions.
Gear mesh too tight or binding, refer to "Adjusting Gear Mesh" on page 23.
EVX-2 overheats and shuts down:
Overloading the motor (running through tall grass, binding in the
drivetrain).
Insufficient ventilation for the heat sinks. Cut ventilation holes in the body
or relocate the EVX-2.
Motor may exceed maximum specification. The EVX-2 is limited to motors
with no fewer 12-turns (550 size) with Traxxas High-Current Connectors.
Motor is improperly geared. Use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear.
Check the drivetrain for restrictions.
Model will not go in reverse:
Make sure the throttle trim is in the correct position (green light on EVX-2
should be solid)
Check for correct EVX-2 profile (Profile #2 does not have reverse).
Motor runs as soon as the batteries are plugged in:
Before turning on EVX-2: Internal damage, Contact Traxxas
for service.
Keep stripping spur gears:
Improper gear mesh, refer to "Adjusting Gear Mesh" on page 23.
.
Loose motor. Readjust mesh and tighten the motor screws.