Not sure if this is the right category. Anyway, I recently got this explorer 2 esc as part of a package deal and as soon as I plug in a battery the motor runs. It doesn't matter if the switch is on or off, it doesn't respond to throttle input, and it doesn't run the servo.

I did some searching online and I read in the novak manual that these symptoms would indicate that there is some sort of internal damage. I opened it up and brushed off all the connections and solder points and it didn't help. I can't see any visible damage.
Any ideas?

Disconnect the motor, then run the esc set up again. Then reconnect motor and see if its still running with out throttle input.
Check the connections on the plugs, since you have power going to the motors, I am assuming your positive and negative wires are ok, since you dont have servo signal and throttle control, your signal wire could be loose. Check and secure the wires.
If still doesnt work, then esc is bad.

Internal damage may not be visible, electronic components may be bad.

thanks for the reply, I will try that and get back to you.

I tried following the instructions and it didn't help. I couldn't even complete the first step because the LED didn't glow at all. Does anybody know how I can diagnose which electrical components are bad? Should I contact Novak?

anybody?

If you have no LED indication at all, the ESC definitely has a problem. I would suggest contacting Novak through their web site.

http://www.teamnovak.com/cs/index.html

I went ahead and contacted Novak and they said it has some damaged mosfets. Which, apparently are the big black pieces with the fins on top. I'm in the process (waiting for soldering iron) of removing them. They said there will be numbers on the side and to go through a parts house to get replacements.