Troubleshooting Y Motor Errors on the MiSeq

The following MiSeq Y motor errors usually stop the run and indicate communication problems with the stage or problems with stage hardware:

  • Y Motor: Closed-loop move cannot reach target position: Start = 75.4150390625 mm, Target = 75.40472 mm, Distance = -0.0103190625000025 mm, Stopped at 74.42236328125 mm, ExceptionMessage =

  • The FPGA reported an error while executing command "YMVTO 154429"; error message: "Error: too many steps needed"

  • Error: Timeout of 60.000 seconds exceeded while waiting for FPGA command "YMVTILE 1327" to complete

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Perform the post-run wash, if the run stops or after the run is completed.

  2. Power cycle\* the MiSeq.

  3. If no issues with re-initialization, perform the Y Stage test 5 times.

  • Make sure that a used flow cell is loaded on the instrument (the same wash flow cell should be okay).

  • Select Y Stage test.

    • MiSeq Control Software (MCS) v 4.0: From Main Menu, select System Check.

    • MCS 3.1 and older: From Welcome Screen, select Manage Instrument, select System Check.

  • Follow the prompts on the screen to start the test, and repeat the test 4 more times (5 times total).

  1. If all Y Stage tests pass continue with normal sequencing.

  2. If the system fails to initialize or any of the 5 replicates of the Y Stage test fail, contact Illumina Technical Support for further assistance.

For further information, search for the following Knowledge Base articles:

  • \*How to Shut down or power cycle the MiSeq.

  • *\How To Power Cycle the MiSeq Video.

  • System Checks on MiSeq.

For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #1452), contact Illumina Technical Support techsupport@illumina.com.

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