E51
What code E51 means on a Zanussi washing machines, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
Zanussi E51 means: Motor power triac short circuited. The documented cause is: PCB fault the triac is a component on the control board. It may have failed independently or been damaged by a short circuit elsewhere in the motor circuit.
What E51 means
Motor power triac short circuited
The display shows E51 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by whitegoodshelp.co.uk
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| PCB fault the triac is a component on the control board |
| It may have failed independently or been damaged by a short circuit elsewhere in the motor circuit |
| Do not assume the motor itself has failed without testing the PCB first |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine and close the water tap before removing any panel. Water and mains electricity sit centimetres apart inside a washing machine. If the drum still holds water, drain it from the filter first — it can be scalding.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.
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Frequently asked questions
What does E51 mean on a Zanussi?
Motor power triac short circuited The documented cause is: PCB fault the triac is a component on the control board. It may have failed independently or been damaged by a short circuit elsewhere in the motor circuit. Do not assume the motor itself has failed without testing the PCB first.
Can I fix E51 myself?
It depends on the part involved: PCB fault the triac is a component on the control board. It may have failed independently or been damaged by a short circuit elsewhere in the motor circuit. Do not assume the motor itself has failed without testing the PCB first. Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does Zanussi use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 44 other codes for Zanussi on this washing machines. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.