Traxxas is a popular brand of radio-controlled vehicles known for their high performance and durability. However, sometimes you may face issues with your Traxxas battery won’t charge.
Traxxas battery not charging may indicate a faulty battery or charger. Checking and replacing these components may resolve the issue.
If you’re facing this problem, follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue with your Traxxas battery.
Why Won’t My Traxxas Battery Charge?
A defective charger is one of the most common reasons why Traxxas batteries fail to charge.
Reason 1: Indications Of A Faulty Charger
Here are some indications that your charger might be faulty:
- The charger does not light up when you plug it in.
- The charger is visibly damaged.
- The battery takes significantly longer to charge than usual.
- The battery doesn’t charge at all.
Solution:
- Check that the charger is properly plugged in.
- Clean the connections on the charger and battery.
- If the charger is visibly damaged, replace it with a new one.
Reason 2: Damaged Battery Terminal Connections
The battery terminal connections can become damaged over time, resulting in poor battery performance. Here are some symptoms of damaged battery terminal connections:
- The battery doesn’t charge fully.
- The battery drains quickly, even when not in use.
- Get a weak or nonexistent signal from the radio transmitter.
How To Check For Damaged Terminals
- Inspect the battery’s terminals for corrosion, which can indicate damage.
- Clean the contacts with a cloth and some rubbing alcohol.
- Check that the battery terminals are tight enough and firmly connected to the charger and the battery.
Reason 3: Short-Circuit In The Wiring System
A short circuit in the wiring system can cause Traxxas’s battery to fail to charge, which can be a serious issue. Here are some signs of a short circuit in the wiring system:
- In most cases, the battery does not charge at all.
- The battery life is very short.
- Hear a hissing or crackling sound inside the battery pack.
Solution:
- Charge the battery in a safe and secure place, away from flammable materials.
- Always use an appropriate charging cable.
Reason 4: Dead Or Weak Battery
If your Traxxas battery is dead, or damaged, or if it has short-circuited, it won’t charge properly. Here are some indicators of a dead or weak battery:
- The battery doesn’t last long enough, even when fully charged.
- The battery doesn’t charge at all, even with a known-good charger.
- There is visible damage or deformation in the battery pack.
Solution:
- Store the battery in a cool, dry, and ventilated place.
- Attempt to revive a dead battery by trickle charging it for 24 hours.
- If the battery won’t accept a charge or has visible damage, replace it with a new one.
If you follow these guidelines and remain mindful of your battery’s health, you will be better equipped to run your Traxxas car at its best.
Required Tools To Troubleshoot The Traxxas Battery
Here is a list of the essential tools you will need to diagnose and resolve your battery issues:
Digital Voltmeter
A digital voltmeter is a crucial tool to have when troubleshooting a Traxxas battery:
- To use a digital voltmeter, set it to measure dc voltage.
- Connect the red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal.
- A reading of 12.6 volts indicates a fully charged battery.
- If the reading is below 11 volts, the battery needs charging, and if it is below 10 volts, it may be damaged.
Soldering Iron
A soldering iron is a tool that helps you repair damaged or corroded wires in a Traxxas battery:
- Use a soldering iron with a temperature-controlled setting between 300-400°c.
- Use a solder wire that has a flux core and a thickness between 0.6-1.2mm.
- Apply heat to the solder joint and add solder to fuse the wire.
- Be careful not to overheat the battery or cause any additional damage.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are essential tools to open Traxxas battery compartments and remove batteries:
- Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the battery compartment closed.
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the battery connector’s screws.
- Always use the correct size of the screwdriver to avoid damage.
Battery Terminal Cleaner
A battery terminal cleaner is required to remove any corrosion or debris:
- Use a proper battery terminal cleaner that is safe for use on batteries.
- Apply the cleaner to a wet cloth and wipe down the battery terminals.
- Scrub the terminals with a wire brush to remove corrosion.
Traxxas Battery Not Charging: Step-By-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you figure out what’s going wrong and correct it:
Step 1: Inspect The Charger
The first step is to check your charger for any issues. Here are a few things you can do:
- Ensure that the charger is working correctly and has power.
- Make sure that you’re using a compatible charger for your Traxxas battery.
- Check if there is any damage to the charger or its cord.
Step 2: Check The Battery Terminal Connections
The next step is to examine the battery terminal connections. Check the battery’s connectors are clean and corrosion-free.
Step 3: Inspect The Wiring System
Suppose the charger and connection look great, but you’re still having battery or charging issues. In that case, it is time to move on to inspecting all the wiring on your Traxxas RC vehicle.
Step 4: Check The Esc Wires
The esc (electronic speed control) wires are responsible for transferring power from the battery to the motor. You can try checking if:
- None of the wires are touching or caught in anything.
- There is no damage to the wiring.
- The wires are correctly soldered and making good contact.
Step 5: Check The Power Wires
The power wires are responsible for connecting the battery to the ESC. Here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your power wires.
- Make sure all the power wires are correctly connected. Some traxxas rc vehicles have multiple battery connections.
- Do a visual check to ensure that all the wires are undamaged and correctly soldered.
Step 6: Check And Revive The Battery
You’ve checked everything and still have issues, it is time to examine the battery itself. It may be possible to revive the battery before you can purchase a new one. Here are a few helpful tips:
- First, try draining your Traxxas battery entirely before recharging it fully. Sometimes batteries can discharge unevenly or develop memory issues.
- If the cell voltage is below 3.0v, you can try to revive it using a specialized device that applies a high-voltage pulse to reactivate the battery.
- If the above methods don’t work, it’s time to consider purchasing a new battery.
Step 7: Monitor The Charging Process
Now that everything is clean, well-connected, and working correctly, it’s time to charge the battery. Here are a few tips to monitor the charging process:
- Ensure that you’re using a compatible and correct charger for your battery.
- If your charger has the option to switch between fast and trickle charging, select the appropriate option.
- Monitor the charging process carefully to ensure that your battery doesn’t overcharge or overheat.
By following the above steps, you’re now well on your way to troubleshooting your Traxxas battery not charging issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Traxxas Battery Not Charging?
There could be multiple reasons, such as a faulty charger, a damaged battery, or incorrect charger settings.
How Can I Fix A Traxxas Battery That Won’T Charge?
Check all connections, voltage settings, and the condition of the charger and battery. Consider replacing the faulty component.
Can I Use Any Charger For My Traxxas Battery?
No, it is important to use a charger specifically designed for Traxxas batteries to ensure optimal charging performance.
How Often Should I Charge My Traxxas Battery?
It is recommended to charge the battery after every use and avoid leaving it unused for an extended period.
Conclusion
Now that you have read this blog post on Traxxas battery not charging, you should have a better understanding of the various reasons why your battery might not be charging and some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Remember to always check your charger, connectors, and battery condition before assuming it’s a more serious problem.
- How Long to Charge Remote Control Car Battery? - July 8, 2023
- 20C Vs 25C Lipo Battery (Boost Your Gadgets) - July 6, 2023
- Lipo Battery Won’t Charge (7 Reasons + Solutions) - July 2, 2023