If you’re having issues with one of your nitro RCs, there are many different places you can find help. Here’s what you should do to find help and resolve your issue.
Reference the manual
Most nitro RC manuals have a troubleshooting section, which is always the best place to start. The suggestions offered by the manual will often be very basic (e.g. is there fuel in the tank?), but if you are new to nitro RCs, it’s good to go through these basic checks first before you spend a bunch of time scouring the internet.
If you haven’t done so yet, take the time to read through your entire manual. This will educate you on your model, its features, configuration options, and suggested maintenance. The manual isn’t always 100% correct, but it’s good to know the manufacturer’s official recommendations, especially when you read something online that directly contradicts the manufacturer’s recommendation.
If you don’t have the manual that came with your model, you should be able to download it from the manufacturer’s website.
Perform a proper google search
For example, you own a Traxxas Nitro Rustler and you can’t the engine to start. Specifically, when you insert the EZ start wand and press the button, the engine turns over but doesn’t start. This is a fairly common issue and there is a good chance that someone has posted somewhere online about the issue.
When searching on google, you want to start with a specific search phrase and then broaden it on subsequent searches if you need more results.
To start, I would search the following phrase: nitro rustler engine turns over but won’t start
You should get plenty of results that range from blog posts and YouTube videos about general starting issues to more specific forum posts where someone is asking for help with their specific problem.
The key is to read the blog posts and watch the videos that discuss the general problems first. Often, that will educate you on the topic and you can diagnose the issue and attempt a fix. Even if it doesn’t lead to a fix, you will be more prepared to dive into the forum posts.
If the general information online doesn’t lead to a solution, start looking at the forum posts that come up in the search results. You can filter the search results by “Forums” in google so you only see results from forums. Typically, you’ll find forum posts that deal with the same model as yours. These posts are a good place to start as there is a good chance that your model has the same issue that others have had with the same model.
Search a Facebook group
There is one group on Facebook that you should definitely join: “Nitro RC enthusiasts”. It’s a private group, so the posts made in the group will not show up in a google search. After you’ve joined the group (easy process, just read the rules), you can search the group the same way you searched google.
Still can’t find the answer? Ask a question.
Only after you have consulted the manual and performed a thorough search of the internet should you consider making your own post online asking for help. Here are the keys to getting quality help.
- Consult your manual and search the internet first! You will quickly annoy any group if you ask a question that has already been answered.
- Search the specific group before you post. For example, if you are going to post a question to the “Nitro RC enthusiasts” group on Facebook, you should first search that group to see if a similar question has already been asked and answered. Every nitro RC group or forum online has a search function you can utilize.
- In your post, give as many details as possible while being as succinct as possible. This is about respecting the groups time. You want to make it as easy as possible for someone to understand your problem and offer a solution.
- Include pictures and/or video of the issue whenever possible. This allows the group to see and hear what is going on with your model.
- Respond to any comments quickly and respectfully. Often the group will have questions that will help them get to the bottom of your issue. Responding to comments shows you respect the group and appreciate their assistance.
Of course, be wary of the advice you receive. Ideally you will get multiple people saying the same thing. If you get conflicting opinions, look at how many people are liking or upvoting each opinion and dive into each user’s profile to compare their post history and credibility.
Places to ask for help
- Nitro RC enthusiasts – A private Facebook group with dedicated and knowledge users
- /r/NitroRC – A small subreddit dedicated to Nitro RCs
- Model-specific Facebook groups – There are a number of model-specific Facebook groups that are worth joining. Search Facebook for a model (e.g. Traxxas Jato), look at the groups filter, and see if there are any groups dedicated to your model.
- Model or brand specific forums – Search google for forums that are dedicated to your model or brand. For example, if you search “HPI Savage forum”, you’ll find hpisavageforum.com.