Unfortunately, RC sessions don’t always go according to plan. Among the myriad of things that could potentially go wrong, we will pinpoint one particular scenario. Does your RC car have a throttle but no steering? You can make the speedometer arm go clockwise, but you can’t make the vehicle turn? Don’t worry. We are here to tell you how you can make this nuisance go away.
RC Car Has Throttle But No Steering – Quick Guide
Potential Cause | Troubleshooting Guide |
| Low Battery | Fully charge the battery |
| Steering Servo Connection Loose Or Unplugged | Connect the steering servo to the appropriate channel and make sure that the steering servo lead is tightly plugged in. |
| Servo Lead Wires Are Damaged | Repair the lead wire. |
| The Steering Linkage Is Damaged | Replace the steering linkage. |
| Faulty Receivers Or Transmitters | Replace receivers or transmitters |
| Steering Rate Set To Zero | Increase The Steering Rate |
Why RC Car Has Throttle But No Steering? – Potential Causes And Fixes
1. Insufficient Battery Charge
The reason behind your steering struggles could be something as straightforward as low batteries. If the battery pack is running low on charge, the RC unit could malfunction in several ways. The vehicle might take forever to respond to the transmitter. Sometimes, certain functionalities could stop working, like the steering system.
Solution
Fully charge the batteries and then pick up the transmitter again. Try to make a few turns. The vehicle should be able to move in multiple directions, and the response rate should be satisfactory as well.
2. Steering Rate Set To Zero
The steering rate is the measure of the steering responsiveness of your car. That means if the steering rate is high, the wheels will turn more when you turn the steering. For the same steering angle, the wheels will turn less if the steering rate is set lower. The wheels will not move at all if the steering rate is set to zero.
Solution
Increase the steering rate of the car and then turn the steering servo. If the wheels respond, your steering system is back to normal.
3. Servo Connector Got Loose Or Unplugged
The receivers should have independent slots for steering servo connections. Usually, the steering servo goes to a channel 1 port. If the servo connection is loose or unplugged, the receiver will not receive the steering transmission from the servo. As a result, the RC unit will not respond to your steering instructions.
Solution
Check the manual and make sure that the steering slot is connected to the appropriate channel. If it is, check the connection. If the cable is loose, firmly plug it into the port of the receiver.
4. Servo Lead Wires Are Damaged
The servo lead wires could be damaged. If they are, they will not be able to communicate with the receiver properly. So, the steering system of your RC could stop working even though the throttle remains active.
Solution
Replace the servo leads. If you still have warranty coverage, you will get new ones for free. Send the servo to the manufacturer, and they should send you a new one or repair your unit.
5. Steering Linkage Damage
The steering linkage is the extension of rods and arms that runs from the steering wheel to the front wheel. The steering linkage is responsible for transmitting the steering wheel movement to the front wheels so that they act accordingly. If the steering linkage is faulty, the wheels might not move at all.
Solution
When do you suspect the steering linkage is the root of the problem? Is your servo responding to the steering input? Is the servo output shaft turning? If the answer to both of the last two questions is yes, then you should check the steering linkage. If it’s disconnected, reattach it. If it’s damaged, you must replace it.
6. Faulty Receivers Or Transmitters
The receiver and the transmitter are the key components in RC communication. The transmitter sends out your operating instructions, while the receiver receives them and makes the vehicle act accordingly. If any of these two parts are compromised, the RC unit will malfunction. Losing steering control is one of the many possible outcomes in this situation.
Solution
Replace the faulty transmitter or the receiver. Claim warranty if it’s still available. You can also try to repair the transmitter or the receiver without replacing them altogether.
Why RC Car Is Not Responding To Throttle?
The throttle of your RC is not immune to malfunctioning as well. If your throttle ceases to function, you will not be able to accelerate. Here are some potential factors that could lead to your throttle troubles:
1. Battery Failure
A low battery can lead to a myriad of problems in your RC unit. Earlier, we talked about how battery failure can stop the steering system. Similarly, it can stop the throttle function.
Solution
Fully charge your batteries before driving. If the battery drains out abnormally fast, you should consider a full battery replacement.
2. Throttle Servo Malfunction
Is the throttle servo plugged in properly? If it’s not, the receiver will not throttle instructions from the transmitter. The throttle servo leads could be damaged as well.
Solution
Plug in the throttle servo leads the right way. Make sure it’s connected to the right channel, and the leads are firmly plugged in. Repair or replace the throttle leads if they are damaged.
3. The ESC Is Not Calibrated
Electronic Speed Control, or ESC, is the mechanism that makes the RC motor respond to the throttle requests you send from the transmitter. If you don’t calibrate the ESC beforehand, the throttle function will be inactive.
Solution
Calibrate the ESC so that the RC car can pinpoint the maximum and neutral breakpoints, and also the full throttle position. Simply put, your RC will be able to tell how to respond to throttle requests.
Final Words
Try out these tricks if your RC car has a throttle but no steering. The reason could be something as basic as nearly drained out batteries or could be a bit trickier like damaged steering linkages. Inspect and identify the core issue that has compromised the steering function. Once you do that, the solution is not far away.
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