How to Fix a Broken Toy Car SUV
Toy cars break down for a number of reasons, including poor maintenance and handling - just like real cars. Things can get worse with toy cars when you realize that, unlike real cars, toy stores do not usually offer service repair for broken toys. If your child's favorite radio-controlled (RC) toy SUV breaks down, it can be very disheartening for him. A way you can reduce the stress factor when your child asks you to fix his favorite SUV is to perform a do-it-yourself toy SUV repair.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver set
- Solder and soldering iron
- Electrical tape
- Super glue
- Rag and water
Instructions
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Perform a basic diagnosis and repair of the toy SUV. Check if the batteries are installed correctly and that they have power. Wipe the ends of the batteries with a lint free cloth to facilitate smooth electrical flow. Replace worn out batteries with fresh ones and ensure the batteries are installed correctly.
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Repair any broken external parts. Check if the RC antenna is fixed firmly and fully extended. Screw in the antenna (if it screws in) or tape it with electrical tape (if broken) to ensure it is firmly held in place. You may also use super glue to fix a broken SUV antenna. Replace missing tires by installing similar tires from broken toys that are no longer used, if possible. Push in, screw or bolt the replacement tires to fit on the toy SUV, depending on the attachment method used by the SUV manufacturer.
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Fix other minor problems that do not require opening the inside of the SUV. Remove any dirt, dust or mud impacted in the toy's under-body with a damp rag and water. Impacted dirt, dust or mud can cause the car not to work properly, especially the rotating parts of the car. Tighten any loose body assembly parts with a screw driver and tape any loose or hanging parts with electrical tape. Loose, hanging or broken parts can result from driving the SUV in rough conditions or jumping over high obstacles.
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Inspect and repair displaced internal wires. Unscrew the SUV's assembly screws and check for disconnected wires in the SUV's internal mechanism. Usually, you will be able to see broken or displaced wires and where they are normally located in the internal mechanism of the toy, such as in the drive-train, motor or circuit board. Solder broken wires back in place with a soldering iron. Consult the manual that comes with the soldering iron for step-by-step instructions on how to apply solder correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Newer toy manufacturers give the option to upgrade everything on the RC car, from tires to motors. Apply for a swap for broken parts on the SUV toy, if it still does not work after the do-it-yourself SUV repair. While it is not cheap to take the manufacturer's parts upgrade, it may be cheaper than replacing the toy SUV car altogether.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Radio-controlled model of the red car close-up image by terex from Fotolia.com
