Willow 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 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 E51 looks like on a Willow washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Willow 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

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

Common questions about Willow E51

What does E51 mean on a Willow washing machine?

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.

Can I fix Willow E51 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

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.

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

How much does it cost to repair Willow 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 Willow washing machine codes

All Willow 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.

Willow E51 error — washing machine