5 ways to fix ESC status error
“ESC status error” has been an issue on DJI drones especially on the older models such as phantom 3 and spark but can happen on the newer models such as Mavic 2 pro and such, nonetheless, DJI doesn’t seem to come up with a solution.
And this error is not something you can ignore or say I will come back to it later because it can be very dangerous.
I had this problem with my spark a couple of weeks ago, few minutes into flying the drone automatically went crazy, lucky I was able to catch it, but refused to liftoff later on.
After contacting DJI, reading a bunch of forums, hours of frustration, and trying different things, I fixed it and saved myself hundreds of dollars, and so I thought I could do the same for others.
So what causes ESC status error and how do you fix it?
ESC status error can be caused by a faulty electronic speed controller or corrupted software, to fix this problem restart the drone multiple times, or refresh the firmware in DJI Assistant 2, if the error persists, try changing the ESC or send the drone to DJI for service.
When you receive an “ESC status error” it can be difficult to ascertain if it is a hardware or software issue.
However, if it is a hardware issue it is not safe to fly, because if the ESC stops sending signal to the motor while up in the sky the drone can fall down like a brick and can cause a lot of trouble! including property damage and/or cause harm to people.
And that is if the drone allows you to lift off in the first place.
However, if it is a software issue it is safer and can be resolved with a firmware refresh or a factory reset
Hardware problems
If you had a crash then there is a good chance that this is the cause of the ESC status error.
ESC status error don’t appear spontaneously after a crash, It may take time for a wire that was jarred during the crash to finally break.
after a crash wires become loosy connected, and when you land the drone after, the loose wires become detached completely.
- ESC errors can also happen after replacing or repairing damaged parts on your drone, if you had replaced a part on your drone by yourself you might have broken one fine wire which can be causing this error, so open the cover and check if there is a faulty wire.
- you can also get ESC status error on a brand new DJI drone right out of the box. This may be due to poor handling while in transit, which causes wires to get detached, in this case, DJI will get it fixed without any cost to you
Software problems
It is also common to receive an ESC status error after upgrading a drone’s firmware.
If you received an ESC status error after updating your firmware, try refreshing your firmware. If refreshing the firmware, try rolling it back to the previous version.
Alternatively, if there is an update available and you currently have the ESC status error message, try updating the firmware.
So let me explain how you can do these step by step-
1. Refresh the drones firmware in DJI assistant 2
In the best-case scenario, this problem is resolved by refreshing the drone’s firmware.
To do that-
- Power on the drone
- Connect it to your computer using the USB cable DJI provides
- Open the DJI Assistant 2 software on your laptop
- Log in to the DJI Assistant 2 app and select your drone
- Next, you will see the firmware version
- Tap update and choose the latest version
- If it is already the latest version click refresh
- Repeat process with every battery you own
you can also refresh the firmware in DJI go 4 app.
2. Update/refresh Controller Firmware
The Drone’s and the controller’s firmware must match so after refreshing or updating your drone’s firmware you should do the same for the controller.
So, to update/refresh your RC’s firmware-
- Power on the remote controller
- Connect it to your computer using a USB cable provided
- Open and log into the DJI Assistant 2 software on your laptop
- Select your drone’s remote controller
- Next, you will see the firmware version
- Tap update if you have an older version or tap refresh if it is up to date
- Click on “Start Update”
- On the next screen, you will see the firmware being downloaded, then transmitted and updating the remote controller
- At 100%, you will see the message, “Update Complete”
- After the firmware is complete, the controller will restart automatically
3. Downgrade firmware
If refreshing the current firmware doesn’t seem to work, you can downgrade the firmware till the next update comes out.
You can downgrade your firmware both in DJI assistant and DJI go 4.
To downgrade firmware in DJI assistant–
- Power on the drone
- Connect it to your computer using the USB cable
- Open the DJI Assistant 2 software on your laptop
- Log in to the DJI Assistant 2 app and select your drone
- Next, you will see the firmware version and older versions lined up
- Choose the version one below the current version you have
- Then click install
- Then the drone will automatically restart
To downgrade firmware in DJI go 4
Press and hold the menu icon (three horizontal lines in the top right corner) for five seconds and a special firmware menu appears. You can now select which previous firmware version you would like to downgrade to. Check it out.
4. Factory reset your drone and controller
Before changing the ESC to make sure it is not a software problem you are having try factory resetting the drone.
- First, Install the DJI Assistant 2 Program on your device, make sure you download the proper one.
- Connect your drone to your laptop using the USB cable provided, and wait for the software till it detects your drone
- You’ll be able to see your drone on the Connected Devices screen. Select your drone and then click on confirm.
- Click on Firmware Update. After that, you’ll be able to see the “Restore factory defaults” button.
- Click on the factory reset button and then confirm when you are asked to confirm the reset. A progress bar will pop up showing the progress of the reset. You’ll be notified when the reset is complete.
Note: After a factory reset you have to calibrate everything again.
You can also hard reset the controller
To reset the RC: Turn on the controller, the aircraft should be off. * Press C1, C2, and shutter (top right button nearest antenna) on the controller and hold for about 2 seconds or so until it beeps, then turn the controller off.”
5. Change the ESC
If none of the previous method work it mean it is not a software problem and the ESC should get replaced.
Note: by attempting to repair or replace a damaged part on your DJI drone it is very important to understand that you will void your warrenty!
Changing the ESC needs a little knowledge, and every drone is different that is why i recommend sending it to a professional to get it replaced
Final choice
If none of the methods fix it, you need to send it to a professional.
DJI care does include battery problems, so If you have DJI care there is a good chance you can get it fixed without any cost.
DJI can ask you to send the drone even if it is a battery problem
If you don’t have DJI care you might have to pay from $80 up to $200 depending on the situation
After you hand it to DJI it can take up to 15 days till they fix it and send it back to you, and it can take longer if you don’t live in the united states
If you are located in Armenia, you may contact the local dealer or DJI’s support via email to start a case and send the unit back.
