DJI drone gimbal overload error has been a huge problem, especially in DJI Mavic and Phantom series and users are looking for solutions all over the internet. Many users are confused about the gimbal overload error and how to fix the error.
Therefore I thought to write an article about the DJI drone gimbal overload error and how to fix it. Hopefully, this article will help with fixing the DJI gimbal overload error.
Causes For DJI Drone Gimbal Overload Error.
First, let’s talk shortly aboutthe reasons for the DJI gimbal overload error.
1. Unremoved gimbal cover.
Powering on the DJI aircraft with the gimbal cover causes disturbance for gimbal movement. Ultimately causing the gimbal motor overload.
2. Obstacles for gimbal movement.
Powering on or launching the drone on the ground with obstacles also could cause gimbal movement disturbance.
3. Debris accumulation.
Long-term debris accumulation on the gimbal motor also could cause this error.
4. Firmware issues.
Firmware is the key software for managing and controlling drone actions. So having faulty firmware or firmware glitches could cause this error.
5. Third-party accessories.
Installing third-party accessories like unsuitable third-party lenses, and filters would block gimbal movements and ultimately could cause to the gimbal overload error.
6. Faulty Gimbal ribbon.
This is another common reason for the DJI gimbal overload error. That’s why many users were able to fix the error after replacing the gimbal ribbon.
7. Damaged/ Faulty gimbal motor.
If you have crashed recently and started getting the gimbal overload error, this might be an effect of gimbal motor damage. Also if you are getting this error just after the unboxing error, the gimbal might be faulty.
How to Fix DJI Drone Gimbal Overload Error.
Let’s go through the checklist for fixing DJI gimbal overload error.
1. Remove the gimbal cover before powering on the aircraft.
The gimbal cover is just for securing the gimbal while carrying the drone. As I said before gimbal cover blocks gimbal movement. Therefore remove the gimbal cover before powering on the aircraft. Also, place the drone on a clear surface when powering on the drone.
Also If you are a Phantom user,
- Remove both the plastic gimbal clamp and the white foam stopper.
- Check four tempers holding the gimbal in place. Sometimes some of them are detached and cause gimbal overload errors.
2. Wiggle the gimbal gently for about 30 seconds.
If the gimbal is stuck, wiggle the gimbal gently for 30-60 seconds.
3. Calibrate the gimbal.
Follow the below steps and calibrate the gimbal. Once the gimbal calibration is done check whether the error is gone.
- Place the drone on a flat surface.
- Power on the DJI aircraft and connect to DJI mobile application (DJI GO/ DJI Fly).
- Launch the DJI GO / DJI Fly and enter the camera view.
- Then click on the three dots at the top left corner and click on the gimbal icon and scroll all the way down and find the “Gimbal Auto Calibration” option. Click on it and hit “Ok”.
- If you are using the DJI Fly app click on the three dots at the top right corner and open the menu bar. Then click on “Control” and scroll down until you found the ”Gimbal Calibration”. Then click on the “Calibrate” button. And hit “Auto”.
- Once you have done that, the Gimbal Calibration process will start and calibrate the gimbal automatically. Wait until the gimbal calibration process succeeds.
4. Update the firmware.
Having faulty or glitched firmware could be a key reason for the gimbal overload error. Therefore updating the firmware properly and keeping the firmware on the latest version is so important. Also when updating the DJI firmware I advise using DJI Assistant 2 PC application. Because it reduces the risk of having glitched firmware. Follow the below steps and update the firmware. After updating the firmware check whether error is gone.
- Download and install DJI Assistant 2 from the DJI Download center.
- Power off the remote controller and connect to the PC through the charging port using a micro USB cable. Then power on the remote controller.
- Open DJI Assistant 2 application on the PC and log in to your DJI account.
- Then select your DJI Drone and click on the “Firmware Updates” on the left panel and click on the “Upgrade” option.
- Click on “Start Update”.
- Wait until the firmware is completely downloaded and the firmware update process would start automatically.
- Follow the above steps again with connecting the aircraft and update its firmware too.
5. Remove third-party accessories attached.
Third-party accessories that are not suitable for DJI aircraft could affect the movement of the gimbal. Therefore if you have attached third party accessories like lenses, filters, remove those accessories before turning on the aircraft.
6. Replace the gimbal ribbon.
You usually buy the gimbal ribbon for a few dollars online and replace it by yourself. Also, there are dozens of videos on youtube about replacing the gimbal ribbon. Below the video is the gimbal ribbon replacement of DJI Mavic Pro. If you are not comfortable with that stuff, get the help of professionals or contact DJI.
7. Contact DJI Support.
Read the detailed article: How to get DJI Support to repair/fix your DJI drone issue.
As I mentioned before if you are getting the gimbal overload error after crashing the drone or after turning on the aircraft for the first time, there is a huge chance for a damaged or faulty gimbal. If you are in this situation, first update the firmware and calibrate the gimbal. If you are still getting the error, the gimbal needs to be replaced or repaired. So contact the DJI Support for replacing or repairing the gimbal.
