MODEL 68054-61 owner’s manual
INTRODUCTION 3 BEFORE YOU PROCEED 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7 TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 8 ANATOMY OF THE SLASH 4X4 9 QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED 10 THE TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM 18 ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL 21 DRIVING YOUR MODEL 24 ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL 28 MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas Slash 4X4. The Traxxas Slash 4X4 Short-Course Race Truck puts you in the drivers seat for intense fender-to-fender, high-flying off-road action.
BEFORE YOU PROCEED Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any accompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your model. Failure to follow these instructions will be considered abuse and/or neglect. Before running your model, look over this entire manual and examine the model carefully. If for some reason you decide it is not what you wanted, then do not continue any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a model for return or exchange after it has been run.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS All instructions and precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your model. This model is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult. No previous experience with radio controlled models is required. Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment. 4 • SLASH 4X4 All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new model.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER! FIRE HAZARD! Your model is able to use LiPo batteries. Charging and discharging batteries has the potential for fire, explosion, serious injury, and property damage if not performed per the instructions. Before use, read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions, warnings, and precautions.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (continued from previous page) • DO NOT charge batteries inside of an automobile. DO NOT charge batteries while driving in an automobile. This charger is equipped with a long cord intended to allow the battery to be charged outside of an automobile when using the automobile’s auxiliary power socket. If the cord will not reach outside of the automobile, find another power source. • NEVER charge batteries on wood, cloth, carpet, or on any other flammable material.
TOOLS, SUPPLIES, AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT Your model comes with a set of specialty metric tools. You’ll need to purchase other items, available from your hobby dealer, to operate and maintain your model. SUPPLIED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 2.5mm “L” wrench Foam battery spacer 2.0mm “L” wrench Body clips 1.
ANATOMY OF THE SLASH 4X4 Battery Compartment Rear Camber Link Half Shaft Battery Hold-Down Traxxas High-Current Connector Steering Block Caster Block Front Suspension Arm Battery Spur Gear Motor Drive Shaft Front Shock Tower Rear Shock Tower Chassis Steering Servo Antenna Mount Rear Bumper Electronic Speed Control Rear Body Mount Pinion Gear 8 • SLASH 4X4 Rear Suspension Arm Slipper Clutch LED Light Pipe Shock Front Bumper Receiver Box Toe Link Front Body Mount Front Camber Link
QUICK START: GETTING UP TO SPEED The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your model running. Look for the Quick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages. 1. Read the safety precautions on pages 4-6 For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misuse could lead to personal injury. 2. Charge the battery pack • See page 13 Charge your battery now so it will be ready when you finish the other setup procedures. 3.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM INTRODUCTION Applying the Decals The main decals for your model have been applied at the factory. Additional decals have been printed on selfadhesive clear mylar and are die-cut for easy removal. Use a hobby knife to lift the corner of a decal and lift it from the backing. Your model includes the TQ 2.4GHz transmitter. When powered on, the TQ 2.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM Thermal Shutdown Protection - Temperature sensing electronics are used in the ESC to detect overloading and overheating of the transistor circuitry. If excessive temperature is detected, the unit automatically shuts down to prevent damage to the electronics. 2-channel radio system - The TQ 2.4GHz radio system, consisting of the receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. The system uses two channels: one to operate the throttle and one to operate the steering. 2.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM XL-5 Wiring Diagram Your model is equipped with the Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz transmitter. The transmitter has two channels: Channel one operates the steering, and channel two operates the throttle. The receiver inside the model has three output channels. Your model is equipped with one servo and an electronic speed control.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK Your TQ 2.4GHz transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. The Traxxas Battery Charger is a fully featured NiMH (Nickle Metal Hydride) charger. It features 4-amp charge current for fast charging and advanced peak detection to optimize every charge.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM INSTALLING THE BATTERY PACK Battery iD Your model’s included battery pack is equipped with Traxxas Battery iD. This exclusive feature allows Traxxas battery chargers (sold separately) to automatically recognize connected battery packs and optimize the charge settings for the battery. This eliminates the need to worry over charger settings and menus for the easiest and safest charging solution possible. Visit Traxxas.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS • In order for the transmitter and receiver to bind to one another, the receiver in the model must be turned on within 20 seconds of turning on the transmitter. The transmitter LED will flash fast red, indicating a failure to link. If you miss it, simply turn off the transmitter and start over. TUR N GH RI T TU • Always turn on the transmitter before plugging in the battery.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM Using Reverse: While driving, push the throttle trigger forward to apply brakes. Once stopped, return the throttle trigger to neutral. Push the throttle trigger forward again to engage proportional reverse. Throttle reversing procedure: Note: Throttle reversing is often times unnecessary on electric models, as issues with the throttle can usually be solved by reprogramming the speed control and/or verifying that the motor is wired correctly.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM Higher Speeds Require Greater Distance The faster you drive your model, the more quickly it will near the limit of radio range. At top speeds, models can cover anywhere between 25 to 100 feet every second! It’s a thrill, but use caution to keep your model in range. If you want to see your model achieve its maximum speed, it is best to position yourself in the middle of the truck’s running area, not the far end, so you drive the truck towards and past your position.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL XL-5 Specifications Input Voltage 4-7 cells NiMH; 2S LiPo Case Size 1.23"W x 2.18"L x 0.75"H Weight 2.0 ounces / 57 grams Motor Limit 15-turns (540 Size) / 12-turns (550 Size) On Resistance Forward 0.005 Ohms On Resistance Reverse 0.014 Ohms Peak Current - Forward 100A Peak Current - Reverse 60A Braking Current 60A Continuous Current 15A BEC Voltage 6.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL XL-5 Operation To operate the speed control and test the programming, reconnect the motor wires and place the vehicle on a stable block or stand so that all of the driven wheels are off the ground. Note that in steps 1-8 below, Low-Voltage Detection is DISABLED (factory default) and the LED shines red. If Low-Voltage Detection is ACTIVATED, the LED will shine green instead of red in steps 1-8 below. Never use LiPo batteries while Low-Voltage Detection is disabled. 1.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Throttle Neutral Protection The XL-5 speed control features Throttle Neutral Protection, which prevents the model from suddenly accelerating if the speed control is switched on while the transmitter’s trigger is being held. When the trigger is returned to neutral, the XL-5 will operate properly. Selecting Training Mode (Profile #3: 50% Forward, 100% Brakes, 50% Reverse) B 1. Connect a fully charged battery pack to A the XL-5 and turn on your transmitter. 2.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL Now it’s time to have some fun! This section contains instructions on driving and making adjustments to your model. Before you go on, here are some important precautions to keep in mind. • Allow the model to cool for a few minutes between runs. This is particularly important when using high-capacity (2400mAh and above) battery packs that allow extended periods of running. Monitoring temperatures will extend the lives of the batteries and motor.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL • Do not operate your model during a rain storm or other inclement weather where lightning may be present. • Do NOT allow your model to come in contact with salt water (ocean water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean water), or other contaminated water. Salt water is highly conductive and highly corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run your model on or near a beach. • Even casual water contact can reduce the life of your motor.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL RECEIVER BOX: MAINTAINING A WATERTIGHT SEAL Removing and Installing Radio Gear The unique design of the receiver box allows the removal and installation of the receiver without losing the ability to maintain a watertight seal in the box. The patent-pending wire clamp feature gives you the ability to also install aftermarket radio systems and maintain the watertight features of the receiver box. Removing the Receiver 1. To remove the cover, remove the two 3x10mm button-head cap screws. 2.
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL Rear toe-in can be adjusted using accessory rear axle carriers, Traxxas Part #1952X. These can add or remove 1.5° toe per side, for a total of 1 to 4 degrees per side. Once you become familiar with driving your model, you might need to make adjustments for better driving performance. Adjusting Gear Mesh Incorrect gear mesh is the most common cause of stripped spur gears. Gear mesh should be checked and adjusted anytime a gear is replaced.
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL Centering Your Servo If you have removed the servo horn from your model’s steering servo, or the servo has been removed for service or cleaning, the servo must be re-centered prior to installation of the servo horn or installation of the servo in the model. 1. Remove the servo horn from the steering servo. 2. Connect the steering servo to channel 1 on the receiver. Connect the electronic speed control (ESC) to channel 2.
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL To achieve a good starting point for the slipper clutch in this model, remove the slipper gear assembly from your model (see page 29 for instructions) and tighten the slipper clutch adjusting nut clockwise until the slipper clutch adjusting spring fully collapses (do not over tighten), and then turn the slipper clutch nut counterclockwise one full turn. Do not run your model with the slipper clutch adjusting spring fully compressed.
ADJUSTING YOUR MODEL 5. Slide the tie bar off the truck. 6. Remove the two 3x15mm button-head screws from the differential cover. Do not remove the two screws that secure the shock tower. 7. Use a 1.5mm hex wrench to remove the two screw pins that hold the driveshaft yokes to the differential output shafts. Remove the differential cover and slide the differential out of the front of the case. 8. To reinstall the differential, reverse the steps. Rear Differential Removal 6. 3x15 BCS 1. 3x20 BCS 4. 5.
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL Always wear eye protection when using compressed air or spray cleaners and lubricants. Your model requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top running condition. The following procedures should be taken very seriously. Inspect the vehicle for obvious damage or wear. Look for: 1. Cracked, bent, or damaged parts 2. Check the wheels and steering for binding. 3. Check the operation of the shock absorbers. 4. Check the wiring for any frayed wires or loose connections. 5.
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL Suspension and slipper clutch assembly removal Your Slash 4X4 was designed with ease of disassembly in mind. The entire front and rear suspension assemblies can be removed from the chassis fully intact with the removal of only a few screws. Refer to the exploded views included in the your model’s Service Support Guide for complete assembly diagrams. Note: Unplug the front and rear light wiring harnesses from the receiver prior to disassembly. Removing the front suspension module 1.
owner’s manual 6250 TRAXXAS WAY, McKINNEY, TEXAS 75070 1-888-TRAXXAS 220323 68054-61-OM-EN-R00
