--- title: What to do when the Z motor doesn't move (BCN3D Sigmax) description:     This article will help you if the Z axis motor isn't working or doesn't make any sound. Here are some guidelines to follow to locate and solve this issue.   1. To check the Z motor, first turn off --- [Skip to content](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/z-motor-doesnt-move-bcn3d-sigmax#main-content) - [English](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/z-motor-doesnt-move-bcn3d-sigmax) - [Español](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/z-motor-doesnt-move-bcn3d-sigmax) English Show submenu for translations [Contact support](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Customer portal](https://support.bcn3d.com/repair-service?hsLang=en) ![knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png\]](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Header/knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png?height=40&name=knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) - - [English](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/z-motor-doesnt-move-bcn3d-sigmax) - [Español](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/z-motor-doesnt-move-bcn3d-sigmax) English Show submenu for translations - [Contact support](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Customer portal](https://support.bcn3d.com/repair-service) - [BCN3D forum](https://www.bcn3d.com/community/) [BCN3D forum](https://www.bcn3d.com/community/) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge base - BCN3D](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Sigma + Sigmax](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-sigmax?hsLang=en) 3. [Troubleshooting](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-sigmax?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) # What to do when the Z motor doesn't move (BCN3D Sigmax)   | **Tools** | | | --- | --- | | ![allen-icon](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Tools/allen-icon.png?width=21&name=allen-icon.png) | > Allen  1.5mm | | ![phillips-screwdriver-01](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Tools/phillips-screwdriver-01.png?width=75&name=phillips-screwdriver-01.png) | > Philips Screwdriver | ---   This article will help you if the Z axis motor isn't working or doesn't make any sound. Here are some guidelines to follow to locate and solve this issue.   **1.** To check the Z motor, first turn off the printer and unplug it from the power outlet. | ![sigmax-turn-off-1](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Sigma-Sigmax%20R19/Apagar%20impresora/sigmax-turn-off-1.png?width=394&name=sigmax-turn-off-1.png) | ![sigmax-turn-off-2](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Sigma-Sigmax%20R19/Apagar%20impresora/sigmax-turn-off-2.png?width=388&name=sigmax-turn-off-2.png) | | --- | --- |   | **2.** Remove the central bottom cover to access the Z motor driver board. | ![screw-icon](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Tools/screw-icon.png?width=18&name=screw-icon.png)**x2 M3 8mm** ![screw-icon](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Tools/screw-icon.png?width=18&name=screw-icon.png)**x2 sheet metal** | | --- | --- | ![sigmax-inner-cover-1](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Sigma-Sigmax%20R19/Retirar%20paneles/sigmax-inner-cover-1.png?width=560&name=sigmax-inner-cover-1.png)   **3.** Check if the Z motor cable is properly connected to the driver ![driver-z-motor](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Sigma-Sigmax%20R19/Z%20motor%20doesnt%20move/driver-z-motor.png?width=560&name=driver-z-motor.png) **4.** Check if the Z flat cable is properly connected to the driver and to the mainboard. ![driver-z-motor-flat-cable](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Sigma-Sigmax%20R19/Z%20motor%20doesnt%20move/driver-z-motor-flat-cable.png?width=560&name=driver-z-motor-flat-cable.png) **Tip:** Check out this article to properly check the flat cable connections: [Flat cable connection.](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/check-flat-cable-connections-bcn3d-sigmax?hsLang=en)   **5.** If all the cables are properly connected, swap the extruder motor driver with the Z motor driver to see if the motor responds with a new driver.  Check these articles to know how to do this swap: [Extruder motor driver](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/change-extruder-driver-bcn3d-sigma?hsLang=en) ![swap-drivers-1](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Sigma-Sigmax%20R19/Z%20motor%20doesnt%20move/swap-drivers-1.png?width=560&name=swap-drivers-1.png) **Conclusions** If swapping the Z axis driver for the Extruder motor one makes the motor work again, you should consider getting a new one to replace it.    #### [Forum Community](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-forum-community?hsLang=en) This article doesn't fix your issue? Check out our [**forum community**](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-forum-community?hsLang=en) for more info about this   It's important to keep your printer in good shape to make the most out of it. In this chart, you can find a list of the extruder maintenance procedures and how frequently these should be done. [Maintenance Plan](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/maintenance-plan-bcn3d-sigmax?hsLang=en)   ![bcn3d-recycle](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Tools/bcn3d-recycle.png?width=27&name=bcn3d-recycle.png)  Take your e-waste to a certified recycler. [Check how we do it in BCN3D.](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/environment-bcn3d?hsLang=en)   | **Parts** | | Buy these parts | | --- | --- | --- | | ![driver-epsilon-bcn3d](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Epsilon/Epsilon%20Componentes/driver-epsilon-bcn3d.png?width=107&name=driver-epsilon-bcn3d.png) | BCN3D Sigma/Sigmax YZE stepper driver board kit | [SKU 11931](https://www.bcn3d.com/product/driver/) |   | --- #### RELATED ARTICLES | | --- | | [![check flat cable eng](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Related%20Articles%20English/check%20flat%20cable%20eng.png?width=600&name=check%20flat%20cable%20eng.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/check-flat-cable-connections-bcn3d-sigmax?hsLang=en) | [![check mainboard fuse eng](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Related%20Articles%20English/check%20mainboard%20fuse%20eng.png?width=600&name=check%20mainboard%20fuse%20eng.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/mainboards-fuse-bcn3d-sigmax?hsLang=en) | | --- | --- |   | **You can help improve the BCN3D Knowledge Base.** If you feel there are guides that we are missing or you found any error, please use this form to report it. **[Report form](https://share.hsforms.com/1F7t1sBuOQyWlAeRwwFSjgQ3fec5)** :) | | --- | - 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