Why is my split AC flap (louver) not moving?

A failed swing motor is a common reason a split AC's flap (louver) stops moving, gets stuck in one position or moves unevenly. The swing motor is the small 12V DC stepper motor in the indoor unit that turns the horizontal air-swing flap, driven by the indoor unit's PCB. Rule out the simple causes below first; if the motor is at fault, replace it with one that matches the part number printed on the old motor.

What does the swing motor do?

In a wall-mounted split AC, the flap along the bottom of the indoor unit is moved by a permanent-magnet stepper motor running on 12V DC from the indoor PCB. The motor is held by two screw lugs, and its D-shaped shaft fits into the flap's coupling.

What should I check before replacing it?

1. Swing is switched on. The flap only sweeps when swing is selected on the remote, and a parked flap looks just like a stuck one.
2. The flap is free. With the AC switched off at the mains, check that nothing is jamming the flap and that it still sits on the motor's shaft.
3. The motor is getting its drive. The indoor PCB feeds the motor 12V DC through a plug-in connector. A technician can check the connector and the PCB's output — if no drive reaches the motor, a new motor will not fix the flap.

If the flap is free and the drive reaches the motor but the flap still does not move, the swing motor is the part to replace.

How do I find the right replacement?

Match the part number printed on your old motor — for example 24BYJ48, MP24GA5, MP28VB, MP35EA, 20BYJ46, 30BYJ46 or 35BYJ46 — together with its connector and wire count. Motors of the 24BYJ48 / MP24GA type have 5 wires, but some models use 6, so the plug matters as much as the number. Our part-number guide explains how to read it, and the brand-wise guide lists the numbers seen for each AC brand.

Is a split AC swing motor 12V or 220V?

12V DC. Every brand-specific split AC indoor swing motor listing we checked was 12V DC. 220V AC synchronous swing motors do exist, but mainly in window and tower ACs, and they are a different part.

Can I fit it myself?

We recommend having a qualified technician fit it. Switch the AC off at the mains before the indoor unit is opened.

Order, or ask us first

Swing motors for LG, Samsung, Voltas, Daikin, Blue Star, Hitachi and more are on our AC swing motors page — order the one for your AC from its product page. Not sure which one fits? Send us a photo of your old motor and we will confirm the right one before you order. Questions? WhatsApp +91 94286 15666 or call +91 94286 15666 — Shreeji Refrigeration, IOC Road, Chandkheda, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424.