Selecting Sport Mode (Prole #1: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, 100% Reverse)
1. Connect two fully charged battery packs to the
VXL-8s and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the VXL-8s o, press and hold the EZ-Set
button until the LED turns solid green, then solid
red and then begins blinking red (indicating the
Prole numbers).
3. When the LED blinks red once, release the EZ-Set
button.
4. The LED will blink and then turn solid green. The
model is ready to drive.
Selecting Race Mode (Prole #2: 100% Forward, 100% Brakes, No Reverse)
1. Connect two fully charged battery packs to the
VXL-8s and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the VXL-8s o, press and hold the EZ-Set
button until the LED turns solid green, then solid
red and then begins blinking red (indicating the
Prole numbers).
3. When the LED blinks red twice, release the EZ-Set
button.
4. The LED will blink and then turn solid green. The
model is ready to drive.
Selecting Training Mode* (Prole #3: 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse)
1. Connect two fully charged battery packs to the
VXL-8s and turn on your transmitter.
2. With the VXL-8s o, press and hold the EZ-Set
button until the LED turns solid green, then solid
red and then begins blinking red (indicating the
Prole numbers).
3. When the LED blinks red three times, release the
EZ-Set button.
4. The LED will blink and then turn solid green. The
model is ready to drive.
Note: If you missed the mode you wanted, keep the EZ-Set button pressed down
and the blink cycle will repeat until the button is released and a Mode is selected.
LED Codes and Protection Modes
The VXL-8s electronic speed control is equipped with sophisticated circuitry
designed to help protect the electronics from damage caused by overloading and
excessive temperatures. When a protection circuit is activated, an LED on the VXL-
8s ESC will light, indicating a fault.
• Solid Green: VXL-8s power-on light. Low-Voltage Detection is
ACTIVATED (LiPo setting).
• Current LED (A) Solid Red: The VXL-8s has entered Overcurrent
Protection, Stage 1. When excessive current flow (amperage) is
being routed through the power system caused by failure to use
the appropriate gearing ratio for the drivetrain and the driving
surface, the VXL-8s will limit the power output to 50% throttle.
Make sure your model is properly geared for the driving conditions.
Before continuing, inspect the vehicle for damage. To reset, turn
the ESC off and back on again.
• Current LED (A) Fast Blinking Red: The VXL-8s has entered
Overcurrent Protection, Stage 2. When the current flow
(amperage) spikes temporarily due to a bound or restricted
driveline (model is stuck against an object or encountered a
restrictive driving surface), the VXL-8s will automatically shut down
(fail-safe mode). Stop driving the vehicle. The VXL-8s will stay in this
mode until the current flow is recovered (obstruction is removed,
model is moved to a smoother driving surface) and the throttle is
returned to neutral. To reset, turn the ESC off and back on again.
• Voltage LED (V) Solid Red: The VXL-8s has entered Low Voltage
Protection, Stage 1. When the battery voltage begins to reach
the minimum recommended discharge voltage threshold for
LiPo battery packs, the VXL-8s will limit the power output to 50%
throttle. Stop driving the vehicle. The VXL-8s will stay in this mode
until the battery voltage is recovered or fully charged batteries are
connected.
• Voltage LED (V) Slow Blinking Red: The VXL-8s has entered Low
Voltage Protection, Stage 2. When the battery voltage attempts
to fall below the minimum threshold, the VXL-8s will automatically
shut down (fail-safe mode). The LED on the speed control will
slowly blink red, indicating a low-voltage shutdown. Stop driving
the model. The VXL-8s will stay in this mode until fully charged
batteries are connected.
• Voltage LED (V) Fast Blinking Red: If the motor has no power,
the VXL-8s has entered Overvoltage Protection. If the battery
voltage from the connected battery packs is too high, the VXL-8s
will go into a fail-safe mode. WARNING: If input voltage exceeds
approximately 33.6 volts (16.8 maximum peak input voltage per
battery pack), the ESC may be damaged. Do not exceed 33.6
maximum total peak voltage. Stop driving the model, turn the ESC
off, and disconnect the batteries.
• Temperature LED ( ) Solid Red: The VXL-8s has entered Thermal
Shutdown Protection, Stage 1 to guard against overheating
caused by excessive current flow. The VXL-8s will limit the power
output to 50% throttle. Stop driving the model. Inspect the cooling
fan on the ESC to make sure it is operating. Allow the power system
to cool before continuing.
• Temperature LED ( ) Fast Blinking Red: The VXL-8s has entered
Thermal Shutdown Protection, Stage 2 and has automatically
shut down (fail-safe mode). Stop driving the model. Inspect the
cooling fan on the ESC to make sure it is operating. Allow the
power system to cool before continuing. If you are experiencing
frequent warnings about temperature, it could be caused by
overgearing (from stock), overly aggressive and continuous high
speed driving, vehicle damage, or driving in conditions such as
deep sand, heavy mud, and tall grass.
• Current/Voltage/Temperature LEDs Solid Red or all LEDs Fast
Blinking Red: The VXL-8s has entered this protection mode
due to possibly having Thermal Shutdown Protection and Low
Voltage Protection (see above) occur at the same time or there is
a critical functioning or programming error. Turn the ESC off and
contact Traxxas Customer Service for assistance.
Accessory Power Panel
The VXL-8s electronic speed control is equipped with a power
panel that can be used to power optional accessories, such as
LED light kits or additional cooling fans (see Traxxas.com for
additional information). Always be sure to keep the panel cover
installed when accessories are not being used to protect the pins
from damage.
*patented
B
Two blinks Red
A
Green to Red to Off
D
Solid
C
Release
B
Three blinks Red
A
Green to Red to Off
D
Solid
C
Release
Explanation Solution
Overcurrent Protection,
Stage 1
Stop driving; inspect the vehicle
for overgearing or damage.
Overcurrent Protection,
Stage 2
Stop driving; remove obstruction
or move the vehicle to a smoother
driving surface.
Low Voltage Protection,
Stage 1
Stop driving; inspect the
batteries and recharge.
Low Voltage Protection,
Stage 2
Stop driving; inspect the
batteries and recharge.
Overvoltage Protection
Stop driving; turn the ESC off and
disconnect the batteries. Inspect
the batteries and confirm the
battery voltage.
Thermal Shutdown
Protection, Stage 1
Stop driving; inspect the cooling
fan on the ESC. Allow the power
system to cool before continuing.
Thermal Shutdown
Protection, Stage 2
Stop driving; inspect the cooling
fan on the ESC. Allow the power
system to cool before continuing.
Critical functioning
error
Contact Traxxas Customer
Service.
Programming error
Contact Traxxas Customer
Service.
B
One blink Red
A
Green to Red to Off
D
Solid
C
Release