DJI Mavic Air IMU Replacement (Original Air) | Main Controller Data Error Fix | Guide

Today I'll show you how to replace the IMU (inertial measurement unit). This failure can happen if the drone is stored for an extended period of time without use. When the IMU fails the drone will report "Main Controller Data Error" and indicate that both gyroscopes and both accelerometers are disconnected, as well as saying the gimbal is in an error state. The aircraft will not take off as without these it cannot maintain stability. Attempting to calibrate the IMU will result in nothing happening. Replacing parts on the Mavic Air is pretty easy, and much more affordable than replacing the entire drone.
Background Music: Kevin MacLeod - "Dream Culture"
PARTS MAY BE DIFFICULT TO LOCATE
Non-affiliated part link:
US $8.25 | used mavic air imu cable for dji drone repair parts
a.aliexpress.c...
Tools:
Technik Tweezers (Almost the only kind I'd recommend)
amzn.to/3KPS6EB (out of stock? look below)
Hakko Tweezers (Made to last!)
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Precision Screwdriver Set w/ Security Torx for consoles/phones
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Get my silicone work mat here:
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Curved Pry Tool (for separating adhesive):
amzn.to/3RSkWqt
Need something else? Leave a comment below with what tools you're looking for and I might just have a recommendation for you!
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[@tullgutten]

I have the exact same fault.... So mad 😭

[@TapticDigital]

It's really frustrating, especially when I got to the job site, went to fly, and couldn't take off.

[@tullgutten]

Tried to get the part for months but everyone says they're on backorder..

[@TapticDigital]

@@tullgutten same here, I haven't been able to find them anywhere, even from Chinese sellers. I have heard decent success unplugging it for a few hours and reconnecting, but it's hit or miss.

[@tullgutten]

I'm back here to tell the last 1 or 2 Hours I've disassembled it (mine didn't have the two screws to take of the top panel as many writes so had me chasing a ghost there 😅) And carefully removed all the thermalpaste with a brush and solder paste/flux since it actually dissolves the compound unlike ethanol and acetone. Carfully heated it with solder iron on the chip drenched in flux, and since i don't have a hot air station i tried a 1 watt lazer i have 🙈 carefully focusing it to the size of the whole chip and hit the chip and solder pads seems like it did melt imthe solder but not sure. ANYWAYS didn't replace anything and mounted it back now the errors are gone 😁❤️ Wairing for the batteries to charge and test tommorow. Tanks for this tutorial on how to change it by showing every step, and the comment section here that helped me for motivation to actually just try cleaning and heating the original part. (this was an unnecessary long comment, sorry not sorry 😂)

[@TapticDigital]

@@tullgutten Heck yeah!!! That's what I'm talking about, breathing some life back into it with fiery hot air, super happy to hear it. Thanks a ton for the kind words, and for writing up such a detailed experience, definitely pinning this comment to the top!

[@gsxr-fr7fc]

I "HAD" the exact problem everyone is experiencing. I can't guarantee this will work, but it seemed to work for me. I striped the Mavic down to expose the IMU and clean it off (Not that there was anything to clean). I put it back together minus the plastic and nothing changed. I was about to give up. Just for fun I went to DJI downloaded the DJI Assistant2 and went through the process. I then removed the battery from the Mavic and put the drone in the freezer for a couple hours. I then removed condensation replaced battery, and IMU data error was gone. I can't tell you which part of the process fixed the problem, all I can say is I don't have the error anymore. Give it a try, what do you have to lose.

[@nico779]

Thanks for the video , helped with initial dissasembly. Also had an IMU error on te Mavic Air after shelving it for half a year. -Put it in the freezer and the IMU issue was resolved for one day. -->Attempted restart the next day but it reverted back into the same IMU issue. -Dissasembled the drone according to this video (kind reminder: some mavic airs have two front screws for the top cover rather than snapfits). -Re-seated the flat cable for the IMU and smacked the module directly a couple of times. -These actions resulted in an 'IMU disconnected' error. -Cleaned the flat cable contacts with IPA to resolve possible oxidation issues, no luck. 'Disconnected' issue persisted. -Heat blasted the IMU with a hair dryer, no luck. -Scraped off the blue thermal paste, heat blasted the IC's directly, re-applied generic thermal paste for CPU's. ​--> Worked. Drone has been flying without issue ever since. ​

[@TapticDigital]

I love the weird ways you can fix things!

[@Muzz308]

Thanks for the video, I ordered a new IMU off ebay, shipped from USA to NZ, followed your great video and replaced the part. Have taken for a test flight and its all go. Thanks again.

[@TapticDigital]

Awesome! I'm glad to hear it! Sometimes those replacement IMUs are defective but it sounds like you got lucky. I've heard that remembering to power on and at least spin up the motors once every two to three months can help keep the IMU form going bad, but I don't know enough about IMU modules to verify that.

[@darthgzuz]

Thank you man, my Mavic air developed these errors 3 years ago just after 40 hrs of flight time. Yesterday I saw Ur video n followed every step. I didn't replace the IMU or any other component just reinstalled everything and all errors were gone. Updated the firmware n it worked like a new drone. So don't even buy an IMU, try using same IMU n push all connectors as due to vibrations some connections might be giving errors. And I'm sure DJI would do same thing or swapping IMUs between all the "Warranty Claim". Thank you brother.

[@TapticDigital]

Sometimes it's as simple as unplugging it and plugging it back in! Glad yours is working again!

[@derekkennethpoole]

Thanks so much dude! Amazing video. Followed step by step but didn't have a replacement so I super heated the IMU with a blow dryer and now its working again. You're the man!

[@rinusjanssens5523]

This is also what I did. Heated the IMU then put everything back together and after rebooting the drone three times the IMU responded so now the drone is working again.... Great video tnx

[@davidschulmann2794]

Wow your really repair everything! What else do you repair? And how did you build your repair shop/business? I bet a video like that would blow up! Something like "How I owned a repair shop at age of --- and make --- -this is my story" like it can vary but I think that has a lot of potential to go viral.

[@Rosenbane]

Great tutorial - very clear, concise and easy to follow. I was able to take apart my DJI Mavic Air and clean a lot of dust and sand out of it (it gets a lot of use at the beach), all the way down to the IMU. I then put everything back together, but unfortunately didn't have the same luck as others in getting it to work as I continue to receive the error message. Been searching online for a replacement IMU for the Mavic Air 1, however there doesn't seem to be any in stock. The only ones being sold are for the Air 2, which from what I understand from other comments, is not compatible with the Air 1. Thanks anyway, will keep my eyes on the market and hope to find something!

[@alanstaples2554]

Had a similar issue to this but the error I was getting was temperature error 13. Tried all the other fixes like fridge/freezer but didn't work. Ended up following this guide and removing IMU, cleaning thermo paste using isopropanol and earbuds to clean fully, reapplying thermo paste and putting everything back. I now have a working Mavic air with no IMU errors. Thanks for the video. I wouldn't of attempted it without this. 👍🌟

[@sci-piaskun]

Thank you thank you! Thanks to this video I was able to fix my drone, playing only 7$ for IMU from aliexpress, and not 100s of $$$ for official repair (because OF COURSE MUI broke few months after 2y warranty ended).

[@TapticDigital]

Mine too! I had DJI Care that expired a few months ago, and suddenly the IMU fails. They must have taken hints from Apple and make it so things fail shortly after the warranty ends.

[@mdachelis7]

You are an absolute legend! If I could tip you, I would. Fixed my Air following this video after buying a similar $20 used IMU on Ebay. Thanks a million!

[@TapticDigital]

Hey Dean I'm super glad to hear that! Way better than replacing the whole thing, right? Fly safe!

[@mdachelis7]

@@TapticDigitalyou sir, represent all that is great about the internet.

[@darthgzuz]

Same here bro, I posted my story also n I didn't even replace the IMU, just took apart n installed everything back. Working like a charm.

[@brat.CineMat]

Great tutorial, it really helped a lot. Before buying new (or not so new) IMU, I've followed advice in the comments and cleaned IMU from old paste, heat it up with hairdyier and later with soldering iron, put new thermal paste in and assemble everything back. After powering Mavic up no errors came up. After IMU calibration it's flying again like it suppose to. I will report here in some time if results of this repair are long lasting. Thanks again, cheers.

[@alanstaples2554]

Hi - I've got a similar issue with my mavic but only difference is, its reporting IMU overheat issue. I plan to clean IMU and apply new thermal paste. Did you clean off old paste completely and also what thermal paste did you use? Thanks in advance

[@brat.CineMat]

@@alanstaples2554I cleaned it with isopropyl alcohol using small brush and applied thermal paste for CPUs.

[@adventureswithaleks8216]

Thanks a lot for the video! Had to pay around £100 for the replacement IMU, couldn’t find any cheaper ones on ebay… i guess it’s going into the “old drones” category 😅 But still beats than buying a new drone!

[@TapticDigital]

Glad it helped, I've also gotten a few comments that simply disconnecting and reconnecting the original IMU solved the issue as well. What a picky little chip!

[@camilo8cheryl]

Great tutorial, i just fixed my old mavic air been sitting around for 3 years never been used since pandemic has started, these mavic air has some QC issues with their IMU units breaking down on drones that is almost new and less that 10 flights in them..fixed it thanks to you.I’m giving it to my younger brother for his bday😂

[@TapticDigital]

It's still a fantastic drone! I use mine whenever I can

[@bachirmouhyi]

Hey Man, a BIG thank you , Truly. I replaced the IMU and my drone, which i wasn't able to fly for a more than a year, i working perfectly now. Little tricky also to attach the cap of sd card and power inlet compartiment. It fell of while i was trying to put he top case back in place. Also i was really tricky to find a new part (from china obviously, but it worked perfectly. Anyway thanks again

[@TapticDigital]

I'm glad it worked! And glad you were still able to find parts, they are super uncommon these days. But the original Mavic Air is still a very capable little drone! Thanks for letting me know my guide helped, too!

[@vidjcb]

I am actually having this same issue. No errors with the gimbal or other sensors, just the IMU. Very frustrating for me because I am overseas if I look for spare parts. Many attempts trying to calibrate the IMU but the app gets stuck. Thanks for sharing this video. Very well done. Question: which camera and setup did you use to have that nice FPV?

[@TapticDigital]

Thanks! This video was shot on my Galaxy S21 Ultra in an adjustable arm mount. And being overseas you may have better luck getting the part if you're closer to China.

[@CJung-dc9qc]

Thank you for this my friend... and all who commented!!!! it's baaaaaaaaaaaaaack

[@TapticDigital]

Glad to hear it! No reason some tiny chip should keep your Mavic grounded!

[@fabriceleclercq1686]

How says, you are a GOD, with your video, i have opened the IMU, just replace, and now i can see the horizon again Great works Mister ! SAV DJI is a shit

[@lucasbennacer7188]

Thanks but there are two missings. First you missed to show that there are two screws in near the camera which must be removed first. Second, it's not necessary to replace the IMU. Just check connexions in connectors and it will works.

[@TapticDigital]

I believe I mentioned that this is a refurbished unit, it has plastic where those two should be under the gimbal. I've had some luck just reconnecting, but sometimes it seems to still fail. Good to know though, I'll save the old ones in case they work!

[@gospelokereke20]

Thank you so much. It worked

[@eNeVeFamily]

Why is it so hard to find an IMU module online for the Air 1? I see tons for the Air 2 online. Does that mean the Air 2 also has issues with the IMU? Thanks,

[@TapticDigital]

It is a royal pain trying to find the original Air IMU. And of course, they are not the same unit as the Air 2. I've only had luck on eBay and AliExpress but haven't found any outside of China. It seems a lot of IMU have this issue when sitting idle for some time, though newer ones might be more reliable.

[@eNeVeFamily]

@@TapticDigital Thanks for getting back to me. I had it out on vacation when it went bad. When i got back i noticed I missed the insurance by two weeks. Not sure if i made the right move but i just ordered an open box mav air from eBay for a good price. I wanted the 2s but don't feel like spending that kind of money right now.

[@TapticDigital]

@@eNeVeFamily that's actually really interesting, mine was almost 1 month out of warranty when it went bad. Maybe if this happens enough DJI will offer a replacement program

[@sercanyorulmaz1708]

Hello there. I'm getting the same errors. imu module changed. but the error persists. what could be the problem?

[@TapticDigital]

Unfortunately it's bad luck. The replacement IMUs have all been pulled out of other drones, and there's no way to tell which ones are already bad

[@ogr325]

Hi. Can you maybe help with advice about GPS problem in DJI air ?

[@TapticDigital]

Sometimes the IMU can cause GPS issues as well, but I'd first recommend downloading DJI Assistant 2 from their support page and running a forced firmware update on your drone first. Worst case you can replace the GPS module, and it's one of the easier ones to get to as well.

[@UralTrip59]

I disassembled my imu sensor, took out the board, cleaned it from the blue compound, dried it, the error disappeared Я разобрал свой датчик imu достал плату, очистил от голубого компаунда, высушил, ошибка пропала

[@TapticDigital]

That's great! Sometimes things just need to be disconnected, and reconnected. That old saying "turn it off then back on again" is true in some cases! Glad it's working.

[@sebsebus8719]

@demonmihail Thanks !... i make the same action.... and is ok :) Thanks Chris M for your vidéo, i buy a part just if i have another the problem ;)

[@TapticDigital]

@@sebsebus8719 I recently tried what is described on the Mavic Pro and had success! Seems to work on a couple drones. Glad yours is fixed!

[@Techno_Club]

Перебрал по вашей инструкции свой Mavic AIR, была ошибка -13, IMU не менял, но заменил всю термопасту где только удалось найти, под всеми крышками и радиаторами, а так же убрал поролоновую подкладку над радиатором, и всё, проблема исчезла, квадрокоптер летает, не просит калибровку, да и страшно теперь нажимать)

[@TapticDigital]

Иногда простое повторное подключение решает проблему. Странно, но рад, что это сработало!

[@Techno_Club]

@@TapticDigital без вашего видео думаю запорол бы что-нибудь однозначно)

[@JVCProdutora]

I made the exchange and the problem persisted, did the part come with a problem?

[@TapticDigital]

Very possible. The only parts I've been able to find are used ones, and there's no way to know if they work or not until you try them

[@samwatts007]

Would a IMU made for Mavik air 2 be compatible with the Mavik Air? Your video is awesome. Thank your time.

[@TapticDigital]

I believe they use a different connector unfortunately, I haven't found a compatible one yet.

[@samwatts007]

@@TapticDigital Thank you for your reply.

[@jeromebonnet]

Merci pour la vidéo, je n'ai jamais pu trouver la pièce et je me suis décidé à démonter l'IMU afin de voir s'il n’était pas déconnecté suite à une chute. J'ai tout démonté et tapoté l'IMU et tout est rentré dans l'ordre.

[@fabriceleclercq1686]

idem mais j'ai ramé avec le caoutchouc pour remettre l'imu :)

[@Cthulhu91]

If you pinch it from the bottom and push it inside it takes 15 seconds instead pinch it throught the holes

[@TapticDigital]

Man I really could have made this a lot easier, thanks! 🙂

[@cshmaru1988]

Very helpful video! Also for me was hard to find the IMU, was only available on Aliexpress. One advice in case you have the screws behind the gimble, try to remove the silicon from the screw with a flat screwdriver.

[@TapticDigital]

Awesome! I wish these parts were more available but DJI moves on to new stuff so fast they are hard to find.

[@tuseev]

Thanks for the video! I have a question - are the Mavic Air 2, 2S IMU sensors compatible with the original Mavic Air? I realize that the black cases are different, but can I remove the sensor from the 2/2S unit and put it in the Original Mavic Air IMU? Thanks!

[@TapticDigital]

To my knowledge they are not the same, I believe the flex connector is different. 😔

[@tuseev]

Found your answer in earlier posts. I see they are not compatible...

[@tuseev]

I tried heating the IMU with hair dryer - no success. Then put it in the freezer for several hours, no luck. Finally ordered one on eBay. Those are more expensive than for Air 2/2S though, I paid $49.99 US with shipping

[@TapticDigital]

It's super frustrating when they go out, I really wish DJI would sell some components to keep these perfectly good drones up in the air.

[@Rogue.Rider0]

Mine would act that way but I would power off then back on and it would fix itself

[@TapticDigital]

These sensors sure are picky sometimes. I hear the newer drones don't require compass calibration nearly as much either.

[@alcordesign]

Hello! Thanks for the video. It is almost my case. My Mavic Air crashed and I'm getting both accelerators error and IMU data error. Is it possible that it is just wires disconnected, or IMU module can be damaged as the result of a crash? Or should I be ready to buy a replacement IMU.

[@TapticDigital]

It's very very unlikely that it got disconnected. DJI knew their drones would take a lot of vibration just from flying, and have glued most connectors in place or screwed them down. I'd honestly look into getting a replacement, but I've seen several people disconnect and reconnect the original IMU only to have their issue solved.

[@lonnvelasco2192]

Hi! I have the same problem.after a couple of months not flying, the drone drop with no reason. I ordered a new IMU. In your video you stated the 2 screws under the gimbal. Do i need to take them off??

[@TapticDigital]

Only if your model has the two screws under the gimbal. My drone was a refurbished one and for whatever reason did not have the screws. They need to be removed to release the top panel from the drone.

[@adrprocopio]

Hi Chris, my trouble means the same. I don't understand if this repais is about only the cable or the imu all peace. Can you explain more?

[@TapticDigital]

It is the same repair, but some of the parts are different. In my video the part I used was just the IMU only, which had a cable running out of it. Some suppliers have the whole "block" piece, but mine came with just the cable that goes inside the block. The cable and IMU are one piece. If the IMU is bad, it will give errors on the gyroscope and accelerometer, but really the IMU is the only part that goes bad. The IMU is that little ribbon cable with blue stuff on one end and a connector on the other. Does that help?

[@adrprocopio]

@@TapticDigital nice!! It's clearly now. My app show the same error which the yours. Now I go buy this IMU cable without worries.

[@Magiclenses]

I I have same issue after I tried updating firmware and reset it to factory not working I did order this IMU online and replaced it but has the same issue Can you help me what I should do ?

[@TapticDigital]

Unfortunately it's pretty likely the replacement IMU you got is also bad, I ordered three before I got one that worked. Your best bet is to try and order another from a different seller. This is exactly why we need Right to Repair, manufacturers need to support their products for a lot longer than a year and or two.

[@bencortez05]

@@TapticDigital although this answer wasn’t for me, but it was what I was looking for, on my second imu and still having the same problem, I thought I was the only one, maybe I’ll use your link to order my third imu, wish me luck

[@chamirugunasekara]

My air 2 doesn't stop the motors when i flip the drone. do you why is that.

[@TapticDigital]

That could be an IMU or accelerometer issue, I'd recommend downloading DJI Assistant 2 and running a firmware refresh

[@chamirugunasekara]

@@TapticDigital tried refreshing the firmware didn't work.

[@TapticDigital]

@@chamirugunasekara for what it's worth, the flip to turn motors off is not the correct way to stop them. It actually triggers a "crash" event in the flight history, it's a safety feature that if the drone does crash it cuts off the motors to prevent damage.

[@chamirugunasekara]

@@TapticDigital OMG im so happy that it won't shut of the motors when it turn even upside down. Today i accidently hit a wire and it flipped 180° and survived + no damage. its the first time i hit something it was scary and the first time i saw a dji drone do a 180° flip😅😅.

[@TapticDigital]

@@chamirugunasekara hahah hey sometimes a glitch can save you I guess! 😂

[@Eduardopacheco88]

Do they use the same imu mavic air and mavic air 2 ???

[@TapticDigital]

I haven't taken apart the Air 2 yet, but I believe they are using an updated model.

[@Eduardopacheco88]

@@TapticDigital ok thanks!!

[@eNeVeFamily]

Why do the IMU modules fail so prematurely?

[@TapticDigital]

I really wish I knew! This unit is my personal drone, it was bought refurbished and looks perfect internally. Then out of no where it just died.

[@Trilliards]

This is a really annoying issue. I already replaced 1 IMU which fixed the issue. Never crashed the drone. Now the replacement one has gone, again only used a couple of weeks ago, no crash. Poor workmanship from DJI. So frustrating, and now you cant even get an IMU from anywhere for the original AIR :-(

[@TapticDigital]

I keep pulling my Air out once a month, not really to fly but just to make sure the IMU still works. DJI drones seem great for the first year or two then seem to have a lot of issues, and their long-term product support is somehow worse than Apple's

[@zibobman]

Hi, is it true that if the mavic air is doing an update and for a certain reason the internet connection was cut, the whole mainboard have to be changed?

[@TapticDigital]

No that shouldn't be the case. It can likely be fixed by connecting to a computer with DJI Assistant 2 installed.

[@zibobman]

@@TapticDigital its for a friend, lets c abt that...but it seems that the mavic air 1 have lots of problems...

[@TapticDigital]

@@zibobman I agree, DJI drones don't seem to be built to last super long. I'm seeing more and more original Mavic Pros and Airs with board failure

[@zibobman]

@@TapticDigital so i asked him again,the thing is that when tbe drone is hooked up to the computer it does not respond...

[@TapticDigital]

@@zibobman the program itself can be pretty picky, sometimes requiring you to run it as an administrator. If all else fails though, it might be time to replace the drone.

[@aimhigherking]

Is the imu on the original the same as the one on the air 2. The originals imu is pretty hard to find

[@TapticDigital]

They are different. I had a very hard time finding this part, though I did find several on Aliexpress

[@aimhigherking]

Oh ok. Could you link me a good one please?

[@TapticDigital]

@@aimhigherking sure thing, I've added a link at the bottom of the video description to another one I purchased. It took a while to arrive though.

[@color_of_happiness]

@@TapticDigital They are not selling the imu for Mavic air anymore ..

[@color_of_happiness]

Any ideas where to find another one

[@joeyenrique3594]

Hamigo Nesecito ayuda con mi Mavic air

[@TapticDigital]

¿cual es el problema?