Table of Contents
Introduction
Traxxas makes a wide range of battery and charging solutions for their RC vehicles. From nimh packs to lithium ion power, having a properly working battery is essential for optimal speed and run time. However, there are several ways to identify when a Traxxas battery has become damaged or worn out and needs to be replaced.
This article will cover the warning signs of a bad Traxxas battery, testing methods to confirm a defective or underperforming pack, when batteries may be still salvageable, and steps to properly dispose of and recycle dead packs.
Key Takeaways:
- Puffy or misshapen packs indicate damaged lithium cells
- Significantly reduced run times points to lost battery capacity
- Overheating, odd smells or leaks mean a pack is unusable
- Use a voltmeter to check for out of spec cell voltages
- Proper disposal is important for lithium batteries
- If in doubt, contact Traxxas support for additional troubleshooting
Physical Signs of Bad Traxxas Batteries
Visual inspection can reveal many issues with Traxxas battery packs:
Swollen or Bloated Cells
Puffy lithium polymer cells are a sure indicator of gas buildup and damage due to abuse or aging. The chemical reaction causes swelling which can worsen and lead to ruptures. Never charge or discharge puffy batteries.
Case Damage or Cracks
Severe impacts that crack a battery case expose the internal cells and electronics to moisture and contaminants. Cracks or damage that penetrates the outer shell means the pack should be immediately retired.
Corrosion or Wetness
Wet or corroded contacts will interfere with charging and power delivery. White or green corrosion indicates moisture damage. Immediately dry wet packs with rice or silica gel but they may still fail prematurely.
Leaking or Crystals
Leaking electrolyte or salt-like crystals around the battery terminals signals a serious failure. The pack should be isolated and disposed of safely. Leaks mean the cells have been breached.
Loose Wires or Connectors
If the battery connector or balance lead feels loose, stops making good contact, or wiggles excessively, a bad connection can introduce resistance or cut power entirely.
Melting and Heat Damage
Extreme heat will melt plastic casings and cause permanent damage. Burn marks and melted spots mean the pack must be retired. Use the right charger and avoid short circuits.
Operational Signs of Bad Traxxas Batteries
Beyond physical flaws, bad batteries exhibit failure modes in operation:
Sudden Voltage Drop
Healthy fully charged cells will maintain steady voltage under load, then drop gradually as they deplete. A sharp voltage plunge that causes the ESC to cut power indicates a bad battery.
Reduced Total Run Time
Compared to when the pack was new, severely shortened run time is the most common symptom of a worn out battery with reduced capacity. Time for a replacement.
Failure to Charge or Hold Charge
If a battery repeatedly fails to charge fully, self-discharges quickly, or loses capacity well before the normal number of cycles, its ability to hold a charge is defective.
Short Circuit and Hot Packs
Some defective batteries will get extremely hot very quickly if connected, or spark/smoke indicating an internal short. Isolate these packs immediately and retire them.
No Power/Dead Battery
If a freshly charged battery provides no power or voltage at all, it means complete failure has occurred and the pack is dead. Time to recycle.
Testing Traxxas Battery Voltage and Capacity
To quantitatively diagnose battery health, voltage and capacity measurements identify problems:
Check Cell Voltages
Using a voltmeter, measure each cell in the pack. Compare to expected values:
- Fully Charged – Up to 4.2V per lithium ion cell
- Nominal – 3.7V
- Discharged – 3.0V minimum for lithium ion
- Mismatched cells – Indicates imbalance
Load Test for Voltage Drop
Connect the battery to a vehicle or motor and monitor the output voltage under realistic load. Severe drops may indicate a bad pack.
Timed Discharge Test
Use a motor or discharge circuit to drain the pack at high current. Time how long the battery lasts at that load compared to when new. Much shorter times reveal lost capacity.
Measure and Compare Capacity
Using a specialized battery tester, fully charge/discharge cycles will determine the actual capacity in mAh compared to the rated spec. Lower capacity reveals cell degradation.
When To Retire and Replace Batteries
If testing proves a pack is damaged or severely underperforming, it’s time to retire it:
Lithium Batteries:
- Dispose immediately if swollen, leaking, or cracked
- Retire packs that have lost 30-50% of original capacity
- Stop using if internal resistance has substantially increased
- Recycle once they no longer hold adequate charge
NiMH Batteries:
- Leaky or corroded cells should be disposed of
- Recycle when they won’t sustain voltage under load
- Toss packs that won’t fully charge after several cycles
- Consider replacing after 2-3 years of average use
Even fixable issues like connectors may not be worth repair cost for inexpensive battery packs. Properly disposing of and replacing defective packs reduces safety issues.
Safe Traxxas Battery Disposal
Never throw lithium or NiMH packs in the garbage. Follow local regulations to find authorized battery recycling drop off sites or services. Alternatively:
- Return dead packs to Traxxas under their Lifetime Electronics Warranty
- Bring to an authorized Traxxas dealer for recycling
- Check for retailer trade-in programs where you bought the batteries
- Use large chain store drop-off boxes if available in your area
- Take apart packs and bring individual cells to a hazardous waste depot
Removing batteries safely helps protect the environment and prevent dangerous mishaps from occurring. Dispose immediately if any risk or uncertainty about their safe condition exists.
Conclusion
Regularly inspecting for damage and testing capacity will reveal when Traxxas batteries need replacement. Retiring packs at the right time prevents inopportune failures. Look for swelling, damage, corrosion, reduced runtimes, sudden voltage drops and capacity loss.
Proper lithium polymer and NiMH battery disposal and recycling is crucial once they reach their usable lifespan. Never throw packs in the trash. Find authorized battery recycling centers in your region to help keep these batteries out of landfills.
Catching battery issues early and swapping in fresh packs ensures you can keep enjoying hour after hour of peak performance from your Traxxas RC vehicles.
FAQ
How long should Traxxas LiPo batteries last?
With careful use, Traxxas LiPo packs can last 2-3 years or 300-500 charge cycles before losing significant capacity. Heavy use and abuse shortens lifespan.
Can you repair an expanded LiPo battery?
Do not attempt to repair puffy or bloated LiPo battery cells. The chemical changes are permanent and the pack becomes unsafe for further use. Properly dispose of swollen LiPo batteries.
Why do my batteries lose charge in storage?
All batteries self-discharge over time in storage. Try storing LiPo packs at around 50% charge and check voltage every few months. Recharge packs that fall below 3.7V resting voltage.
My Traxxas battery won’t charge – fixable?
If a pack won’t take charge after several careful attempts, it likely has a permanent failure and needs recycling. Do not attempt to dismantle or repair LiPo battery packs on your own.
How do I find Traxxas battery recycling?
First check Traxxas’ website and call their support line about returning batteries under warranty. Some hobby shops recycle packs. Or use local hazardous waste facilities.