What the SRVO-023 alarm means

While the axis was supposed to hold position, the position error exceeded the limit - the axis drifted or was pushed away from its commanded position. This is one of the faults our repair team handles most often — the cause is usually identifiable within the first on-site inspection.

Most common causes

  • Brake failure or worn brake (gravity sag on J2/J3 is classic)
  • External force or collision while stopped
  • Mechanical binding or excessive friction
  • Wrong payload setting
Field note: the first item on this list is what we find most often on real machines. Check it before you go deeper.

Step-by-step field fix

  1. Check if the axis sags when servo is off - if yes, suspect the brake
  2. Verify payload/arm load settings are correct
  3. Inspect gearbox and bearings for binding
  4. Push-test the axis by hand with brake released to feel for abnormal resistance
Safety first: never bypass safety circuits or force contactors closed. If the alarm involves E-stop chains or servo power, and you are not a trained robot technician, contact a professional — wrong moves here can cost you a robot or an injury.

Still stuck? Get an engineer on the phone — right now

Tell us the alarm code, the robot model and what was happening when the alarm came up. Our engineers run these diagnostics every day, and remote diagnosis by phone or video call is free.

Get a Free Remote Diagnosis See Repair Services

Hotline: +86-20-39029800 · WhatsApp: +86-188-1886-2860

Related Servo & Drive alarms

SRVO-021 — SRDY Off (Group / Axis) SRVO-024 — Move Error Excess (Group / Axis) SRVO-043 — DCAL Alarm - Discharge Alarm SRVO-044 — HVAL Alarm - High Voltage SRVO-045 — HCAL Alarm - High Current SRVO-046 — OVC Alarm - Overcurrent (Average)
Other brands: see our KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa and Universal Robots field-fix libraries — or the full 10-brand hub.

Frequently asked questions

QWhat does the FANUC SRVO-023 alarm mean?

While the axis was supposed to hold position, the position error exceeded the limit - the axis drifted or was pushed away from its commanded position. In field practice it belongs to the servo & drive family of faults.

QCan I clear a FANUC SRVO-023 alarm myself?

Sometimes. Follow the step-by-step checks on this page — start with the first cause listed, which is what we find most often in the field. If the alarm returns after two attempts, or the fault involves power/safety circuits, stop and call a qualified robot service engineer.

QHow fast can a Henghuan engineer help?

On-site response in the Pearl River Delta within 30 minutes to 3 hours, across mainland China in 1–3 business days, and worldwide within 2–5 business days. Remote diagnosis by phone/WhatsApp/video is available immediately.

Written by the Henghuan Robotics repair team from field service experience. Alarm descriptions are our own summary for troubleshooting reference and may vary by controller version — when in doubt, check your FANUC documentation or contact us. Henghuan is an independent service provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by FANUC.