If your Traxxas Lipo battery simply will not charge keep reading for reasons why, how you can get around it, and learn how to know when it is charging…
Why Won’t My Traxxas LiPo Battery Charge?
Here are some of the common reasons for this:
Incorrect Charger Settings:
Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as using the incorrect charger settings. Make sure the charger is set to the correct battery type (LiPo) and that the charge rate matches the capacity of your battery. For instance, a 5000mAh battery should be charged at 5.0A.
Faulty Charger:
Chargers, like any other electronic device, can malfunction. A faulty charger might not deliver the correct current, or it may not deliver any at all. If you suspect that your charger may be faulty, try charging a different battery with it. If the other battery also fails to charge, it might be time to replace your charger.
Over-Discharged Battery:
LiPo batteries have a minimum safe voltage level, typically around 3.0V per cell. If the voltage drops below this threshold, the battery’s internal chemistry can be irreversibly damaged, and many chargers will refuse to charge such a battery as a safety precaution.
It’s crucial to avoid over-discharging your LiPo battery to ensure its longevity.
Damaged Battery:
Physical damage to your Traxxas LiPo battery could also be a reason it won’t charge. Look for any noticeable signs such as swelling, punctures, or a broken wire. If you find physical damage, it is generally advised to safely dispose of the battery and replace it.
Internal Circuitry Failure:
Finally, if the battery has an internal circuitry failure, it may not charge. This failure can be hard to diagnose without professional tools. If you’ve ruled out all other options, consider contacting Traxxas’ customer service or taking the battery to a professional for a thorough examination.
What is a Traxxas LiPo Battery?
Traxxas LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries are a popular choice among radio-controlled (RC) hobby enthusiasts due to their high power, lightweight, and reliable performance. However, like any sophisticated piece of technology, they can sometimes encounter issues.
One common problem many Traxxas LiPo battery owners may face is the inability to charge the battery. This issue can be attributed to a variety of reasons, from user error and malfunctioning chargers to more complex internal battery problems.
Understanding LiPo Batteries:
Click here for the price, on Amazon #Ad
Before diving into it, it’s important to understand how these batteries work. Unlike traditional NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries,
LiPo batteries require specific care and handling to maximize their lifespan and ensure safe usage. LiPos have a greater energy density and voltage capacity, but they are also more susceptible to damage from improper charging and discharging.
How Do I Know if My Traxxas Battery is Charging?
Here is how you know:
Charger Indicators
The most straightforward way to check if your Traxxas battery is charging is through the charger’s LED indicators. Most Traxxas chargers come equipped with indicator lights, which provide real-time feedback on the battery’s charging status. Here is a general guideline of what the indicators mean:
- Red or Orange Light: The battery is currently charging.
- Green Light: The battery is fully charged and ready for use.
- Flashing Red or Orange Light: There may be an issue with the battery or charger. Refer to your user manual or contact Traxxas support for assistance.
Please note, the indicator color and behavior might vary depending on the charger model. Always refer to your charger’s user manual for the most accurate information.
Battery Warmth
A common sign that a battery is charging is a slight increase in temperature. As the battery receives energy, it may become warm to the touch.
However, this should not be confused with overheating, which could be a sign of a faulty battery or charger. If your battery becomes excessively hot during charging, immediately unplug it and contact Traxxas support for further instructions.
Checking Voltage Levels
A more technical approach to confirm if your Traxxas battery is charging involves checking the battery’s voltage levels. This requires the use of a multimeter or a battery voltage checker. To do this:
- Set your multimeter to measure DC voltage.
- Connect the multimeter probes to the battery terminals (red probe to positive, black probe to negative).
- Note the voltage reading. If it’s rising gradually over time, your battery is charging.
Remember, each cell in a LiPo battery has a nominal voltage of 3.7V and a full charge voltage of 4.2V. So, a 2-cell (2S) LiPo should measure around 7.4V when at a nominal charge and 8.4V when fully charged.
Estimated Charging Time
Another way to infer that your battery is charging is by keeping track of the charging time. Most Traxxas batteries come with an estimate of how long they should take to charge.
If your battery is nearing this estimated time frame, and the charger’s light indicates it is still charging, it’s likely the battery is indeed charging. However, this is a less precise method, and relying solely on this can lead to overcharging, which may harm the battery’s lifespan.
Battery’s Performance
Lastly, the battery’s performance in your RC vehicle is a good indicator of its charge status. If the vehicle operates at full speed and lasts for the expected runtime, it indicates that the battery was fully charged.
However, if the vehicle’s performance diminishes or the runtime shortens significantly, it might imply that the battery wasn’t fully charged.
In summary
In conclusion, understanding whether your Traxxas battery is charging involves observing the charger’s indicators, checking the battery’s temperature, measuring the battery voltage, estimating charging time, and assessing the vehicle’s performance.
As an RC hobbyist, it’s crucial to be aware of these signs to maintain the health and performance of your battery. If you suspect any issues with your battery or charger, always contact Traxxas customer support for professional assistance.
