Page 3 - Introduction; The advanced design of the TRX
Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas T-Maxx Nitro Monster Truck.Traxxas engineers have loaded your T-Maxx with innovativefeatures and incredible “drive-over-anything” performance thatyou won’t find anywhere else! Your T-Maxx combines automatic, two-speed shifting in forwardand reverse, wi...
Page 4 - Before You Proceed; Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a; Refers you to a page with a related topic.; Support
Before You Proceed Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and anyaccompanying materials to prevent serious damage to yourT-Maxx. Failure to follow these instructions will be consideredabuse and/or neglect. Before running your T-Maxx, look over this entire manual, andexamine the truck car...
Page 5 - Important Points to Remember; Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.; Safety Precautions
All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new T-Maxx.Operate your T-Maxx sensibly and with care, and it will beexciting, safe, and fun for you and those around you. Failure tooperate your T-Maxx in a safe and responsible manner mayresult in property damage and serious injury. The precaution...
Page 6 - on page; Batteries; Your T-Maxx comes with these specialty metric tools:; Other Required Tools and Supplies
Tools, Supplies, and Required Equipment Your T-Maxx comes with a set of specialty metric tools. You’llneed to purchase other items, available from your hobby dealer,to operate and maintain your model. For more info onbatteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 13. A peak-detectingcharger isrecomm...
Page 7 - Anatomy of the T-Maxx
Anatomy of the T-Maxx Battery Box Fuel Tank Fuel Tank Lid Steering Servo Shifting Servo Suspension Arm (upper) Bumper (Front) Bumper Mount Skid Plate (front) Cross-brace Shock (Oil Damper) Differential Turnbuckle Throttle/Brake Servo Receiver Box Transmission Air Filter Pipe Header Engine see pg. 20...
Page 8 - Quick Start: Getting up to Speed
The following guide is an overview of theprocedures for getting your T-Maxx running, from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine.Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step. Look for theQuick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages. 1. Charge the battery pack •...
Page 9 - splattering into your eyes.; Gluing The Tires; Hub
The tires on your T-Maxx must be glued to the rims using CA tireglue to prevent the rims from spinning inside the tires. You canglue the tires without removing the wheels from the truck. Forclarity, these instructions show the process with the wheelsremoved. 1. Remove a wheel from the T-Maxx using t...
Page 10 - Decorating Your T-Maxx; Applying The Decals; Look at the photos on the box for typical decal placement.
Decorating Your T-Maxx Applying The Decals The ProGraphix paintedbody is covered with aprotective film for shipping.You must remove this filmbefore applying any decals. To remove the film, lift acorner of the film andcarefully pull it off the bodyin one continuous piece. Your T-Maxx decals are die-c...
Page 11 - The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
11 The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System Your T-Maxx (model 4910) is equipped with the TQ-3 RadioSystem. The TQ-3 is a 3-channel system that provides high-power output up to a quarter mile and control for up to threeservos. CH.3 CH.2 CH.1 Antenna Throttle Neutral Adjust Steering Wheel Throttle Trim Steering...
Page 12 - Radio System Terminology; Channel
Radio System Terminology Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-system terms. They will be used throughout this manual. Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6 channels so that up to six models can be operatedsimultaneously. Each channel is referred to by its fla...
Page 13 - Installing Transmitter Batteries; Use the Right Batteries
13 The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System Installing Transmitter Batteries Your TQ-3 transmitter uses 8 AA batteries. The batterycompartment is located at the base of the transmitter. 1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and lifting the door up. 2. Install the batteries in the correct o...
Page 14 - Installing Receiver Batteries; Insert the battery holder into the battery cover.; If the wires are not
Installing Receiver Batteries The radio receiver in your T-Maxx uses 4 AA batteries. The batteryholder for the receiver batteries is located underneath the batterycover. The battery cover can be identified by the on/off switch. 1. Remove the battery cover by removing the two 3x10mmroundhead self-tap...
Page 15 - Setting Up the Antenna; Antenna Tip
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System 15 Spray a little windowcleaner on theantenna wire to make it easier to pushthrough the antenna tube. Don’t shorten thelength of theantenna wire. Its length is tuned to thefrequency band; cutting itcould severely shorten theradio system’s range. Don’t push thetransmitte...
Page 16 - ACCELERATE; IG; SHIFT; TQ-3 Radio System Controls
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System CH.3 CH.2 CH.1 ACCELERATE BRAKE L E F T NEUTRAL R IG H T CH.3 CH.2 CH.1 SHIFT REVERSE SHIFT FORWARD TQ-3 Radio System Controls 16
Page 17 - Other TQ-3 Radio System Adjustments; Throttle Neutral Adjustment
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System 17 Other TQ-3 Radio System Adjustments In addition to the electronic throttle and steering trim controls, your radio system features throttle neutral adjustment andservo reversing switches. Throttle Neutral Adjustment The throttle neutral adjustment is located on the tr...
Page 18 - TQ-3 Radio System Rules; Always turn your TQ-3 transmitter; and; and; to avoid
TQ-3 Radio System Rules Each time you prepare to run yourT-Maxx, you must clear your frequencyto be sure no one else in the area isusing the same channel as you. There are six possible channels,numbered 1 through 6. Each isrepresented by a color. Look at thecrystal plugged into the back of yourtrans...
Page 19 - Using the TQ-3 Radio System
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System Using the TQ-3 Radio System The TQ-3 Radio System was pre-adjusted at the factory. Theadjustment should be checked, before running the model, incase of movement during shipping. Here’s how: 1. Fully extend the chrome antenna mast on the transmitterand turn the switch on...
Page 20 - Have friend hold the model with the engine off.
The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System Range-Testing the TQ-3 Radio System Before each running session with your T-Maxx, you should range-test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly. 1. Turn on the radio system and check its operation as describedin the previous section (Using Your Radio Syste...
Page 22 - The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine TRX 2.5 Illustrated Air Filter Head Protector Head (Cylinder head) EZ-Start Drive Unit EZ-Start Motor Engine Mount Low-Speed Needle Throttle Arm Clutch Bell Flywheel Carburetor Air Intake Fuel Intake High-Speed Needle Idle Speed Screw EZ-Start Plug Positive Wire Negative Wi...
Page 23 - Terms to Know
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine Terms to Know You’ll find these Nitro R/C engine terms throughout thissection of the manual. .15 - .15 or “15” refers to the size of the engine. The TRX 2.5 is .15 cubic inches or 2.5 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 2.5”is derived from the cc measurement. ABC - Abbrev...
Page 24 - see “nitro percentage” definition
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine Flame-out - Occurs when the engine stops running at high RPM. Usually the fault of an excessively lean fuel mixture orglow plug failure. Fuel - (10% 20%) The TRX 2.5 must have model engine fuel to run. Traxxas Top Fuel is recommended. Fuel is sold in quartsand gallons from ...
Page 26 - The Fuel; Use the Right Fuel
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine The Fuel Use the Right Fuel It’s imperative that you use the correct fuel inyour TRX 2.5 for maximum performance andengine life. Traxxas Top Fuel should be used to ensure correct engine lubrication,performance, and ease of tuning. Traxxas TopFuel has been proven in thousand...
Page 27 - The Air Filter
The Air Filter The TRX 2.5 air filter is carefully designed to deliver maximumperformance while protecting your engine from dust and dirt.Use only the supplied filter. You will not improve engine performance by switching to an aftermarket filter , and you may risk engine damage due to poor filtratio...
Page 28 - The Carburetor; Understanding the Carburetor adjustments; The Fuel Mixture Needles; affects engine tuning.; Air; Dense Air
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine The Carburetor Understanding the Carburetor adjustments The carburetor performs several functions. It controls theengine’s speed by restricting the intake of air and fuel into theengine. It atomizes the fuel (suspends the fuel droplets in theair) and also controls the air/f...
Page 29 - to provide a safety margin against having a lean; The Idle Speed Adjustment; Water Valve; See; Lean
pulled completely away from the needle seat leaving it fullyopen. At that point, fuel metering is entirely controlled by thehigh-speed needle. Again, using our water hose example, whenthe spray nozzle at the end of our garden hose is fully open,then the main water valve can be used to adjust how fas...
Page 30 - The Traxxas EZ-Start Electric Starting System; protection circuitry prevents damage to the; Installing the EZ-Start Battery; The most convenient
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine 30 The Traxxas EZ-Start Electric Starting System The Traxxas EZ-Start brings the convenience of push-buttonelectric engine starting to your T-Maxx. The EZ-Start consists of ahandheld control unit and an on-board motorized starter. Power for the EZ-Start system comes from a ...
Page 31 - Motor
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine Using the EZ-Start Your EZ-Start controller plugs into a 4-prong receptacle in thecenter of the pickup bed on your T-Maxx. When the red buttonon the controller is depressed, the EZ-Start motor begins to spinthe engine, and power from the control unit heats the glowplug. Ass...
Page 32 - on page 5 for other; Breaking in Your TRX 2.5 Racing Engine; Engine Break-in Procedure; Troubleshooting Your T-Maxx
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine 32 See Important Points to Remember on page 5 for other precautions. Never run yourT-Maxx indoors.Since the TRX 2.5 engine exhaust fumes areharmful, always run yourT-Maxx outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. Your TRX 2.5engine doesn’tusually require priming. If you do need ...
Page 33 - Off
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine 33 As you gainexperience in thehobby, you may discover that many peoplehave differing opinions onwhat is the properprocedure to break-in amodel engine. Only use the Traxxas break-in procedure.Other break-in procedurescould result in a weak,damaged, or otherwise poorperformi...
Page 34 - Tuning Your TRX 2.5 Engine for Best Performance; Indications; Cutting out or sudden loss of power during acceleration.; There is no longer any performance improvement
34 The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine When adjusting thelow speed fuelmixture, it is very important to make severalhigh-speed runs with theT-Maxx betweenadjustments to clear out anyexcess fuel. Perform thepinch test immediately after.If the engine is allowed toidle for a long period of time,it could “load up...
Page 35 - Low-Speed Fuel Mixture Adjustment; Reset the throttle trim on the transmitter; Fine-Tuning the Carburetor; Humidity
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine 35 Low-Speed Fuel Mixture Adjustment The low-speed mixture is always set after the high-speed needleis correctly adjusted. The low-speed mixture will be set using thepinch test. 1. Once the engine is warm, do several high-speed runs toconfirm that the high-speed needle is s...
Page 36 - Tuning The Engine By Temperature
36 Tuning The Engine By Temperature The following procedures require anoptional infrared temperature probeor on-board temperature gauge( Traxxas on-board digitaltemperature gauge, part#4090).Engine temperature can be used asan effective tuning aid when you understand the relationshipbetween engine t...
Page 37 - Forward and Reverse Operation; Forward and reverse gears; complete stop; and push; Driving Tips
37 Driving the T-Maxx Introduction Your TRX 2.5 engine is broken in,the fuel mixture is balanced, andthe idle is set…now it’s time tohave some fun! Thissection containsinstructions onforward/reverse shifting,and making adjustments toyour T-Maxx. Before you go on, here aresome important precautions t...
Page 38 - Adjusting the Slipper Clutch; The T-Maxx features an adjustable slipper clutch on the spur; Adjusting the Two-Speed Transmission; Remove the large rubber plug from the transmission housing.; Adjusting Your T-Maxx; Primary Gear Shaft
Once you become familiar with driving your T-Maxx, you mightneed to make adjustments for better driving performance. Adjusting the Slipper Clutch The T-Maxx features an adjustable slipper clutch on the spur gear to help protect the drive train from sudden shock loads(such as landing off of jumps wit...
Page 39 - Your T-Maxx comes from the factory with zero degrees of toe-in; Adjusting the Camber; Two pivot balls are accessible; Fine Tuning the Oil Dampers; The ride height for the T-Maxx can be adjusted by adding or
39 Adjusting the Toe-in Your T-Maxx comes from the factory with zero degrees of toe-in in the front, and one degree of toe-in in the rear. You can adjustthe toe-in on the front and rear of the truck. Set the steering trimon your transmitter to neutral. Now, adjust your steeringturnbuckles so that bo...
Page 40 - Adjusting the suspension; Caster Adjustment; For easier access to
Adjusting Your T-Maxx Adjusting the suspension The T-Maxx has adjustable suspension so that it may beoptimized for different kinds of terrain and driving styles. Caster Adjustment The T-Maxx offers the ability to adjust the caster angle of the front suspension. Caster adjustment may be used to influ...
Page 41 - Ride height; decreases as the lower shock mounting position is; Upper Shock Mounting Positions; The upper shock mounting positions will have suspension; Spring rate; is not affected by changes in the upper shock; Wheel Force vs. Wheel Travel
Adjusting Your T-Maxx 41 Ride height decreases as the lower shock mounting position is moved from position (1) to position (4). Each pair of lower shockmounting holes (1,2 and 3,4) has equal ride height. Use lowerride height for high-speed cornering and flat terrain, and whenracing on relatively smo...
Page 43 - Engine spins but will not start:; Fine Tuning the; Engine performance sluggish:; Clearing a Flooded Engine:
Troubleshooting Your T-Maxx shudder when taking off. It is most apparent during the break-in process when you are driving in a gentle manner.Accelerating slightly faster will virtually eliminate any visible shuddering. Engine spins but will not start: If the engine is spinning but will not start, fi...
Page 44 - Maintaining and Storing Your T-Maxx
Your T-Maxx requires timely maintenance in order to stay in toprunning condition. Neglecting the maintenance could allow dirt, deposits, and moisture to build up inside the engine leading tointernal engine failure. The following procedures should be taken very seriously. After each hour of running: ...
Page 45 - , a common household lubricant. To ensure your TRX; was the
Maintaining and Storing Your T-Maxx After-run Procedure You must perform after-run maintenance on your Traxxasengine whenever the model will be stored for longer than a fewhours. Taking the time to prepare your engine for storage willreward you with longer engine life, easier starting, and betterper...
Page 46 - Index
ABC 23After-run maintenance 21, 44, 45After-run procedure 45Air density 28, 35Air Filter 7, 22, 23, 27, 35, 44, 45 Cleaning 21, 27foam 23maintenance 43oil 6, 27 Air Intake 22Air temperature 36, 43Air/fuel mixture 28Air/fuel ratio 28, 29, 32Airflow 36Ambient temperature 36Antenna (receiver) 11, 15, 4...