F51
What code F51 means on a Kenmore washing machines, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: HIGH
Kenmore F51 means: Motor RPS failure. The documented cause is: The motor RPS (Rotor Position Sensor) detects the speed of the drive motor. Check to see if the basket spins freely. If not, then examine the drive system and eliminate the cause of friction.
What F51 means
Motor RPS failure
The display shows F51 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| The motor RPS (Rotor Position Sensor) detects the speed of the drive motor |
| Check to see if the basket spins freely |
| If not, then examine the drive system and eliminate the cause of friction |
| If the basket spins freely, unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the RPS and the main electronic control board |
| If the wire harness connections are okay, then the RPS will usually need to be replaced |
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 F51 mean on a Kenmore?
Motor RPS failure The documented cause is: The motor RPS (Rotor Position Sensor) detects the speed of the drive motor. Check to see if the basket spins freely. If not, then examine the drive system and eliminate the cause of friction. If the basket spins freely, unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the RPS and the main electronic control board. If the wire harness connections are okay, then the RPS will usually need to be replaced
Can I fix F51 myself?
It depends on the part involved: The motor RPS (Rotor Position Sensor) detects the speed of the drive motor. Check to see if the basket spins freely. If not, then examine the drive system and eliminate the cause of friction. If the basket spins freely, unplug the washer and check the wire harness connections between the RPS and the main electronic control board. If the wire harness connections are okay, then the RPS will usually need to be replaced 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 Kenmore use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 142 other codes for Kenmore 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.