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T-MAXX 3.3 OWNERS MANUAL
The following section addresses some very basic engine and radio questions
you may have about your T-Maxx 3.3. Most questions arise from simple
user errors or minor adjustments that are easy to correct. If you can’t find a
solution for your T-Maxx 3.3 here, then visit our Web site at www.Traxxas.
com/support. There you will find a much more extensive and detailed
online troubleshooting area. In addition, you may call Traxxas Customer
Service at 1-888-TRAXXAS (outside the U.S. call 972-265-8000).
Radio system does not work properly:
If the power light on the transmitter does not come on, check for proper
battery installation and that the batteries are new and/or fully charged.
If the power light is blinking, then the transmitter batteries are weak and
should be replaced. See page 8 for more details.
If the transmitter light is on but the radio is still not responding, check for
proper installation of the receiver batteries and that the batteries are new
and/or fully charged. Check to make sure the on/off switch on the model
is in the on position. Finally, if there is still no response check the red and
black wires that connect the battery pack to the “batt” terminal on the
receiver (you will have to remove the receiver cover). Make sure the wires
are not pinched or damaged and that the plug is secure in the receiver.
See page 8 for more details.
Short radio range:
If the radio range appears short, then first check to make sure the
transmitter antenna is fully extended and that the antenna in the T-Maxx
3.3 is in place and has not been cut or damaged. Next, make sure the
batteries are all fresh or fully charged. Finally, if you are still experiencing
short range, try a different location. Sometimes there can be interference
from various sources that can cause your radio to malfunction.
Engine will not spin (EZ-Start will not turn the engine):
If neither LED on the controller lights, the EZ-Start battery could be
discharged or improperly connected. Inspect and recharge if necessary.
If the glow plug LED lights and the motor LED does not, then the EZ-Start
controller is in protection mode. Allow the controller to cool for at least
three minutes. The circuitry should automatically reset.
Check to make sure the wires are connected to the EZ-Start motor in the
T-Maxx 3.3. The red wire should connect to the positive motor terminal,
indicated by a red dot next to the terminal.
The engine could be flooded. If too much fuel accumulates in the
combustion chamber at start up, the engine will hydraulically lock.
Follow the procedure on page 29 for clearing a flooded engine.
Check for binding at the engine flywheel. If you are not able to turn the
engine by hand, the engine could be flooded, there could be binding in
the clutch system, or there could be internal engine damage. (Note: It is
normal for the engine to be extremely tight and hard to turn when the
piston reaches the top of the compression stroke.)
Engine extremely sluggish, hard to start, and will not idle
during tank 1 of the break in:
It is possible that the factory adjusted break-in settings on your
carburetor are too rich for your geographic location, atmospheric
conditions, or fuel brand. Extremes in temperature, humidity, barometric
pressure, and altitude can’t always be accounted for with a single high-
speed needle setting. The symptoms described above can occur when
the air density is very low such as in high mountainous elevations, and
extremely cold temperatures. Under these conditions, lean the fuel
mixture slightly, 1/8 turn, to see if there is any improvement in starting
and idling. Only lean the fuel mixture just until the engine will run and
idle reliably and then proceed with the break in.
The contents of different brands of fuel (other than Traxxas Top Fuel)
in combination with extreme atmospheric conditions can also make
the factory preset break-in settings too rich and cause the symptoms
described above. Again, try leaning the fuel mixture slightly, 1/8 turn, to
see if there is any improvement in starting and idling.
Engine spins but will not start:
If the engine is spinning but will not start, first check to make sure that
both the motor and glow plug LEDs on the EZ-Start controller light when
the button is depressed. If the glow plug LED does not light, make sure
the blue glow plug wire is tightly connected and is not damaged in any
way. If the wire is good, then replace the glow plug. It is normal for glow
plugs to require periodic replacement. Only use Traxxas heavy-duty long
glow plugs (see your parts list).
Check to make sure the fuel is getting to the carburetor. Remove the fuel
line where it connects to the carburetor to see if there is fuel in it. If not,
you may need to prime the engine. Reconnect the fuel line and then
refer to page 18 for instructions on priming the engine.
Check your fuel mixture settings. It may be necessary to adjust the
fuel mixture if the outside temperature or barometric pressure has
changed significantly since the last time the engine was run (see Fine
Tuning the Carburetor on page 21). Turn the high-speed needle out (rich/
counterclockwise) 1/4 turn, hold the throttle trigger at about 1/2 throttle
and try again to start the engine. Once started, retune the engine for
performance (see page 20).
The engine could be worn. If the fit between the piston and sleeve is
loose, compression is reduced and the engine will be difficult to start
when it is warm, and may tend to stall when running and when the
throttle is closed suddenly to idle. Engine life depends on many factors
including fuel type, air filter maintenance, needle settings, and how the
engine was used. For example, if the engine was allowed to ingest dirt
from lack of air filter maintenance or running through water, then the
internal engine components could wear out extremely fast.
Glow plug may have failed. If using an EZ-Start, check to see if the glow
plug light is on during starting. If not, replace the glow plug. If using a
glow ignitor, remove and check the glow plug.
Engine performance sluggish:
Engine performance depends mostly on the fuel mixture settings
and how they compensate for the current atmospheric conditions.
Before you suspect other failures with the engine, richen the high-speed
needle at least 1/4 turn and then retune the engine for performance (see
page 20).
If the fuel mixture seems to be set correctly, make sure the fuel is fresh.
If the fuel is old, or was left uncapped for a long period, then some of
the important fuel components could have evaporated. Try new, fresh,
Traxxas Top Fuel.
Try a new Traxxas glow plug. Sometimes a glow plug will work well
enough to start the engine but not be able to deliver the engine’s full
performance potential.
Check to make sure there is no binding in the driveline that would cause
excessive loads on the engine.
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR T-MAXX 3.3
