Drone

How to Fix a Drone Propeller That Won’t Spin

Posted on by digital
How to Fix a Drone Propeller That Won't Spin
30
Apr

Drone propellers rely on multiple components working in sync to spin properly, and even small issues can interrupt their function. To troubleshoot the issue, ensure the battery is fully charged and properly connected. Next, check the propeller for debris or damage. Replace it with a functional one and see if the motor responds. 

Clean the motor area to remove debris and check the wiring for loose or broken connections. Recalibrating the drone’s sensors can also fix syncing problems, repair the faulty ESC, or resolve software problems. If everything else fails, reset the drone or replace any damaged parts. Trying these solutions to fix your drone not spinning can help you restore its performance and operation.

Causes of a Drone Propeller Not Spinning

These are the main causes behind a drone propeller not rotating:

  1. Low or Dead Battery: If the battery is extremely low or dead, it won’t provide sufficient power to the motors. 
  2. Faulty Motor: The motor that spins the propeller might be burned, jammed, or internally damaged.
  3. Damaged or Misaligned Propeller: If a propeller is bent, broken, or not properly mounted, it can jam the motor or prevent it from spinning freely.
  4. Electronic Speed Controller Failure: Each motor is driven using an ESC. If the ESC fails, the paired propeller will not receive power or speed signals.
  5. Loose or Disconnected Wires: Internal wires between the motor and ESC might get disconnected or broken, particularly after a crash or rough landing.
  6. Debris Around the Motor: Dust, hair, or small objects can become lodged around the motor shaft, preventing it from spinning.
  7. Drone Not Calibrated Properly: Miscalibration of the drone’s gyroscope or compass will cause one or more motors to fail.
  8. Software Glitches: Old software disturbs the motor operation, causing problems with the propeller spinning.

Ways To Fix Drone Propeller That Is Not Spinning

Try these solutions to fix the drone rotation problems:

1. Verify Battery Status

A weak or improperly connected battery can not provide enough power to the propellers.

  • Make sure to charge the battery to the maximum level.
  • Insert it correctly and lock it in place.
  • If your drone uses a removable battery, remove and reinsert it to ensure proper contact and power flow.

2. Check Physical Damage

If a propeller is bent or cracked, it can be jammed or imbalanced, preventing it from spinning.

  • Take off the propeller and inspect for visible cracks, chips, or bends.
  • Remove any dirt, grass, or hair trapped around the shaft.
  • Ensure that the propeller is aligned the right way.
  • Reinstall correctly, but be careful not to overtighten.

3. Change the Propeller

If a propeller won’t spin, replace it with a new one. If the problem goes along with the propeller, then it’s probably a propeller issue. If replacing the propeller solves the issue, the original was likely faulty. If not, the motor or its controller may be the problem.

4. Clean Around the Motor

Dust or small particles can obstruct motor movement.

  • Use compressed air to blow out any debris.
  • Using your hand, slowly turn the motor shaft to see if anything is jammed. If it seems stuck or gritty, clean the area again or apply a small amount of motor-safe lubricant.

5. Check the Motor Wiring and Solder Joints

The internal wiring issues generally cause the motor to fail.

  • Carefully open the drone casing.
  • Check for loose, disconnected, or burnt wires.
  • Look for cracks or corrosion on solder joints.
  • If you’re uncomfortable about electronics, resolder loose joints or consult a drone repair expert.

6. Calibrate the Gyro and Compass of Your Drone

A drone balances and coordinates its motor speeds via sensors. Proper calibration ensures the drone’s internal sensors function correctly, which affects motor behavior.

  • Run a calibration using your drone’s app or controller.
  • Recalibrate both the gyroscope and compass as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Detect a Defective ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)

The Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) regulates motor power. If it fails, the motor won’t spin. Some drones have ESCs within the mainboard, while others have them on separate points. Replacing a faulty ESC is typically a soldering job and requires technical expertise.

8. Software Update 

There are software bugs that can cause the malfunctioning of the drone motors.

  • Open your drone’s app or control software.
  • Look for firmware updates and install any available updates.
  • After the update, reboot your drone and test again.

9.  Factory Reset

Occasionally, a reset clears out all errors or corrupted settings.

  • Check your app or user manual for instructions on how to do a factory reset.
  • Then, re-pair your controller after the reset and calibrate again.
  • This solution helps to clear software problems that may affect motor function.

Conclusion

If your drone propeller is not spinning, try these steps: examine the battery and check the propeller for damage. You can test and clean the motor, then test the internal wiring for flow issues. Recalibration of the drone can fix the motor coordination, and checking the ESC and updating the software can solve spinning problems. 

If the issue persists, a factory reset may be useful, or the damaged part may be replaced as a final solution. Understanding how to fix a non-spinning drone propeller helps you enjoy smoother and safer flights. At Cell N Tech , our skilled technicians fix your drone with care and precision to restore its performance.

 

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