ESC Issues?

[RockCrawlinJeeps]

I didn't want to make this my first post on rccrawler, but I am in need of some help. I have a completely stock rtr scx10 Jeep. It started having some issues earlier this afternoon while driving around the house. Eventually it stopped and would not move except for the steering, I originally thought that the battery was drained and needed recharged. The esc is flashing red, I have steering but the truck will not move forward or in reverse.

This is my first rc and I'm a little lost on how to fix this problem.

[TacoCrawler]

possibly an issue with your motor...

a hung brush spring or worn out brush(s)
could be your problem.

check connections/wiring as well...
heat shrink will often hold a solder joint secure...
but the connection could actually be broke

[crawlhog]

Im with Taco, I also think its a motor issue. Either test the one you have in the truck by running a battery straight to it, or throw in a different motor. at least you'll have a starting point

[JohnRobHolmes]

flashing red light, sounds like a dead battery. You try recharging?

[RockCrawlinJeeps]

Originally Posted by JohnRobHolmes

flashing red light, sounds like a dead battery. You try recharging?

I have already recharged the battery, it made no difference. I originally thought that it had become weak from driving around the yard and only had enough power left to turn the wheels.

I will try and test the motor later tonight, 9v battery?

I will also check over the wiring and connections.

Could this be an issue with the controller not communicating with the Jeep somehow?

[JohnRobHolmes]

The next try would be neutral trim. Turn the throttle trim knob until you don't get red or green lights on the ESC. Wait for th ESC to arm, then it should work. If you are getting beeps from the system, your motor is likely ok.

If that fails, time to give axial a call.

[RockCrawlinJeeps]

I tested the motor with a 9v and it works as it should. I used my electrical tester and I am getting power from the battery through the esc to the wiring on the motor. I still cannot figure out why it won't run though. I tried testing it multiple times, and nothing seemed to work. It started beeping, but it did not seem to have any sort of pattern and it would not stop beeping until I turned off the ESC.

[JohnRobHolmes]

Sounds like the ESC isn't arming, and it is going into programming mode when you pull the trigger.

[JohnB]

Have you tried re-binding the transmitter and ESC? Are the batteries in your transmitter weak? Maybe try a fresh set. Hope this helps.

[RockCrawlinJeeps]

I put fresh batteries in the transmitter. I tried to rebind it, it just sits there and flashes. I watched the videos on Axial's website, it does not make any of the noises when they program it.

[Billy D]

I agree with J.R.H. and check the throttle trim because if it is turned to far from center then it will keep searching and wont pick up the esc. I had the same problem with my son as he was messing with the buttons. He had full steering but no throttle, once I re set the throttle trim and turned the truck back on all was good again.

[TacoCrawler]

Originally Posted by RockCrawlinJeeps

I put fresh batteries in the transmitter. I tried to rebind it, it just sits there and flashes. I watched the videos on Axial's website, it does not make any of the noises when they program it.

the bind process and set up process are not the same deal.
Tho the bind need occur first, before the set up procedure can be done.

After bind has occurred...
then both the green and red lights on the esc. should be blinking
at the same time.

There would be no chime initially...
until the TX trigger has been pulled to the max throttle (forward) position
to start the initial set up process.
There should be a chime reflecting that was done.

then the TX's trigger is pushed forward fully for reverse...
again... a chime should occur.

Then the TX's trigger is released to neutral..
and it should chime one last time.

At this point... it should be bound and set up.

If it is...
the esc's green led should be blinking when in forward mode
and blink red when in reverse mode.
Neutral would have no visual LED's

If only the red light is blinking...
then there is a fault in the system somewhere.

Be sure that all your wires are connecting properly
Including the plugs that insert into the RX.

You said you're running an external BEC yes ?
if yes... you did remove the red+ wire
coming from the ESC. plugging into the RX ?
^ there can only be one BEC supplying power to the RX.
If both are inputting to the same location...
then the system will show fault.
And the set up process may not occur properly.

* The ESC's power wire (internal BEC) would remain plugged into the RX
if the servo's power lead is directly fed to the servo from the external BEC.

If the bind and set up procedures are followed properly
and it still will not do as it should...
there is the possibility that component failure could be of fault.

Sooo... call Axial and have them walk thru with you
on the bind/set up procedures... and if that fails...
then you will have them on the phone and can work out
the possibility of replacing components that may be fubar.

a final thought...

Check your TX's throttle reverse switch...
if that is not in the proper position...
it could cause issue.

[RockCrawlinJeeps]

I called and spoke with the Axial tech support line, looks like I've damaged the ESC. The tech suggested I send it in and have them look it over / possible replacement.

To avoid having this issue again in the future, is there an upgrade that may be more water resistant / better performance? The tech also recommended I switch to a lipo battery as well.

[sic1to]

HH brxl,CC sidewinder v3 both waterproof esc's! I own both & HH brxl is a amazing esc!!! Nothing wrong with sidewinder but has 3s limit...

[RockCrawlinJeeps]

Any other recommendations?