How To Tell If Traxxas Battery Is Bad (Complete Guide)

Traxxas batteries are essential components of remote-controlled vehicles, providing the necessary power to keep them running smoothly. Over time, batteries can degrade and lose their performance, affecting the overall performance of your RC vehicle

So, how to tell if Traxxas battery is bad?

One way to determine if a Traxxas battery is bad is by checking for signs of damage or corrosion. Additionally, you can use a battery tester to determine the battery’s voltage and capacity.

In this article, I will discuss various signs and symptoms that indicate a Traxxas battery may be going bad.

Signs Of A Faulty Traxxas Battery

The signs of a bad Traxxas battery are: not charging, not being recognized, and battery drain. There are many signs, but these are the common ones.

Physical Signs Such As Swelling Or Leakage

Swelling: One of the most apparent physical signs of a faulty Traxxas battery is swelling. If you notice that the battery has expanded in size or appears bloated, it is a clear indication that something is wrong.
Leakage: Another visual indicator of a bad Traxxas battery is leakage. If you see any fluid seeping out of the battery casing, it is a clear sign of a problem.

Performance Indicators Like Decreased Run Time Or Power

Decreased run time: One of the primary functions of a Traxxas battery is to provide a sufficient power supply for your RC vehicle. If you notice a significant decrease in the battery’s run time, whereby it does not last as long as it used to, it could be a sign of a faulty battery.
Decreased power output: In addition to reduced run time, a faulty Traxxas battery may also exhibit diminished power output. This means that your RC vehicle may not have the same speed, acceleration, or overall performance as it did before.

Electric Motor Overheating

Overheating: Another potential sign of a bad Traxxas battery is the overheating of your rc vehicle’s electric motor. If you find that the motor becomes excessively hot during operation, it could be due to a battery malfunction.

Irregular Charging Behavior

Inconsistent charging: If you experience irregularities during the charging process, it could indicate a problem with the Traxxas battery. This can manifest as the battery taking longer than usual to charge, not charging to its full capacity, or showing inconsistent charging behavior.
Unexpected discharging: Another irregular charging behavior to watch out for is unexpected discharging of the battery when not in use. If you find that the Traxxas battery loses its charge quickly while not in use or without any apparent reason, it may signify a faulty battery.

How to Tell If Your Traxxas Battery Is Bad?

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Traxxas battery, it’s crucial to know how to identify when it needs to be replaced. By following a few simple steps, you can determine if your Traxxas battery is no longer in good condition. Here’s a guide to help you with that:

Step 1: Check for Damages Caused by Physical Factors

The easiest way to assess the condition of your Traxxas battery is through a physical inspection. Turn off your RC vehicle, remove the battery cover, and examine the interior.

Look for any signs of swelling. If you notice swelling or puffing, it’s a clear indication that the battery needs to be replaced.

Over time, the outer layer of a battery may swell due to damage. This phenomenon, known as puffing, is common in Li-Po batteries.

However, since swelling can lead to serious consequences like device failure or fire, it’s important to address the issue promptly. If you notice any swelling in your Traxxas battery, it’s time to replace it.

If your battery has only been charged around 50 times, a slight amount of swelling is normal and nothing to worry about. This is typically caused by excessive pressure in the metal casings that house the lithium polymer cells.

Step 2: Check Battery Capacity

A healthy Traxxas battery should provide a runtime of at least 20-30 minutes before being depleted. If your battery drains to around 80 percent and shows no signs of malfunction, it’s considered worn out.

If a cell within the battery pack dies, it won’t deliver the same power as an 80 percent charged cell in another pack. To assess the battery capacity, take note of its performance after the first 3 cycles. Then, continue using and testing the battery for the 4 cycles.

If you notice inefficient charging or significantly reduced runtime, it’s likely that you have a faulty battery. In such cases, it’s best to return the battery to the store where you purchased it for a replacement.

Step 3: Measure Battery Voltage

If you’re concerned about the voltage levels of your Traxxas Li-Po batteries, you can use a multimeter along with a Li-Fe battery charger to quickly verify them. However, it’s crucial to never discharge a battery below 3V to avoid damaging it.

Here’s how you can check the battery voltage:

Ensure that your Traxxas Multi-Function Programmer V2 has an internal Temperature Sensor (TS) or a Room Temperature Sensor (RTS).
Start charging your battery pack as usual until it reaches full charge.
After charging, remove the battery pack from the charger but keep the balancing plug connected.
Check the voltage using a multimeter. If the reading is below 3 volts, your battery is likely damaged and needs replacement.

Step 4: Measure Internal Resistance

Internal resistance testing is another important method to assess the condition of your Traxxas battery. This involves applying a known load to the battery and measuring the voltage across it.

Lower internal resistance results in better conductivity and performance, while high resistance can indicate an old or outdated battery.

Keep in mind that each cell within a battery pack has its own unique internal resistance value. If the internal resistance becomes too high, the battery may start bulging or experience loss of conductivity at the contact points, or even short out.

By following these steps, you can easily determine if your Traxxas battery is in good condition or needs to be replaced. Regular maintenance and proper usage of your Traxxas battery will help ensure optimal performance and longevity for your RC vehicle

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Battery Issues

To ensure that your Traxxas battery performs at its best and has a long lifespan, it’s important to follow proper maintenance techniques. Here are some key tips to help you prevent battery issues:

Proper Storage And Transportation Techniques

When not in use, store your Traxxas battery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Use a battery storage case or a specialized bag designed for lipo batteries to protect your battery from physical damage.
Avoid storing your battery in a fully charged or fully discharged state for an extended period. Aim for a storage charge of around 60-70% for optimal battery health.
Handle your battery with care during transportation to avoid any accidental damage. Make sure it is securely packed and protected.

Regularly Cleaning Battery Terminals And Connectors

Over time, dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate on the battery terminals and connectors, affecting their performance. Regularly clean them to maintain good electrical contact.
Use a soft, dry cloth or a battery terminal cleaning brush to gently remove any debris. Avoid using abrasive materials that could damage the terminals.
Pay attention to both the battery terminals and the corresponding terminals on your rc vehicle. Clean them thoroughly to ensure a strong and stable connection.

Maintaining Optimal Charging Practices

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for charging your Traxxas battery. Each battery type and model may have specific charging requirements.
Invest in a quality battery charger that is compatible with your Traxxas battery. A charger with features like balance charging and adjustable charge rates can help prolong your battery’s life.
Avoid overcharging or rapid charging your battery, as this can lead to overheating and reduced battery performance. Stick to the recommended charging time and avoid charging unattended.

Balancing And Conditioning The Battery As Necessary

Periodically check the balance of your Traxxas battery using a suitable balance charger. Balancing ensures that each individual cell within the battery pack is charged evenly, maximizing overall performance.
Conditioning your battery involves cycling it through a complete discharge and recharge cycle. This helps maintain cell balance and capacity. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper conditioning procedures.
Consider investing in a battery monitoring system that can provide real-time information about your battery’s health, including voltage, cell balance, and internal resistance.

By following these maintenance tips, you can prolong the life of your Traxxas battery and prevent common battery issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Traxxas Batteries To Go Bad?

Traxxas batteries can go bad due to various reasons such as overcharging, extreme temperatures, physical damage, or prolonged disuse. These factors can lead to decreased performance, reduced lifespan, and ultimately render the battery unusable.

How Long Do Traxxas Batteries Typically Last?

The lifespan of a Traxxas battery varies depending on factors like usage, maintenance, and charging practices. On average, a well-maintained battery can last around 2-3 years. However, it’s important to periodically assess its condition to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Can I Revive A Dead Traxxas Battery?

In some cases, it is possible to revive a dead Traxxas battery using a process called reconditioning. Reconditioning involves fully discharging the battery and then charging it back to its full capacity. However, this method may not always be effective, and it is crucial to exercise caution when attempting to revive a dead battery.

Conclusion

To sum it up, determining if a Traxxas battery is bad is crucial for maximizing the performance of your RC vehicle.

By paying attention to key indicators such as reduced runtime, decreased power output, unusual charging behavior, and physical damage, you can easily identify potential issues with your battery.

Regularly testing and maintaining your Traxxas battery is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal functioning.

Author
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David Gaskill

CEO and Author at Custom RC Wraps

David Gaskill is an experienced RC technology expert and the driving force behind Custom RC Wraps situated in Cartersville, Georgia. His years of hands-on experience and academic background in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Robotics and Automation have equipped him with the knowledge and skills to tackle a wide range of RC-related challenges.