What E51 actually means
The machine has found the wrong software loaded on the board that drives the motor, so it won't run a cycle.
E51 on a Willow washer is a software mismatch on the BLDC (motor drive) card — the control board is talking to a motor board whose programming doesn't match the model. It isn't a mechanical fault, so nothing is worn or blocked; the machine stops because it can't safely control the drum motor. In practice we see this after a board has been replaced or reflashed with the wrong version, or occasionally after corrupted software on the drive card.
What usually causes it
- A replacement motor drive board fitted with software for a different model
- Software on the drive card corrupted or partly written
- Main control board and motor board from mismatched versions after a previous repair
- A fault on the motor drive card itself
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 programme knob to the off position and leave it for a few seconds — this resets the machine and clears a one-off reading
- Switch off at the wall socket for a minute, then power up and try a short programme
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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 Willow washing machine codes
- Willow E01 — The machine can't confirm the door is locked, so it won't st…
- Willow E02 — The machine isn't getting enough water in, so it has stopped…
- Willow E03 — The machine can't get the water out of the drum, so it has s…
- Willow E04 — The machine thinks it has taken in more water than it should…
- Willow E05 — The machine can't get a sensible reading from the temperatur…
- Willow E06 — The machine has lost the signal that tells it how fast the d…
- Willow E07 — The washing machine's control board has lost or mismatched i…
- Willow E08 — The control board can't drive the drum motor properly, so th…