Traxxas Slash Receiver Issue

[Vince M]

I recently had an issue with my Slash where it would run for about 45 seconds, and then slow to a stop. I contacted Traxxas customer support, and they graciously sent me a brand new battery. I charged the new battery, installed it and got nothing. I think I hear arcing going on in the receiver, but the wheels won’t turn. Does anyone have any ideas about what we are going on? Thanks.

 

[PonkyKong]

Need to test your esc. It could be dead.

 

[Vince M]

Need to test your esc. It could be dead.

Thank you for the reply. I don't know much about these cars. You're going to have to tell me what what an ESC is and how I test it.

 

[PonkyKong]

Ahh. OK. Your model has the receiver. Where everything is plugged into with the white red and black small fittings. And the ESC is the unit powering the motor. The ESC provides power to the motor but also powers the receiver and servo with the built in BEC. Which is the battery eliminator circuit. To step down power.
The esc will have an indicator light for errors. Blinking red or a series of flashes. The other issues can be caused by a faulty steering servo or sometimes the receiver itself. You will need the to have some spare parts to test the issue. Wiring can also fail. Battery connectors can be installed poorly. Leading to early shut off.
Ideally you need a second set of electronics to swap and test with. Or a pal who has an rc to borrow and use their parts to see whats broken.

 

[Ramp addict]

The servo that comes with the stock Slash is notorious for browning out receivers, their junk. Does your truck drive back and forth with the servo unplugged?

 

[PonkyKong]

To get you off on the right foot. The electronics that come in most rtr (ready to run) trucks are trash. So a 20 dollar amazon servo and a nice Hobbywing combo is usually what I consider a minimum to really have a true rc. Is yours brushless or brushed?

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

I would start by taking a picture of things if you haven't already. That way you have a reference to look at if you can't remember or need a guide.

As Ponky mentioned, the ESC powers everything in the truck. I would start by unplugging the servo (Channel 1) and trying to power the truck on. Make sure the transmitter batteries are good too if you can't remember the last time you changed them.

So plug a battery in with the transmitter on and see if the ESC and receiver power up properly.
The model should now move forward and backwards.

If that is not the case, it has been narrowed down to the receiver, transmitter, ESC or motor.

There are a few paths to take;

- You could try swapping things out.
As mentioned a new motor and esc combo can be had pretty cheap.

- Second, you find a reputable shop in your area if you don't have a friend who can help you out.

When troubleshooting it is extremely helpful to have other known electronics around you can swap in and out to narrow down failed components.

As someone mentioned, the 2075 servo COULD be a problem but honestly anything could be going on.

Your description of audible sounds of shorting would lead me to believe it's either the motor or ESC.

A component could have been exposed to moisture and shorted or overheated on your last run; we just don't have enough information.

Please let us know if we can be of any more assistance with your Slash.

 

[Ramp addict]

The crackling sound is concerning. I can tell you one thing, it's not your ESC making that sound. Traxxas ESCs billow black smoke or they don't. My recommendation is to go through all your wires looking for a bare spot. If the inside of your receiver box is wet you may have water in your receiver, give some time to dry out then try it again tomorrow. I bring this up because my Kraton had horrible electrical issues. It was a bare spot on a fan wire shorting out my system. A 1 inch square of electrical tape fixed my truck.

A servo under a load but not doing anything will make a sound similar to a crackling noise. This is normal. This might be what your hearing?