DJI Mavic Air Main controller data error fix

I recently encountered the dreaded Main controller data error on the DJI Mavic Air. This error renders the drone useless as you can’t fly when it shows. It shows an IMU error and demands calibration but the calibration doesn’t work so you’re grounded. DJI won’t fix these and instead offered to replace the body for $550! I bought an IMU off fleabay and fixed it myself. I don’t have any skills at this but watched some disassembly videos and managed to swap out the IMU successfully. It worked! No more error.
This video is very helpful to show you how to pull the whole Mavic apart. It’s in German but you don’t really need to understand what he’s saying as it’s clear what he’s doing :)
• DJI Mavic Air - Teardown

[@bensonteo9610]

You don't have to drill out the screws near the gimbal. They just have some gel glue over the head, you can use a flat head screw driver to scrap it away to give you access to the philips head at the bottom. Hope that helps!

[@reviewsandprojects]

Benson Teo Yes absolutely right, thanks Benson. I tried for so long I got frustrated and went nuts! :) I knew there had to be some trick but ran out of patience.

[@bensonteo9610]

Haha I have the exact same issue. Nearly went out to get a core board replacement, which is about 250USD... Right now it’s a 20 dollar component swap, way better!

[@boatingboy1011]

THANK YOU!

[@Magiclenses]

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

[@bmw318iyu]

No need to buy a new imu. Just open up the mavic till you get the imu off. Theres one screw on the imu, take that screw off and inside youll see some blue paste. Slowly take that paste off with a small screwdriver, leave it as you'll still need it. Blow inside the imu with a hair dryer about 5 minutes then put the blue paste back on, spread out the paste and put everything back together. Bam, everything works again.

[@paulscholten301]

Had suddenly the same problem. Thanks to your tutorial i have replaced the IMU myself, bought on Ali Express for €18, and the Mavic Air is in the air again. Simple and clear instruction ! Many thanks !!!

[@user-sw8yz9lm8h]

Can you give link for Aly?

[@SarveshParakh]

In extreme hot weather like 40⁰ C and more, this error also appears due to overheating of the body of the drone or the battery. I came here because I just had this error 10 minutes ago. I was panicking cuz the IMU thing is impossible to do where I am. Also, I was at the start of a wedding and it would spoil the entire wedding. But thankfully, after I allowed the battery to cool down, it's working fine now. My battery temperature was 48⁰C when this happened. N weather outside was 41⁰C. So check this before panicking. Just a tip. N thanks for this video bro. But fortunately I didn't need this solution 😆

[@WeudesRamos]

Me ajudou muito, acabou de acontecer isso com o meu e eu vi que era aquecimento.

[@MrSergio1159]

I just finished replacing the IMU on my DJI Mavic air, I followed most of your instructions and thanks to you I was able to fix my Mavic, I couldn't have done it without your instructions, thank you, I've only had my Mavic air for about a year, I bought it new and I was surprised with the IMU error, thanks

[@8DHealth]

Where did you buy working IMU?

[@MrSergio1159]

@@8DHealth ebay

[@NotEvenThatsOdd]

Bro. My drone is fixed, mostly because of this video! I was almost scammed on eBay but the replacement IMU finally arrived 8 weeks after I ordered it. This video (and a German DJI Air teardown video) walked me through everything I needed to know. For anybody that is about to do this, the two screws that hold the cover on have little caps on them. You have to wedge in a super small flathead and pry it off before unscrewing with a super small Phillips. When I went for my test run, I had a right downward sensor error, I failed to connect the 3 ribbon cables securely. One they clicked in, I was in business!! She flies like a champ again! Thanks for posting this video. You rock.

[@Magiclenses]

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

[@NotEvenThatsOdd]

@@Magiclenses take it back apart and check all your cable connections

[@Magiclenses]

@@NotEvenThatsOdd I believe that issue not fixed because I did order a wrong part it is for Mavic Air 2 it is different correct?

[@ExpectingSafety]

I have this exact same issue, working fine and then all of a sudden after an update today, the IMU errors are appearing out of nowhere. I've emailed DJI but more than likely going to have to repair myself if they don't support me. I've flow less than 2hrs... never buying DJI again if they don't fix for free; obviously an issue with their update. Good video, thank you!

[@ZwarteBunnis]

I have the same as you, it's out of this world that when you upgrade your drone that hardware just breaks. It's crazy... Spend over 1200 dollars on that piece of shit and I barely flew the fucker.

[@Magiclenses]

How can I do this update with a tablet ?

[@Magiclenses]

Who can I do it with tablet ?

[@stevenfortemediallc]

Thanks for the help. I paid $25 for the new fan and was able to fix the problem. I'm back to flying

[@nathanjerome9060]

Thanks for the video and the simplified workflow for repair as compared to most of the methods on KZbin. My Air randomly started showing this error on boot a few weeks ago. I finally was able to purchase an IMU off eBay to complete the repair. Two pieces that helped me: 1) Removal of the screw caps which hold the cover on the drone (by the gimbal) 2) Purchased extremely small headed tweezers for screw and ribbon cable handling

[@paulgissing9563]

Thank you so much for this video, i spent 2 days trying to get help, £300 drone doctor estimate, and dji just wanted me to send the drone in, thanks again

[@gospelokereke20]

Thank you so much. Expenses cut. It worked 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

[@BaoSago]

I got exactly the same problem as yours then I googled everywhere and realized the problem probably is the IMU unit as a lot of people say the same thing. But not I found this video, I would confidently ordered an IMU unit from DroneFly. Hopefully, it could be fixed, or else I would be so desperate in these quarantines days :D I will let you know the results when I replace it. Thanks anyway.

[@BaoSago]

I did it. Finally I could fly like nothing happened. I'm so glad. Thanks a lot for sharing this. It saved me tons of money. Really appreciate.

[@eNeVeFamily]

Great video Thanks, not sure what exactly happened to my Air but it decided to get sick during my vacation a couple days ago and I wasn't able to capture a whole lot of amazing aerial shots... I'll try this out and hopefully it fixes the problem and gets me ready for next time in the far future.

[@pixelgreif8154]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I had exactly the same problem after doing a software update. Your video helped me to repair my drone. Without your extensive explanations I would not even have dared to repair it by myself :-)

[@gstavobr]

Thank you so much for this Tutorial ! That solved my Problem and makes me save some money.

[@1CE87]

Hello, I had the same errors/problems came out from nowhere. DJI asked me to send the drone to them all on my charges so I waited and kept the drone in its bag while I was searching for a IMU (all out of stock at the moment) to change by myself. Last week suddenly it started to work again by itself. I'm very confused

[@TheDrBolo]

I have the same problem with my Mavic Air... i'll try to do the same thing and hope that will solve the problem, thanks!

[@igorabramov3509]

Yes I have the same problem. The IMU itself gets very hot from the first day as soon as I recharged my Mavic Pro 2 !!! I have only 3 flights !!!! Flight duration 3 minutes Test flights on the site !!! DJI is not a global market leader. They have a global problem with the IMU bloc. This is a shame and a shame !!! This is not worthy of the world market leader !!! This is the behavior of scammers !!! I have paid for all guarantees and insurance. I haven't handled this issue yet. I just found it and decided to search on KZbin. And I watched your video and was horrified !!! I watched 10 more videos this is a huge global problem for DJI !!! Let's see what they answer me. I will definitely answer in the post.

[@mankybrains]

What was the update? It's been 2 years. I still see some getting this error.

[@stevenfortemediallc]

And I really didn't need to remove any screws to get out the fan.

[@RyanNiemer]

So my MA has sat for a few months without flying, went to fly the other day, updated firmware and then bam, same main controller data error. What could have caused the IMU to go bad? I'm going to try to find another IMU and thanks to your video, and another picture tutorial I found, I'm convinced that a new IMU will fix it. I'm just confused as to HOW it could have gone bad....

[@11eagleye]

The same thing happened to me as well. Brand new, sitting in the cupboard for five months, took it out, updated, and got the same error.

[@krysku4840]

------->>> I had the same issue. Guess how I fixed it....I have hit it few times by the door frame exactly where the IMU is. I only had to calibrate the compass after all. All errors gone now! Worth checking before dismantle. I suppose it was just the cable that got loose where the IMU is or shock reset it... Anyway - try this first!

[@elieh.studio]

I have the same problem and I am happy I have stumbled on your video.. But I have a few questions, How did you remove the cables from the board? And how did you plug them back after? That would be very helpful, thank you !!

[@reviewsandprojects]

I used a pair of tweezers and a very small screwdriver and just manipulated them carefully. It wasn’t hard as it’s a simple connection.

[@l4ncer2005]

I think dji makes something for drones to have this type of issues! Because i have alot of errors and not even crashed maybee they program something on older drones so they can die!! Same thing with my mavic pro and p3 standard

[@invi_carlos]

Thank you big time!! You rock. I am going to order this part now!

[@Magiclenses]

What is the name of this part please ?

[@michallyko4337]

Hi im try to find this part for mavic air on ebay but there is only for mavic air 2 any sugestion ? please let me know if you can

[@mdachelis7]

Hey I'm having the same problem. Did you ever find one for the Air? Do you know if the Air 2 IMU is compatible with the original Air?

[@michallyko4337]

@@mdachelis7 hi Im found on AliExpress second hand one for £1,5 so i bought two just incase You can try to take IMU of and hear it then put it back on and try calibrate

[@sercanyorulmaz1708]

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

[@appledamian]

Were you guys able to update after replacing the IMU? Thanks

[@reviewsandprojects]

Yes absolutely

[@Magiclenses]

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

[@elsiestoel4021]

Hi Onara, great video. Problem is happening with my dads Mavic air also. Also in Australia. Just wondering if you have a link for the IMU you purchased? We searched on eBay and most are for Mavic air 2 or does this not matter? cheers ! :)

[@reviewsandprojects]

The seller I bought from is long gone sorry. You can track these down via fleabay but you might need to shop on the US fleabay and see if they’ll ship here

[@marisolsanchez671]

Thank you! You are the best!

[@cdc4355]

I haven't used my drone for about a year when I visited Hawaii. I charged all the batteries today and turned on the drone and got this dreaded error message and searching various forums and vids on KZbin says to replace the IMU. I understand it's not an expensive fix, but I'm upset about why I would get this message. It's not like I dropped or crashed the drone. Any reasons why this would occur for no apparent reason?

[@reviewsandprojects]

C DC same scenario as me. I flew it a fair bit with no issues then didn’t fly it for around the same period - around a year. Never been crashed, always been babied. I happened to be in getting my Inspire 1 repaired as the landing gear worm screw had failed and so I took the Mavic air in when I picked the inspire up and showed them the issue. DJI either didn’t know or didn’t care. The don’t repair the “cheaper” products just replace. They offered to replace the body for $550! Ridiculous. They said maybe it had got moisture in the IMU but I can’t see how being stored in is case inside and never flown in the rain. Maybe when there’s condensation? I did fly some early mornings. Some people around the web seem to think it’s a design flaw linked to overheating. Possible I guess. Anyway left with a boat anchor I figured it was worth trying to fix myself as I may as well buy a new Mavic Mini for the cost of the “fix”.

[@user-cy7hh9yy5k]

@@reviewsandprojects same exact thing here. I have us it 3 time, and since the new regulation in Canada just after I bouhgt it, Ihavebt use it since. Never crash, and this morning I decide to try it and same message. This Drone is brand new. ;(

[@libenasukro]

​@@reviewsandprojects When your drone was not used for a year, did you happen to store it with the battery installed? If the battery was left in, this is my theory about the failure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYCwhYywpsqSjqc

[@libenasukro]

@@user-cy7hh9yy5k When your drone was not used for a year, did you happen to store it with the battery installed?

[@user-cy7hh9yy5k]

Libena Starikova No battery. clean in the bag in a dry place. 😤

[@garymac6054]

I have a problem with my ma maybe u can help since dji was useless I tried to do a update and it froze at 99% I turned on off the drone now it front 2 lights are solid red and back light flashes green yellow red and wont connect to the rc app or assistant 2 any help would be amazing

[@8DHealth]

IF? I got these same messages because I switched on the drone with guard in place, Do you think this replacing imu system will save my Mavic air? Where did you find the working IMU?

[@MrSergio1159]

where can I purchase a new IMU? I'm having the same issue you had, so most likely I'll be fixing my mavic air by my self, of course following your tutorial

[@reviewsandprojects]

Sergio Almazán I got mine from ebay. I think you can also find them on alibaba and amazon

[@MrSergio1159]

@@reviewsandprojects thank you, I'll check Ebay

[@prashidell8980]

Is there any part sheet, which I can use to know which IMU to order?

[@Magiclenses]

Please send me links and the name of the replacement part in the video

[@medinastreetgroup]

Awesome thanks for the tutorial ;)

[@ivanvrane7213]

I have the same problem.. two days ago everything was fine, drone never had a crash, it is Like New state..and today i wanted to fly it but i get errors Like in this video.. dji is quiet about this issue and as i can see it is common issue.. I'm wondering how this can happen on a premium product, i had more than 10 cheap drones, never ever had an issue, this is my first more expensive drone and I'm suite dissapointed.. i went for dji because i tought that they are really good but after reading all the problema People are having with them, I'm not so sure...

[@alexissacro1502]

Did you recently update or something?

[@cdc4355]

@@alexissacro1502 I did just update today without turning my drone on for almost a year. I've never dropped or crashed my drone. So the update will damage the IMU? I don't understand how this could be the consumer's problem. What an inconvenience, was planning on taking the drone camping this weekend.

[@libenasukro]

@@cdc4355 Did you store the drone with the battery installed? I'm working on a theory about this.

[@prashidell8980]

@@libenasukro I guess, I did and I am having same issue.

[@michaelblaze4711]

You're a fucking god for this. Solved my problem, so thanks for putting yourself through this and then teaching the rest of us how to fix it.

[@droneready8278]

Great fix

[@AlessioDifede]

Hi, which screwdriver did you use for the screws behind the gimbal? I can't remove the body! Thank you! :)

[@reviewsandprojects]

Check the pinned comment as he’s right with what he says about the “hidden” screws.

[@Magiclenses]

There is a rubber parts coner the screws so remove it first by pushing it then you will see the screws

[@RodhyYodeviaje]

hello, whats is that thing you installed, IMU? where can I buy it? thanks

[@reviewsandprojects]

I got mine on ebay. Search for Mavic Air IMU.

[@baraklitus]

@@reviewsandprojects hi If you have link on ebay could you share? Thank you 😊

[@McAmber]

Nice tutorial

[@keltar4071]

Wouldnt doubt it years from now we will find out that DJI was owned by apple. Both companies love adding to the landfill problem by making there products disposable instead of being fix friendly. at the same time they like preaching to the consumers about global warming or global cooling or what ever its called these days.

[@davidedema3313]

Were do I order am I used?

[@BayaerialsProductions]

Audio needs to be turned way up

[@libenasukro]

Did you get an indication reading "Disconnected" for the ACCO 0,1 and GYRO 0,1 along with the controller data error?

[@drcobb84]

Do you have details of the seller you bought this off? I can only find this part for $140. I crashed mine today and all these errors come up. looks like this is potentially the problem :(

[@reviewsandprojects]

Just search for magic air IMU. A search just now brought up a couple of options for around $59. I believe you can get them from AliExpress too.

[@drcobb84]

Onara Films only one I saw for 59 was USD. No new ones on Ali express :(

[@reviewsandprojects]

Danny Cobb the seller I bought it from is showing as no longer a registered user. He had listed it as: Original Camera IMU Module Board Components Repair Parts for DJI Mavic Air Drone

[@drcobb84]

Onara Films I’ll search that. Thank u. I flew mine into a tree today and a bunch of errors come up now.

[@bencortez05]

So I did this. And still didn’t work :(

[@pavel1809]

Question do you Rehot IMU ?

[@reviewsandprojects]

pavel1809 I’m not sure what you mean by rehot? Maybe reset? Yes I did an IMU calibration after.

[@ElIndioTaino1990]

where did you find that imu

[@reviewsandprojects]

I got mine from ebay

[@deltabravo8523]

Same problem as yours, I'm trying to order an IMU (I'm in EU) but all store are out of stock. Someone know a store in EU where the IMU is available? thank you

[@MirkoProtopapa]

hey man did u find the IMU?

[@Gw0wvl]

This is exactly why DJI products are such a "Rip off " .