The Complete DJI Matrice 4T Plus Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide

Proper maintenance is the cornerstone of safe and reliable drone operations. As a Infrastructure Inspector, I understand that equipment downtime directly impacts zoom detail for power lines and bridges, RTK precision, and anti-interference. This guide is designed to be a practical reference for keeping your DJI Matrice 4T Plus in peak condition and quickly resolving common issues.

The Importance of Preventive Maintenance

Every flight subjects your DJI Matrice 4T Plus to mechanical stresses, environmental exposure, and electronic demands. A proactive maintenance routine prevents minor wear from becoming major failures. It also ensures that every flight is as safe and predictable as the first. Think of maintenance not as a chore, but as an investment in operational reliability and longevity.

The cost of preventive maintenance is a fraction of the cost of reactive repairs, not to mention the operational disruptions caused by unexpected failures.

Pre-Flight Checklist (Before Every Flight)

Develop the habit of running through this checklist before you arm the motors:

Propellers: Inspect for any chips, cracks, or warping. Ensure they are securely attached. Even minor damage can cause vibration or, in worst cases, failure in flight.
Battery: Verify the battery is fully charged (or to the appropriate level for the mission), properly seated, and free of swelling or damage. Check the charge cycle count if your system tracks it.
Gimbal and Camera: Remove the protector. Check for smooth movement and a clean lens. A single speck of dust on the lens can ruin an entire mission's worth of data.
Obstacle Sensors: Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Dirty sensors can cause false positives and aborted autonomous flights.
Firmware: Ensure the drone, controller, and batteries are on the latest firmware version before critical missions. Updates often include important bug fixes and performance improvements.

Post-Flight Routine

After each flight session:

Clean the airframe with a soft brush or low-pressure compressed air to remove dust and debris. Pay special attention to motor vents and sensor apertures.
Wipe down the sensor lenses with a dedicated lens cloth. Never use paper products or rough fabrics.
Inspect the motors for foreign debris. A single strand of grass in a motor bearing can cause premature failure.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place. If not flying for more than 3 days, set them to storage charge (typically 50-60%). This extends battery lifespan significantly.

Monthly Deep Maintenance

At least once a month, or every 25-30 flight hours:

Motor Inspection: Spin each motor by hand. There should be no grinding or excess resistance. Listen for any unusual sounds.
Landing Gear and Arms: Check for cracks, loose screws, or any signs of structural compromise. Vibration can cause fasteners to loosen over time.
Calibrations: Perform IMU and compass calibration in an environment free of magnetic interference. This ensures the DJI Matrice 4T Plus's flight controller has accurate baseline data.
Firmware Audit: Check for any available updates and read the release notes before applying. Some updates may change flight characteristics.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: GPS signal is weak or unstable.

Ensure you are in an open area away from tall buildings and metal structures. GPS requires a clear view of the sky.
Wait longer for the GPS to acquire more satellites before taking off. Don't rush the initialization process.
Check for any firmware updates that may address GPS module performance.

Issue: Video transmission is choppy or laggy.

Reduce the transmission resolution in the app settings. Lower resolution = more reliable transmission.
Ensure the antennas on the controller are pointed towards the drone. Antenna orientation matters significantly.
Check for sources of RF interference (e.g., power lines, other wireless equipment). Move to a different location if necessary.

Issue: Drone drifts in ATTI mode or when GPS is lost.

Perform a fresh IMU calibration on a stable, level surface. Ensure the surface is truly level—use a bubble level if available.
Recalibrate the compass away from any metallic objects. Metal structures and vehicles can severely affect compass readings.
Check propeller balance and condition. Unbalanced props cause vibration that affects sensor readings.

Maintenance Schedule Summary

Frequency	Action
Every Flight	Pre-flight check, propeller & battery inspection
Post-Flight	Cleaning, battery storage
Monthly	Deep inspection, motor check, calibration
Annually	Professional service and comprehensive inspection

When to Seek Professional Service

While many maintenance tasks can be performed by the operator, certain issues require professional intervention. If you experience persistent flight anomalies, physical damage to the airframe, or electronic malfunctions, contact an authorized service center. Attempting complex repairs without proper training can void warranties and create safety hazards.

Conclusion

A well-maintained DJI Matrice 4T Plus is a reliable partner in the field. By adhering to this schedule, you protect your investment and ensure every mission is safe and successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should propellers be replaced? A: Replace propellers every 200-250 flight hours, or immediately upon any visible damage, whichever comes first.

Q: Can I use non-OEM batteries or parts? A: For the DJI Matrice 4T Plus, using only genuine manufacturer parts is strongly recommended to ensure compatibility, safety, and warranty coverage.

Q: What should I do if the drone gets wet? A: Power off immediately, remove the battery, and allow the unit to dry completely in a warm, dry environment for at least 48 hours before attempting to power on. If submerged in saltwater, professional cleaning is essential.

Need professional maintenance or have a complex issue? Reach out to our support team.