If your Traxxas Stampede will not go into reverse keep reading to learn why and what you can do about it. Also, learn how to reset the steering servo and some tips to make your vehicle faster…
Why Won’t My Traxxas Stampede Reverse?
Here are the common reasons for this:
Transmitter Settings
One of the first things to check if your Traxxas Stampede won’t reverse is your transmitter settings. Sometimes, the problem may be as simple as having the wrong settings.
If the reversing function has been accidentally turned off or the throttle trim has been adjusted improperly, your RC car might not reverse. Always double-check these settings to ensure they’re correctly set up.
Mechanical Obstructions
If the car moves forward without any problem but refuses to reverse, there might be a physical obstruction in the car’s drivetrain. Debris like dirt, pebbles, or other foreign objects can sometimes get lodged in the gears or wheels, preventing the car from reversing.
Do a thorough check of your Stampede’s drivetrain to ensure it’s clear of any obstructions. Remember to unplug your battery before doing this to prevent any accidental injury.
Electronic Speed Control (ESC) Issues
The ESC plays a crucial role in controlling the direction of your RC car. It interprets the signals from the transmitter and sends commands to the motor. If your Traxxas Stampede won’t reverse, there might be an issue with the ESC.
Check the ESC for any visible signs of damage, such as scorch marks, swollen capacitors, or disconnected wires. If your ESC is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. It’s important to choose an ESC that’s compatible with your Traxxas Stampede to ensure optimum performance.
Firmware Problems
In some cases, the issue may lie with the firmware that controls the RC car’s operations. If there’s a glitch in the firmware, your Stampede might not receive the command to reverse. You can try updating the firmware or performing a factory reset to resolve this problem.
Motor Issues
If none of the above solutions seem to work, there might be a problem with the motor itself. Brushless motors are commonly used in Traxxas Stampedes, and they can sometimes fail due to overheating, overuse, or manufacturing defects.
If the motor is unable to rotate in both directions, your car won’t be able to reverse.
In such cases, you should consult a professional or contact Traxxas support. If your Stampede is still under warranty, you might be able to get the motor replaced for free or at a reduced cost.
How to Reset a Traxxas Steering Servo
What You Will Need:
- Your Traxxas RC vehicle
- Traxxas transmitter (RC controller)
- A flat surface
Step-by-step Procedure
Here is the procedure:
Step 1: Power Up
Start by turning on your Traxxas vehicle and the transmitter. Make sure the vehicle is on a flat surface and that all the wheels are touching the ground.
Step 2: Centering the Steering
Once your vehicle and transmitter are powered up, you’ll need to center the steering on your Traxxas vehicle. Use the steering trim on the transmitter to do this. Adjust the trim so that the wheels are pointing straight forward.
Step 3: Entering Programming Mode
Now it’s time to put the vehicle into its programming mode. This will allow you to reset the steering servo. To do this, press and hold the ‘SET’ button on the vehicle’s Electronic Speed Control (ESC) until the LED turns solid red. Release the button, and the LED should start blinking red.
Step 4: Setting Neutral Point
To set the neutral point for the servo, make sure the throttle stick on your transmitter is in the neutral position. Once in position, press the ‘SET’ button on the ESC once. The LED will blink red twice to confirm the neutral point has been set.
Step 5: Setting the End Points
Now you’ll set the endpoints for the steering servo. Turn the steering wheel on your transmitter to the left (full lock) and then press the ‘SET’ button on the ESC. The LED will blink three times. Next, turn the steering wheel to the right (full lock) and press ‘SET’. The LED will blink four times.
Step 6: Exiting Programming Mode
To exit programming mode, press and hold the ‘SET’ button on the ESC until the LED turns solid green, then release the button.
Step 7: Confirming the Reset
Finally, you’ll need to check and confirm that the servo has been reset successfully. Test the steering using the transmitter to ensure that the wheels are responding correctly. If not, you may need to go back through the steps again to ensure everything was done correctly.
How to Make Your Traxxas Stampede Faster
Here is what you can do:
Upgrade the Motor and ESC
Brushless Motor: The first and most impactful step is to upgrade to a brushless motor. If your Traxxas Stampede came with a brushed motor, switching to a brushless one will provide a significant increase in power and speed.
Models like the Velineon Brushless Power System from Traxxas are a good choice.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC): The ESC controls the power supplied to the motor. Upgrading to a high-performance ESC can lead to noticeable speed improvements. Consider options such as the Traxxas VXL-3s, which is designed to work seamlessly with their brushless motors.
Upgrade the Battery
Higher mAh: A battery with a higher mAh (milliamp hours) rating will deliver more power for a longer time, which can translate to higher speeds.
Higher Voltage: Switching from a 2S LiPo to a 3S LiPo battery will also boost your speed, but be sure your motor and ESC can handle the increased voltage to avoid damage.
Use Better Tires
The right tires can make a significant difference in the speed of your Traxxas Stampede, especially off-road. Look for tires designed for the terrain you’ll be running on the most. For example, if you’re mostly on pavement, consider high-grip road tires.
Improve the Gearing
Install a Larger Pinion Gear: The pinion gear is the small gear attached to the motor. By increasing its size, you can increase the top speed of your truck. Be aware, though, that this can reduce acceleration and potentially overheat the motor.
Install a Smaller Spur Gear: The spur gear is the large gear that the pinion gear drives. Reducing its size can also increase the top speed but, as with a larger pinion, can decrease acceleration and make your motor run hotter.
Reduce Weight
Less weight means less resistance for the motor to overcome, translating into higher speeds. Be sure to remove any non-essential components that add extra weight to the truck.
Keep It Well Maintained
Maintaining your Traxxas Stampede properly will also help improve its speed. Ensure the gears are properly lubricated, the tires are in good condition, and the battery is fully charged before each run.
