Axial SCX10 crawlers are some of the best RC cars for hobbyists. But as they’re nothing but machines, you may face some annoying issues as well.
So, we write this content to fix all the major Axial SCX10 problems.
The most common problem with the Axial SCX10 is the vehicle not moving at all. Apart from this, you might also face no throttle, noisy transmission, dig not working, etc. Clicking noise from the transmission is another common problem with Axial SCX10 l, ll & lll.
Although you might face these annoying issues, the solutions are quite simple.
We’ve addressed all of these problems and provided solutions to them.
Do you want that list? Keep reading; you will get there!
Axial SCX10 Problems: Quick Overview
As we’ve promised you a list of problems and solutions, it’s time we keep our promise.
You will find a chart below in which we’ve summarized everything. Have a look!
Want to know about Axial SCX24 issues? We’ve got a similar article that will help you.
| Problems | Reasons | Solution |
| Axial SCX10 no throttle | Wrong throttle trim adjustment. Faulty ESC programming. | Re-adjust the throttle trim. Reset the ESC. |
| Axial SCX10 not moving | Wrong battery installation/weak battery. Overheated ESC. Broken or frayed wiring. | Install the battery properly/install a charged battery. Wait for the ESC to cool down. Insulate the wiring. |
| Axial SCX10 II noisy transmission | Dry transmission gears. Wobbly gear pinions. Wrong pinion installation. Worn out pinions. | Grease the transmission gears. Fix the wobbly gear pinions. Flip the gear pinions. Replace the worn-out pinions. |
| Axial SCX10 III dig not working | Wrong dig servo end-point calibration. Full-time 4WD is on with a spacer in transmission. | Re-calibrate the dig servo. Remove the spacer. |
| Axial SCX10 III clicking noise | Wrong pinion installation. Worn out pinions. | Flip the gear pinions. Replace the worn-out pinions. |
So, that was a quick overview of Axial SCX10 problems.
But we’ve got a detailed explanation for each of them in the next sections. Follow along!
Problem 1: Axial SCX10 No Throttle
No throttle in the Axial SCX10 is one of the most common issues. This can be fixed by adjusting the throttle trim.
However, if this doesn’t fix your issue, resetting the ESC should solve it.
Reason 1: Wrong Throttle Trim Adjustment
The most obvious reason for no throttle is a wrong throttle trim adjustment.
Hence, re-adjusting the throttle trim properly can get back the throttle.
Solution: Re-adjust the Throttle Trim
To re-adjust the throttle trim properly, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Locate the throttle trim button on the radio.
Step 2: Slowly turn the throttle trip button to set to the neutral position.
Step 3: Keep turning the button until your AE-5 ESC LED is turned off.
Step 4: Wait for 3 to 5 seconds to re-arm the ESC.
Now your Axial SCX10 should get its throttle back.
However, if this doesn’t fix your issue, the ESC might be causing the problem.
Reason 2: Faulty ESC Programming
The stock AE-5 ESC is self-calibrating. However, sometimes the internal programming faults can cause no throttle on your Axial SCX10.
Solution: Reset the ESC
To reset the ESC, follow the instructions we’re providing here.
Step- 1: Disconnect the battery from the ESC.
Step- 2: Turn off the radio. Make sure to keep the throttle trim in the neutral position as prescribed in the previous section.
Step- 3: Disconnect the motor connection of your RC.
Step- 4: Connect the battery to the ESC.
Step- 5: Turn on the radio.
Step- 6: Push the trigger to reverse and hold the position for a couple of seconds.
Step- 7: Release the trigger to a neutral position and wait for a couple of seconds.
Step- 8: Pull the trigger forward and hold the position for a couple of seconds.
Step- 9: Disconnect the battery from the ESC.
Step- 10: Connect the motor back.
Step- 11: Connect the battery to the ESC again.
Your no-throttle issue should be fixed by now.
Problem 2: Axial SCX10 Not Moving
Another common problem most Axial SCX10 users face is that the car doesn’t move. This problem can occur for 3 main reasons.
Here are the reasons and solutions for you.
Reason 1: Wrong Battery Installation/Weak Battery
Your RC won’t move if the battery isn’t installed properly. This is because the motor won’t get power to run.
Furthermore, a weak battery can also cause this issue as well.
Solution: Install the Battery Properly/Install Charged Battery
Firstly, check if the battery is installed properly. If it doesn’t, make sure to install the battery properly.
Sometimes, unplugging and replugging the battery pack solves the issue.
However, a weak battery can also cause your RC car to not move.
So, make sure the battery is strong and fully charged to operate the car’s motor.
Reason 2: Overheated ESC
The ESC in the Axial SCX10 has a safety feature to stop it when excessively heated. This feature saves the ESC and other components from burning due to overheating issues.
Solution: Wait for the ESC to Cool Down
Don’t drive the car for at least 15 to 30 minutes if the ESC is overheated. This will make sure the ESC gets enough time to cool down.
But remember, not all ESCs are made the same. Hence, not all ESCs overheat.
If your ESC is overheating and stopping your RC often, maybe your car needs a better ESC.
Reason 3: Broken or Frayed Wiring
As the battery and/or the ESC aren’t the culprits, let’s dive a bit deeper now.
Let’s find out if the wiring is broken or frayed. Because broken or frayed wiring can stop your RC from moving as well.
Solution: Insulate the Wiring Properly
Check all the wiring and make sure there’s no broken or frayed wiring present. If you find anything like that, insulate it properly.
However, if none of the above fixes doesn’t solve the issue, the motor must have been damaged.
Hence, you need to replace the damaged motor with a new 35T motor.
Problem 3: Axial SCX10 II Noisy Transmission
The Axial SCX10 ll has a common problem of noisy transmission. This problem occurs because of the pinions inside the transmission box.
The reasons and solutions are described below.
Reason 1: Dry Transmission Gears
The most obvious reason for a noisy transmission is dry transmission gears. They’re supposed to be properly lubricated for a smooth operation.
Solution: Grease the Transmission Gears
To grease or lubricate the transmission gear, follow the steps below.
Step- 1: Disassemble the transmission box.
Step- 2: Remove all the pinions from the transmission box.
[Pro tip: Take multiple pictures while removing the pinions. This will ensure you don’t make any mistake when reassembling]
Step- 3: Lube the pinions, pins, shafts, and all the other components of the transmission box.
Remember, you should choose the right type of grease based on your car’s application.
Step- 4: Re-assemble all the components and the transmission box back.
The noisy transmission should be butter smooth by now.
Reason 2: Wobbly Gear Pinions
Sometimes, wobbly gear pinions make that annoying noise in the transmission.
This happens when the center of the pinions or the shaft gets worn.
Solution: Fix the Wobbly Gear Pinions
To fix the wobbly pinion issue, follow the steps we’re providing here.
Step- 1: Disassemble the transmission box.
Step- 2: Check the pinions if all of them fit tightly.
If you don’t find any wobbly pinions, jump to the next reason. However, if there are any wobbly ones, continue with the next steps.
Step- 3: Remove the wobbly pinions.
Step- 4: Use a tiny paper towel or tissue to place on the shaft where the wobbly pinion was.
Step- 5: Reset the pinion in their place. Make sure the paper towel or tissue is set in the center of the pinion. It will ensure the pinions are set tightly.
Step- 6: Re-assemble the transmission box.
If all the pinions are set in tightly, there should be no noise coming from the transmission.
Reason 3: Wrong Pinion Installation
The largest pinions on the gearbox have notches on both sides. If the notches aren’t faced in the proper direction, this can cause noise in the transmission.
Solution: Flip the Gear Pinions
To place the pinions in the right direction, follow the process described below.
Step-1: Follow “Step 1 & 2” from this section.
Step- 2: Find the largest pinions containing notches. Take a closer look at the notches. You should see the notches are different on different sides.
Step-3: Make sure the round notches are facing the pins on the shaft. These round notches are designed to fit the round-shaped pin.
Hence, the pins won’t fit perfectly with the wrongly oriented pinions and will make noise.
Step-4: Re-assemble the transmission box.
Now, the annoying noise in the transmission should be gone.
Reason 4: Worn Out Gear Pinions
It’s quite obvious that worn-out gear pinions will make noise in the transmission. So, this can be an issue as well.
Solution: Replace the Gear Pinions
As you open the transmission box, look for any worn or broken pinion teeth. If you find any, replace them with new ones.
However, if the noise still persists, bear with it. But if you don’t wanna hear the noise, replace the transmission with a new one.
Problem 4: Axial SCX10 III Dig Not Working
A common problem with Axial SCX lll is the dig not working. In this case, you’ll find your 4WD is working but the dig isn’t.
Here are the reasons and solutions for the dig not working.
Reason 1: Wrong Dig Servo End-point Calibration
The Axial SCX10 III comes with a pre-calibrated dig servo. However, sometimes the calibration breaks itself and needs recalibration.
Solution: Re-calibrate the Dig Servo Endpoint
To re-calibrate the dig servo endpoint, follow the process below.
Step- 1: Unplug the steering servo and keep only the dig servo plugged into the receiver. Make sure to turn off the RC before plugging in the dig servo.
Step- 2: Turn the steering rate knob all the way down (counter-clockwise) while the radio is turned off.
Step- 3: Turn on the calibration mode on the radio.
Turning on the calibration mode on the radio varies with the radio models. See the user manual of your radio to find out how to turn on the calibration mode.
Step- 4: Turn on the RC. You should see the dig servo buzzing when you turn on the RC.
Step- 5: Press the “B” button on the momentary/channel 3 switch once.
Step- 6: Turn the steering rate knob clockwise slowly to adjust the dig servo end point. Don’t overstress your dig servo. Just move it unless you feel the servo has reached its limit.
Once you set this end-point, the 4WD should be engaged. You can ensure it by rotating the wheel a bit with your hand.
Step- 7: Save the first end-point setting.
Saving end-point settings on the radio vary with the radio models. See the user manual of your radio to find out how to save the end-point settings.
Step- 8: Repeat “Steps 6 & 7” to set the second end-point.
Remember to turn the steering rate knob counter-clockwise in this case. Also, make sure the 4WD is disengaged and the dig mode is engaged.
Step- 9: Turn the radio off.
Step- 10: Turn the RC off.
Now, your dig servo end-point is calibrated properly. Hence, your Axial SCX10 lll dig should work fine.
However, if the dig is still not working, follow the next section.
Reason 2: Full Time 4WD is On with Spacer in Transmission
There’s an option to include a spacer to always engage 4WD. But the drawback of doing this is the dig mode can’t be engaged.
Solution: Remove the Spacer
To remove the spacer to engage the dig mode, follow the steps below.
Step- 1: Disassemble the transmission box.
Step- 2: Remove the spacer shown in the image.
Step- 3: Re-assemble the transmission box.
Now, the dig mode should work perfectly on your Axial SCX lll.
Problem 5: Axial SCX10 III Clicking Noise
Just like the noisy transmission of the Axial SCX10 ll, gear pinions can make clicking noises.
So, follow the “Wrong Pinion Installation” and “Worn Out Gear Pinions” sections of the Axial SCX10 ll.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Axial SCX10 Fast?
The Axial SCX10 is not fast. This is because it’s made for crawling. And, crawling requires more torque than speed. However, you can make the Axial SCX10 fast with aftermarket parts. Altering the motor, gear ratios, tyres, suspensions, etc. can make it faster than stock.
Which 2.4 GHz RC Transmitter Has the Longest Range?
The Futuba 4PKS 2.4 GHz RC transmitter has the longest range. It can control your RC car from almost 376 meters away with no obstacles around. However, the result varies with the surrounding conditions. If there’s obstacles around, the range will decrease.
How to Turn on Calibration Mode on Spektrum DX3?
To turn on the calibration mode on the Spektrum DX3, do these simultaneously. First, turn and hold the steering all the way to the right. Second, push and hold the trigger to brake all the way on. Then, press and hold the bind button. Finally, turn on the radio. Now, the light will start blinking purple.
Final Words
Axial SCX10 problems can ruin your RC car experience. And most of these problems occur because of lack of maintenance.
So, it’s always recommended to maintain your RC car properly to prevent these annoying issues.
You can find the maintenance guide for your Axial SCX10 in the user manual.
