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Troubleshooting traxxas slash: motors keep burning up

Troubles with Traxxas Slash Motors | User Seeks Solutions After Multiple Burnouts

By

Olivia Smith

Sep 16, 2026, 09:37 PM

3 minutes reading time

A burnt motor from a Traxxas Slash vehicle, showcasing damage and charred exterior, next to new motors on a workbench.

Car trouble is testing the patience of one recent Traxxas Slash owner, who has lost several motors to overheating in less than a week. Igniting discussions in related user forums, this case highlights potential gear issues and the benefits of upgrading to brushless systems.

The car enthusiast purchased an old Traxxas Slash equipped with an original 12T Titan motor, only to discover its hidden drawbacks as it burned out shortly after acquisition. After spending over $400 on various replacements, including a new motor and gear, the vehicle continues to struggle with motor burnouts, leading the owner to seek help.

"I bought another 12T Titan and a 9T. The 9T clearly made the car faster but after probably 2 hours of total run time, it too was burnt up and smoking," the user explained.

Key Themes Emerging from the Community

  1. Gearing Issues: Many forum users pointed out that improper gearing could be the root cause of repeated motor failures. One comment notes, "If you get the gearing wrong, you're still going to replace motors all the time."

  2. Brushless Motors as a Solution: Users are advocating for a switch to brushless motors to avoid the kind of overheating that leads to burnout. Several users suggested that a brushless combo could enhance performance significantly, with one stating, "For probably $150, you could have solved this."

  3. Battery Considerations: Concerns about the size and weight of the battery have been raised. "5200mAh is heavy," one commentator warned, suggesting that a smaller battery could ease the burden on the motors.

Community Solutions and Suggestions

  • Check and adjust gear mesh to ensure optimal setup.

  • Consider upgrading to a brushless motor to handle gearing better and boost power.

  • Use smaller batteries to minimize strain on motors while maintaining performance.

User Sentiment

Overall, the feedback from community members paints a picture of frustration but also opportunity for learning. Many offer practical advice rather than focusing on the negativity of repeated failures.

"Gear down and check temps," recommended one experienced user, likely echoing the thoughts of many in the discussion.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Users emphasize gear issues as a primary cause of motor burns.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Those motors suck, that's just what those brushed motors do," is a sentiment echoed by frustrated users.

  • โšก Upgrading to a brushless system could save time and money in the long run.

As the owner of the Traxxas Slash continues to troubleshoot, the community remains engaged, hoping to guide them toward a long-lasting solution that keeps their vehicle on the track and out of the repair shop.

Predicting the Path Ahead

As the owner continues to wrestle with the motor issues, thereโ€™s a strong chance that embracing the community's advice on upgrading to a brushless motor could lead to a significant turnaround. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that users who make the switch will see reduced overheating and enhanced performance. Additionally, addressing gear issues is likely to contribute to fewer burnout incidents, which could allow the vehicle to operate reliably without repeated costly repairs. As awareness grows in forums, more owners may follow suit, potentially leading to a major shift in how Traxxas Slash enthusiasts approach modifications and upgrades, creating a new trend in performance improvement.

Echoes from Automotive History

This situation mirrors the early days of electric vehicles, where battery technology was often unreliable, leading to numerous failures. Just as car enthusiasts once struggled with battery range and performance, currently, Traxxas Slash owners face similar challenges with motor durability. The shift to more reliable battery systems revolutionized the electric car industry, proving that accepting innovation can lead to breakthroughs even in the face of repeated setbacks. This parallel underlines the importance of adapting to improve performance and satisfaction within any community dealing with technological growing pains.