Tamiya Grasshopper problem ....

[paul_y3k]

Hi all,
Having a problem with our first RC car, a Tamiya Grasshopper. We've just completed the build ( nipper and I) and charged up all 4 batteries.
Took the car out for it's first test and it works for about 5 mins and then seems to stutter ? The throttle is fully open on the TX but the car seems to be in limp mode.
I've looked at the details for the speed controller, and theres some talk over over heating protection but it doesn't actually say what overheating causes !
It seems to do this on all the batteries. Is it simply that they have lost charge ?

[C.A.R.]

How old are the batteries? They will deteriorate over time if they have been sat on the shelf for a while.

How are you charging the batteries? If on trickle-charge it might be that they are not being charged for long enough.

Your symptoms do sound like lack of battery power to be honest.

Is the speed controller a proper mechanical or is it electronic? If electronic then chances are it's a TEU-101BK, which can be reset quite easily by following the setup proceedure again.

Here is a simple guide - Clicky

[NITO]

The esc has a low voltage cutout which prevents you being able to use full power, but it will normally allow it to move at low speed. If its stuttering, try pushing the lever only slightly and if it rolls forward without stuttering it is definately the batteries. I don't know what you mean by all 4 batteries? Are you using nimh or nicd batteries, as above, how old are they?


Regards
Nito

[vx220]

If this esc has a Lipo mode/cut off and you're using nimh cells it will cut off pretty quick

Another thing to check would be the mesh of the pinion and spur (pinion is the gear attached to the motor shaft)

It should just have a little play between the gears, almost nothing

[theshrew]

Could be a few things

Batteries - Post up what sort you have and the capacity + how old are they ?
Motor - Is it just the std silver can one you got with the kit ?
Speedo - Check that can cope with the motor your using.

Sounds like its possibly the speedo is shutting down because its to hot.

Things to check

Remove the pinion gear off the motor
Spin the wheels on the car with your hand while all the wheels are in the air.
They should spin fairly free ish
If not you have a problem on the drive train somewhere
If they spin ok put the pinion back on
This should have a little bit of play between the 2 gears.

If thats all ok you have a electric issue