Error E51 in Electrolux washing machine

Error E51 — Description

Error E51 on Electrolux washing machines indicates a problem related to the drive motor or its electronic control (triac/relay) — commonly a short or malfunction in the motor circuit or the control board that drives the motor.

Possible causes

• Short circuit or failure of the TRIAC or relay on the electronic control board.
• Faulty motor components (worn brushes, damaged coils, faulty tachometer/hall sensor).
• Loose or damaged motor wiring and connectors.
• Burnt or damaged electronic board caused by motor fault.

Troubleshooting and diagnostic checks

Safety first: Disconnect the appliance from the mains before inspecting or working on electrical components. If you are not experienced with electronics, contact a qualified technician.

1. Reset and retest: Turn off power for a few minutes, reconnect and run a test cycle to rule out transient faults.
2. Visual inspection: Remove the control panel and inspect the electronic board, TRIAC, relay and wiring for burn marks, melted insulation or loose connectors.
3. Check TRIAC and relay: Using a multimeter or oscilloscope (if qualified), verify the TRIAC and relay operation on the control board. A shorted TRIAC often causes E51.
4. Inspect motor connections: Verify continuity and secure connections between the motor and electronic board. Look for corrosion or broken wires.
5. Test motor components: Check brushes, motor coils and the tachometer/hall sensor for wear or faults. Replace worn brushes and repair/replace damaged components.
6. Motor isolation test: If possible, disconnect the motor from the control board and run a dedicated motor test to confirm whether the motor or the control board is at fault.
7. Measure for shorts: Use a multimeter to test for short circuits between motor windings and to ground, and to check resistance values against specifications.
8. Replace confirmed faulty parts: If diagnostics confirm a broken component (TRIAC, relay, motor, brushes, sensor), replace the defective part and re-test the machine.

When to replace parts

Replace the specific component that diagnostics identify as defective. In many cases a shorted TRIAC indicates either a failed control board or an underlying motor fault; if the motor caused the TRIAC failure, you may need to replace both the motor (or its internal parts) and the damaged board. Always verify the root cause before replacing multiple expensive parts.

More tips and professional help

If after performing the checks above you cannot resolve the error, we recommend contacting Electrolux technical service or a qualified appliance technician. They can perform advanced diagnostics, safely test electronic components under load and carry out necessary repairs.

Other Electrolux error codes

For additional faults and troubleshooting guidance, consult the other Electrolux washing machine error codes available on this site or in your appliance documentation.