How to Fix Radio Controlled Cars

Radio controlled truck.

From time to time, radio controlled cars are going to need to be repaired. Whether the car is gas or electric, many different problems can occur, such as the receiver doesn't work or the gas engine is not starting up. Fixing a radio controlled car can take a few minutes or an hour depending on the problem. Maintaining a radio controlled car after every use will result in fewer repairs over the long run.

Things You'll Need

• Charged batteries
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Cable tie
• Hobby glue
• Spark plug
• Electrical tape
• Pull starter

Instructions

Fixing Electric RC Cars

1. Check the batteries of the car. The reason for the vehicle not running might be due to dead batteries from two sources. The car battery, which is normally 7.2 volts, could be dead or the batteries in the transmitter might be dead. Replace these batteries and check the car again to see if this was the problem.

2. Check to make sure all of the screws on the radio controlled car are tight. A loose screw can affect the car's performance. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver and double check all of the screws on the car. The screws that hold the gears harness in place are the most important. If these screws are loose, the encased gears could grind against each other, wearing them down.

3. Fix the body posts, which hold the body in place if they are snapped. Thread a cable tie through the holes of the post to provide a quick fix.

4. Glue any parts that are hanging off of the body. Mirrors, lights and spoilers can be glued back into place using hobby glue. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

Fixing Gas RC Cars

1. Check the batteries in the transmitter and the receiver of the gas powered car. The batteries of the transmitter will be located on the base of the transmitter and typically require eight AA batteries. The batteries in the receiver might be encased, so use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the casing. Replace the four AA batteries that power the receiver.

2. Remove the glow plug located in the center of the engine's cooling stack. Use the glow plug igniter to test the glow plug. If the glow plug glows a bright orange color, it can be put back into place, but if nothing glows, the plug has burnt out and must be replaced.

3. Repair any leaks in the fuel line or gas tank using the electrical tape. If any tubes are leaking, tape can be wrapped around for a quick fix; however, eventually the tubes will have to be replaced. To replace the tubes, carefully pull them out. Plug in the new tubes. To replace a cracked gas tank, unscrew the three or four screws holding the tank into place. Insert the new gas tank and firmly screw back in the same screws.

4. Replace the pull starter if the cord has snapped. The pull starter is used to start the gas powered car, so without it the car cannot be used. To replace the pull starter, remove the screws holding the broken one in place. Place the new pull starter in the same spot and screw back in the original screws. The cord should come out about 5 inches, so test to make sure the pull starter works properly after installed.

5. Inspect the gas powered car's chassis. Gas powered cars vibrate more than electric cars, so loose screws are common. A loose screw can get caught in the moving parts of the gas powered car. Tighten any screws that are loose using the screwdriver. If the screw seems to come out frequently, use hobby glue to secure the screw in place. The glue will prevent the screw from becoming loose.

Tips & Warnings

• After every use, inspect the radio controlled car for problems. Fixing the problem right away will prevent other problems from occurring in the future.

• Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and glasses, when repairing radio controlled cars.

References

• RC Hobbies: Nitro Engine Trouble Shooting
• Car Action: Quick Body-Post Fix

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish