DJI Drone Fault
Code Library
DJI drones (Mavic, Phantom, Matrice, Mini, Inspire, etc.) come with intelligent diagnostics that display warnings when something isn’t right.
These fault codes can look intimidating, but each one reveals a clear story about your drone’s health.
Below we decode the 20 most common DJI errors, what they mean, what causes them, and how to fix them.
Compass Error (Code 30168 / 30169)
System: Navigation / Compass
Meaning: The compass data conflicts with IMU readings.
Causes: Metal surfaces, rebar, vehicles, magnetic interference, or crash-induced compass misalignment.
Resolution: Move to an open area and recalibrate the compass, then restart the drone. If the error persists, the compass module may need replacement.
Severity: Critical
Tip: Never calibrate next to cars or metal structures.
IMU Data Error (Code 30151)
System: Inertial Measurement Unit
Meaning: IMU data is invalid or out of sync with the flight controller.
Causes: Hard landings, extreme temperatures, or failed calibration.
Resolution: Recalibrate the IMU on a level surface. If the error persists, the IMU sensor may be physically damaged.
Severity: Critical
Battery Cell Broken / Error
System: Power System
Meaning: One or more battery cells show abnormal voltage.
Causes: Aged or damaged LiPo pack, storage while fully charged, or physical damage.
Resolution: Land the drone immediately and replace the battery with a new one.
Severity: Critical
Battery Temperature High / Low
System: Power System
Meaning: Battery temperature is outside safe operating limits.
Resolution: Allow hot batteries to cool before flight, and warm cold ones gradually before takeoff.
Severity: Caution
ESC Error / Motor Obstructed (Code 120652)
System: Propulsion / Motor
Meaning: A motor cannot spin freely.
Causes: Propeller obstruction, bent shaft, debris, or faulty ESC.
Resolution: Inspect and clear obstructions
Severity: Critical
Not Enough Force / ESC Error
System: Propulsion
Meaning: The ESC cannot generate the required thrust.
Causes: High winds, heavy payload, or worn propellers.
Resolution: Reduce altitude, fly gently, and replace propellers if worn.
Severity: Caution
Aircraft Max Power Load Reached (Code 30168)
System: Propulsion
Meaning: The drone is at maximum power output and cannot maintain stability.
Causes: Strong wind, high altitude, or weak battery.
Resolution: Descend, fly cautiously, and use a fresh battery.
Severity: Critical
Takeoff Failed / Start Failed (Code 30226)
System: Flight Controller
Meaning: The self-check failed and takeoff was blocked.
Causes: Sensor initialization failure, poor GPS, or firmware mismatch.
Resolution: Restart both the drone and remote controller, calibrate compass and IMU, and update firmware.
Severity: Critical
GPS Signal Weak (Code 30024)
System: Navigation
Meaning: The drone has an unstable or insufficient GPS signal.
Causes: Obstructions, metal roofs, or magnetic interference.
Resolution: Move to an open area and wait for a stable satellite lock before takeoff.
Severity: Caution
Remote Controller Signal Lost
System: Communication Link
Meaning: The drone has lost connection with the remote controller.
Causes: Obstructions, interference, or antenna misalignment.
Resolution: Ensure antennas face the aircraft and avoid Wi-Fi-dense areas.
Severity: Critical
Failsafe: The drone may automatically trigger Return-to-Home if configured.
Gimbal Overload (Code 40021)
System: Gimbal / Camera
Meaning: Gimbal motors are overloaded or obstructed.
Causes: Bent yaw arm, damaged flex cable, or debris.
Resolution: Power off the drone, inspect the gimbal, re-seat the cable, and recalibrate.
Severity: Caution
Gimbal Gyroscope Error
System: Gimbal
Meaning: The internal gimbal gyroscope data is invalid.
Causes: Shock from crashes or sensor drift.
Resolution: Recalibrate the gimbal. If the error persists, replace the gimbal control board.
Severity: Critical
Vision Sensor Error (Code 180013)
System: Obstacle Avoidance / Vision
Meaning: The vision sensor is malfunctioning or giving invalid data.
Causes: Dirty lens, bright light, or failed module.
Resolution: Clean the sensors, avoid direct sunlight, and recalibrate using DJI Assistant 2.
Severity: Caution
Compass Interference Detected
System: Navigation
Meaning: The magnetic field around the aircraft is too strong for accurate heading.
Resolution: Move the drone away from metal structures or large electrical sources and recalibrate the compass.
Severity: Caution
SD Card Error / Card Full
System: Camera Storage
Meaning: The memory card is unreadable or full.
Resolution: Format the SD card in the DJI app or replace it with a high-speed (UHS-I V30 or faster) card.
Severity: Advisory
Firmware Inconsistent (Code 31901)
System: Software
Meaning: Components are running mismatched firmware versions.
Causes: Interrupted updates or multiple controller pairings.
Resolution: Update all components (aircraft, batteries, remote controller) together using DJI Assistant 2.
Severity: Caution
Compass and IMU Not Aligned
System: Flight Controller
Meaning: The heading data between the IMU and compass is inconsistent.
Causes: Crash or shifted IMU board.
Resolution: Recalibrate both the IMU and compass. If the issue continues, hardware realignment or replacement may be necessary.
Severity: Critical
Battery Communication Error
System: Power Management
Meaning: The battery data link has failed or the connection is loose.
Resolution: Reseat the battery until it clicks securely. If the error remains, check battery pins or replace the unit.
Severity: Critical
Atti Mode / GPS Signal Lost
System: Flight Mode Control
Meaning: The drone entered Attitude (Atti) Mode due to loss of GPS or compass data.
Causes: Satellite loss or magnetic interference.
Resolution: Maintain manual control, keep line of sight, and land safely.
Severity: Critical
Final Advice
Understanding these messages helps pilots make safe decisions and helps technicians diagnose issues faster. Most errors stem from poor calibration, interference, outdated firmware, or aging batteries.
For recurring or hardware-related faults, consult a professional repair center.
Need expert assistance? Book a diagnostic or repair with Omnisky