New World E51 washing machine: what it means & what to check

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.

On these machines the main control board and the motor (BLDC) control card have to be running matched software. E51 is raised when the board reads software on the motor card that it doesn't recognise or that doesn't match, so it stops the cycle rather than driving the drum blind. It's an internal electronics fault, not something caused by your washing.

What E51 looks like on a New World washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a New World 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 card
A replacement board fitted that wasn't programmed for this model
Corrupted software after a power surge or brownout
Failed communication or a faulty motor control card

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 socket, leave it a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — this clears a one-off glitch
Check the machine is on its own socket and not through an extension lead or adaptor

Common questions about New World E51

What does E51 mean on a New World washing machine?

The machine's control board has found the wrong software on the motor control card, so it won't run the drum. On these machines the main control board and the motor (BLDC) control card have to be running matched software. E51 is raised when the board reads software on the motor card that it doesn't recognise or that doesn't match, so it stops the cycle rather than driving the drum blind. It's an internal electronics fault, not something caused by your washing.

Can I fix New World E51 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall socket, leave it a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — this clears a one-off glitch.
Check the machine is on its own socket and not through an extension lead or adaptor.

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

How much does it cost to repair New World 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 New World washing machine codes

All New World 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.

New World E51 error — washing machine