The meaning of E51 depends on the machine: board or software on the front loader, communication on the washer dryer.
Model compatibility: Fisher & Paykel reuses codes across series and model years, so E51 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
E51 is an electronic board or software error on the Flexidose front loader and a communication error on the washer dryer.
Two Fisher & Paykel support articles list E51, and they do not label it the same way. Which label applies comes down to the type of washer in your laundry room.
Quick comparison
Machine
Label for E51
What the article asks for
Flexidose front loader (WH8060J5)
Electronic board or software error
Power off at the supply for 30 seconds, restart, book a service repair if it comes back
Washer dryer
Communication error
Book a service repair and quote the code
Flexidose front loader
In this article E51 sits in the group of electronic board or software errors. Fixing it means switching the machine off where it receives power, leaving it for 30 seconds and starting it again. Should the code show up once more, the article moves on to a service repair booking. Within the list of error codes, the door lock code E1 is the only one handled differently.
Washer dryer
The washer-dryer article lists E51 on its communication error line, next to E50, E52, E53, E56, E5D and E5. Codes that come without a listed remedy are all sent to a service repair booking, and the article suggests quoting the code to speed that up.
A simple way to proceed
Check whether you have a front loader washer or a washer dryer.
On the front loader, do the 30-second power-off one time.
On the washer dryer, go directly to booking.
Write the code down before you call.
Gaps in the articles
No circuit board, wire or sensor is named in either one. Neither explains how E51 differs from E52 or E5, and part names do not appear at all.
Codes listed alongside E51
E52: sits in the same two lines of the same two articles
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Fisher & Paykel appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
