Montpellier E51 washing machine: what it means & what to try

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What E51 actually means

The machine's control board has found the wrong software on the motor control card, so it won't run the drum.

E51 means the motor control board (the BLDC card that drives the drum) is running software the main control board doesn't recognise or accept as a match. Because the two boards can't agree, the machine stops rather than spinning the drum blind. It's almost always down to the electronics rather than anything you've done with the wash.

What E51 looks like on a Montpellier washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Montpellier washing machine, E51 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
Turns one way only
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening
Programme won't start

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

What usually causes it

Wrong or mismatched software on the motor control board, often after a board has been replaced
A board fitted that isn't the correct version for this model
Corrupted software on the motor or main control board
A failed motor control board

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — this clears the odd one-off glitch
If the machine has recently had a repair or a replacement board, mention it when you call, as the wrong part or software version is the usual cause

Common questions about Montpellier E51

What does E51 mean on a Montpellier washing machine?

The machine's control board has found the wrong software on the motor control card, so it won't run the drum. E51 means the motor control board (the BLDC card that drives the drum) is running software the main control board doesn't recognise or accept as a match. Because the two boards can't agree, the machine stops rather than spinning the drum blind. It's almost always down to the electronics rather than anything you've done with the wash.

Can I fix Montpellier E51 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — this clears the odd one-off glitch.
If the machine has recently had a repair or a replacement board, mention it when you call, as the wrong part or software version is the usual cause.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Montpellier E51?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing E51?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washing machine faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Other Montpellier washing machine codes

All Montpellier fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Montpellier E51 error — washing machine