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Common Fault Analysis and Troubleshooting of Micro DC Motors

July 4, 2025

Micro DC motors are widely used in household appliances, smart home systems, medical devices, automotive electronics, and robotics due to their compact structure, fast response, simple control, and high efficiency. As the market demands increasingly high-performance and miniaturized solutions, micro DC motors play an even more vital role in end products. However, during practical application, micro motors may experience failures due to environmental factors, prolonged operation, or improper use. This article outlines several common failures of micro DC motors, along with troubleshooting and maintenance suggestions to help users manage and maintain them more efficiently.



1. Motor Not Running

Possible Causes:

  • Power supply issues: Check whether the power supply is functioning properly and if the voltage meets the rated requirements of the motor.

  • Loose power connection: Inspect power cable terminals for secure and firm connections to eliminate potential contact failure.

  • Faulty reset switch: Examine the reset switch to ensure it hasn’t been triggered. If it has, attempt to reset it.

  • Severely worn carbon brushes: Open the rear cover to check if the carbon brushes are excessively short or broken. Replace if necessary.

  • Faulty limiter (mechanical stop): Inspect for mechanical jamming or loose components within the limiter mechanism.

  • Damaged magnets (magnet tiles): If the motor has experienced external pressure, dropping, or harsh environmental conditions, the internal
     permanent magnet tiles may crack or break. Debris from broken magnets can fall into the motor gap and cause jamming, resulting in the motor being unable to rotate.
  • Varistor (voltage-sensitive resistor) failure: A damaged varistor can lead to an internal short circuit in the circuit board or motor terminals, preventing the motor from receiving proper power and stopping it from running.
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2. Motor Runs Slowly or Lacks Power

Possible Causes:

  • Damaged bearings: Listen for abnormal noises or feel for resistance while the rotor spins. Replace aged or damaged bearings promptly.

  • Worn carbon brushes: Poor contact caused by brush wear can reduce current flow and lead to weak output.

  • Excessive friction resistance: Inspect gears and shafts for debris or lack of lubrication. Apply appropriate lubricant to reduce resistance.

  • Armature coil fault: Use a multimeter to check for continuity issues like open or short circuits in the armature windings.


3. Motor Overheats or Shuts Down Automatically

Possible Causes:

  • Overloaded motor: Compare the actual load with the motor’s rated capacity. If it’s overloaded, consider switching to a higher-power motor.

  • Worn carbon brushes: Besides poor conductivity, worn brushes can also accelerate heat buildup.

  • Cooling failure: If the motor includes a fan or cooling mechanism, ensure it is functioning correctly.

  • Unstable power supply: Over-voltage or under-voltage conditions can lead to overheating. Use a voltage regulator to stabilize power input.


4. Abnormal Noise During Operation

Possible Causes:

  • Worn or dry bearings: Improper bearing function can result in metallic friction noise.

  • Loose mechanical structure: Vibrations or unusual sounds may come from loosened motor housing, end caps, or fasteners.

  • Coil short-circuit: Short circuits in internal windings can cause electromagnetic vibration or buzzing. Prompt repair or replacement is advised.


Maintenance Recommendations

When performing diagnostics and maintenance on micro DC motors, it is advisable to follow the principle of “electrical check before mechanical check.” Start with the basics—power supply, voltage, and wiring—before moving on to internal components like brushes, bearings, and windings. Always turn off the power before disassembling or replacing any part, and follow safety protocols to prevent injury and further damage.



About Us | Guangdong Lihua Mechatronics Co., Ltd.

Guangdong Lihua Mechatronics Co., Ltd. specializes in the development and manufacturing of micro motors, with over 20 years of industry experience. Our products are widely used in massage devices, smart appliances, medical equipment, and robotics. With over 400 employees and 80% of production lines automated, we maintain strict quality control (certified by ISO 9001, IATF 16949, CE, ROHS) to deliver efficient and customized solutions for our clients.

Feel free to contact us for more technical support or product selection advice.

Sales Inquiry: sell02@hcsmotors.com 
Website: https://www.lihuamotor.com/   

Address: No.66,Chigang Road, Humen Town, Dongguan City ,Guangdong Province, China