DJI gimbal errors 40002, 40011 and 40021 explained

DJI error code 40002 is "Gimbal stuck": DJI says the drone was powered on with the gimbal protector still on or the arms folded, or something is jamming the camera. Code 40021 is "Gimbal IMU data error", and DJI's fix is a gimbal calibration followed by an IMU calibration. Code 40011 also comes up on Mini drones; DJI hasn't published a separate article for it, so treat it as a gimbal fault and work through the same steps.

Error 40002: gimbal stuck

DJI's help center lists two causes:

1. The drone was powered on with the arms folded or the gimbal protector still fitted.
2. Debris is blocking the gimbal.

DJI's fix, in order:

1. If a microSD card is in the drone, remove it first.
2. Take off the gimbal protector and unfold all arms before powering on.
3. Power off, then gently turn the camera to each angle by hand. If you find debris, clean it out and restart.
4. If it's clean, restart and run gimbal calibration in DJI Fly.
5. If the error stays, send the drone to DJI.

Error 40021: gimbal IMU data error

The gimbal has its own motion sensor to keep the camera level. DJI says to:

1. Run gimbal calibration: in DJI Fly's camera view, ··· > Control > Gimbal Calibration > Auto, with the drone on a level surface.
2. Run IMU calibration: ··· > Safety > Sensors > IMU > Calibration. See DJI IMU error.
3. Remove the microSD card before calibrating if one is installed.

If both calibrations finish and the error returns, DJI asks you to send the drone in.

Error 40011 and other gimbal codes

DJI doesn't publish a public list of every numbered code. For 40011, or any other code that appears with a gimbal message, read the text next to it in DJI Fly and use the same order: protector off, arms unfolded, restart on a flat surface, check for grit, update firmware, then calibrate the gimbal and IMU. Note the code for DJI support.

Calibrating on Avata and FPV drones

On the Avata 2 and DJI FPV, gimbal calibration runs from the goggles: Settings > Control > Gimbal Calibration.

Things that cause repeat gimbal errors

• Storing the drone with the protector on, then forgetting it. Make removing it part of your preflight.
• Taking off from grass or sand, which gets into the gimbal motors.
• Third-party filters or lenses. DJI lists them as a cause of gimbal motor overload. Use filters made for your model.
• Knocks in a bag. A crushed gimbal arm won't calibrate.

When it needs repair

Start a repair if the error survives a clean restart, calibration and a firmware update, if the camera hangs crooked or buzzes, or if it began after a crash. DJI Care Refresh covers crash damage. For overload warnings without a code, read gimbal motor overloaded; for a stuck Mini, see Mini 3 gimbal stuck.

Related guides

• DJI "gimbal motor overloaded" error: causes and fixes
• DJI error 30008 and other 300xx flight errors
• DJI drone horizon tilted or gimbal not level: how to calibrate
• DJI Mini 3 gimbal motor overloaded or stuck: how to fix it
• DJI Mini 3 horizon not level: how to calibrate the gimbal
• DJI Mini 4 Pro gimbal motor overloaded or stuck: how to fix it

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