thanks KodeMechanic. yep, the wires from rx to esc are correct. (i flipped them, then nothing worked). i don't know how to get the vmeter inline as there are no bare contacts from the rx to the esc. if i unpluge that 3-wire gang from the rx, then nothing works. i tried this, putting my vmeter leads on the pins, but nothing happened. also, i did try the esc outputs, but also nothing (which would support the info that the motor works on its own).
one other thing i realized (OK, i'm a noob, and didn't know what state it is supposed to be in under normal conditions) -- the red light on the esc is flashing. i just found other posts on the web that says this is bad. now, i am feeling more confident in the assessment that the esc is shot. have had the car (my son's) for just over a year, but it really doesn't have many hours on it. will check redcat warranty, but not holding much hope.
thanks for any other insights, all.
brian