Traxxas VXL-3s Instructions page 4

Traxxas High Current Connector
Your VXL-3s is equipped with the Traxxas High-Current Connector. Standard
connectors restrict current flow and are not capable of delivering the power
needed to maximize the output of the VXL-3s. The Traxxas connector's gold-
plated terminals with a large contact surfaces ensure positive current flow with
the least amount of resistance. Secure, long-lasting, and easy to grip, the Traxxas
connector is engineered to extract all the power your battery has to give.
To run this system, your batteries must be equipped with Traxxas High-Current
Connectors. Batteries can either be purchased new with Traxxas connectors
installed or Traxxas connectors can be purchased to install on battery packs you
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 speed control has thermally shut down. 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.
• VXL-3s: Possible internal damage. Return the VXL-3s to Traxxas for service.
Steering servo does not work:
• Check the wires, radio system, crystals, battery and motor connectors, and the
battery pack.
• Possible internal damage. Test the servo on channel 2 of the receiver or in
another model. Return the servo to Traxxas for service.
Motor runs backwards:
• Motor wired backwards - Check the wiring and correct.
Motor runs as soon as the battery is plugged in:
• Internal damage, return VXL-3s to Traxxas for service.
VXL-3s will not go into programming mode:
• Make sure the VXL-3s 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 VXL-3s is turned off before trying to program or select a profile.
VXL-3s Warranty Information
Traxxas warrants your Traxxas electronic component to be free from
defects in materials or workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days
from the date of purchase. Before returning any product for warranty
service, please contact our service department (1-888-TRAXXAS)* to
discuss the problem you are having with the product. After contacting
Traxxas, send the defective unit along with your proof of purchase
indicating the date purchased, your return address, e-mail, a daytime
phone number, and a brief description of the problem to:
Traxxas
1100 Klein Road
Plano, TX 75074
If the component is found to be defective, it will be repaired or
replaced at no charge. The warranty does not cover damage caused by
the following:
• Allowing foreign material to enter speed control or get onto
PC board.
• Using other than 4 to 9-cells NiMH or 2S to 3S LiPo (4.8-11 volts)
input voltage.
• Removing the stock battery connectors.
• Using the same gender connectors on the speed control's motor and
battery connections.
• Cross-connection of the battery/motor(s).
• Reverse voltage application.
• Incorrect installation or wiring.
• Components worn by use.
• Short-circuiting the heat sinks.
• Use without the heat sinks.
• Splices to the input wire harness.
• Disassembling the case.
*U.S. Customers Only
already own. For best performance, your system requires NiMH battery packs that
have cells rated for high discharge and use high-quality, low-resistance assembly
techniques. Cheaply made battery packs do not retain their performance
characteristics after repeated uses in high-powered electric applications. They will
lose their punch and run time and may require frequent replacement. In addition,
poor-quality, high-resistance cell connectors could fail, requiring disassembly and
repair. The main goal is to reduce all sources of high resistance in the pack. This
includes the connector, the wire, and the bars attaching the cells together. High
pack resistance will create additional heat and rob you of the full power the cells
are capable of producing.
• Unplug battery, reconnect, and repeat programming instructions.
• Check if transmitter is turned on.
Receiver glitches/throttle stutters during acceleration:
• 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 (over-geared motor) - Use a smaller pinion gear.
• Battery voltage low. Recharge and/or verify charged status.
• Disconnected brushless motor lead. Reconnect according to appropriate
wiring diagram.
Model runs slowly / slow acceleration:
• Check the motor and battery connectors.
• Check to see if VXL-3s 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 Transmitter Setup
and VXL-3s Setup Programming sections.
• VXL-3s is in Thermal Shutdown Protection. Allow to cool and check for
proper gearing.
• VXL-3s has entered Low-Voltage Protection.
Model will not go in reverse:
• Make sure the throttle trim is in the correct position (LED on VXL-3s should be lit
solid at neutral throttle)
• Check for correct VXL-3s profile (Profile #2 does not have reverse).
• If brushed motor is being used, verify proper connection to VXL-3s. Correct
if necessary.
• Excessive force when using the EZ-Set button.
• Tampering with the internal electronics.
• Incorrect wiring of an FET servo.
• Allowing exposed wiring to short-circuit.
• Any damage caused by crash, flooding, or act of God.
In no case shall our liability exceed the product's original cost.
We reserve the right to modify warranty provisions without notice. All
warranty claims will be handled by Traxxas. Because Traxxas has no
control over the use and future installations of the VXL-3s, no liability
may be assumed nor will be accepted for damage resulting from the
use of this product. Every ESC is thoroughly tested and cycled before
leaving the Traxxas facility and is, therefore, considered operational.
By the act of operating/connecting speed control, the user accepts
all resulting liability. Traxxas makes no other warranties expressed or
implied. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which vary from
state to state. After the expiration of the standard 30-day warranty, use
the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty to cover service and repairs.
Documents and forms are provided with your VXL-3s.
If you have questions or need technical assistance, call Traxxas at
1-888-TRAXXAS
(1-888-872-9927) (U.S. residents only)