Whirlpool cabrio error code f51 what does it mean?

Lefty, the code means a rotor position sensor error. The first thing you want to do is see if the basket turns freely by hand. I had one the other day where a dish towell was caught between the basket and tub giving the error. You will have to open the top by using a putty knife and pushing in on the clips on each side. They are strong clips so you have to use some force. The whole top will lift up. Next you will have to remove the tub ring. It just snaps off. If you don't find anything between them, then I would suspect the rotor sensor itself. At the factory they sprayed a protective coating on them and sometimes this causes the problem. You would have to tip the washer back. The motor cover comes off witha allen head, just pulls down. Now there is 4 screws that hold the motor in place. Once you drop them, the plastic cover protector will come down along with the motor so observe carefully where it mounts back up. The motor connector will be the 3 pronged harness on the right side of the motor. The rotor position sensor will be on the left. Snap the positon sensor in and out about 8 or 9 times to get the coating off. If this doesn't work, and you keep getting the error, you will have to order the position sensor. I have had to order the harness as well in some cases. Catriver.

I too was having the F51 error with my Cabrio Washer (model# WTW6700TW1). After some Googleing, I found the service technicians manual for this washer. Following the diagnostic steps in the manual, imagine my suprise when the manual said that nothing was wrong! The machine passed the automated and manual diagnostic tests. During the manual test, I would see all three lights turn on when I spun the basket by hand, and the washer would spin just fine at 23, 530, and 1000 rpm. However, there was a slightly different noise from the motor when spinning at 23 rpm and it had a hard time getting started at that speed, but the basket turned freely. There was no appreciable friction that I could feel.

Continuing with the diagnostic testing, I ran troubleshooting test #3: motor circuit. All measurements came out fine: Motor coils 30.5 ohms on all three phases. RPS Hall Effect sensors - 1.5K all three phases. Motor Thermistor 15.1K at 66 degrees F. So the wiring and hall effect sensors checked out. According to the tests, the Motor Controller board was the problem, but I wasn't buying it. Why would the RPS feedback work during the diagnostic tests but not during an actual wash cycle? And what is with the slow start of the basket?

With these questions in mind, I proceded to take the washer apart. It was very easy. All you need is a putty knife, a common screwdriver, and a 7/16" wratchet or wrench. I decided to take the basket out first to make sure that nothing was wrapped around the driveshaft. My wife has long hair and we have two cats, so there is always lots of hair on our clothes. To my suprise, there was no hair in the bottom of the tub. What was there though were three socks! Somehow the socks had managed to slip over the top of the basket and fall into the tub.

After removing the socks, I still wanted to check the RPS sensor and the motor roter/stator - again looking for hair that got sucked up inbetween the rotor and stator. All that is needed for this is a 1/4" allen and a 7/16" socket. After removing the rotor, I could tell everything was fine. No hair what-so-ever. The connection to the RPS was solid, didn't even feel the need to reseat the connector.

After putting everything back together, I have ran five loads tonight without a recurrance of the F51 error. I know this was a long story just to say there were socks between the tub and the basket, but I just wanted everyone to know that it may not be a problem with the washer after all. I highly recommend running the diagnostic tests for yourself to see if you actually need to have the machine serviced. Good luck!

CALL WHIRLPOOL! They are covering this problem (F51) parts and labor FREE...I called them @ 866-698-2538 today (12/2/09) with the same problem and I have owned the washer for almost 3 years with no extended warranty. They are sending a tech out tomorrow! Control board and sensor plus labor are authorized to be repaired free of charge to the consumer, the tech will determine if both will need to be replaced.

YES CALL WHIRLPOOL!! The are covering this problem!! parts and labor FREE!!! I called them too and YES IT'S TRUE! They are sending out a repair tech and covering the problem!! Because of the small town I live in the tech will come out December 17th but that's ok I have been dealing with this problem for so long another 2 weeks is NOTHING! Call them!!! 866-698-2538 :-)

I have had my Cabrio for 3 years now. Never had a lick of problems, I have been very pleased. Until the infamous F51 error code. It left me a bit disappointed, I was still able to use the washer, so it didn't leave me haging. I tried unplugging it a few times, didn't work. I went on line and read the complaints, comments, troublshooting solutions etc. I ended up being very informed, with a lot of good info. Let me share with you the phone number I came across on line, this number made all the difference. 800-253-1301-this number goes right to the "recall" department. I tried the 866-698-2538, the end results will be a toss up, all depends on who you talk to. I talked to 2 different people and received 2 different results. Until I came across the second number. It was a piece of cake from there. The parts and services are covered due to a 'quality issue problem', someone will be out in 2 days. Just keep in mind when you call, you can catch more bees with honey than with vineger. Good luck to you.

I had the F51 code, and this is what I found out after two new control boards (paid by Whirlpool). There is a Allen screw bolt on the very bottom of the tub that works itself out. Tip the washer back enough to get a 1/4 or maybe a little larger (I didn't have a measurement) Allen wrench, and tighten it. No more F51 code error out. The last tech that was here found it was loose and tightened it. He said on the newer models there is a more securely held nut there.

I just took some of your advice and called the 1-800 number because I keep getting an F-1 error message and we've had the machine for 2 years. I thought we were going to have to pay a hidious amount of money to get it repaired but NO we're not!! They are having a service man here in 2 days to repair it free of charge!! We didn't get an extended warranty either so I am very pleased with how they are taking responsibility for this problem. I take back all the foul names I was saying about Whirlpool and as long as they fix this problem, I'll buy their machines again. I love the way they clean clothes and save on water so this is a good thing. Thank you to all that replied here. And to all with this same problem, Call them!!! 866-698-2538

I like many others have purchased a whirlpool Cabrio washer (WTW6200SW3) and have experienced the dreaded F51 code, after having my washer for only about a year and a half, and also like many I didn't purchase the extended warranty, however I am pleased to say that whirlpool has really stood by their product by having my washer repaired completely at no cost to me. I would recommend that anyone that also experience this problem to call whirlpool at 1-866-698-2538, and they will send out a technician to evaluate and repair your washer, well atleast that was my experience when I called...I will also say be firm and don't let them try to get you to pay for anything, especially if you haven't had the washer for less than 4 years. I am another very satisfied whirpool customer...prior to this I had a whirpool washer that lasted 20 years, I know that they don't make things like they use to, but atleast whirpool continued to be a trusted name in appliances.

Just fixed mine, make sure tub rotates freely. if not there is something binding it, my case clothes that float or spin above rim and go under washer tub, unbelievable but true, pulled out two garments, wet and stinky, reassembled works great.whirlpool has a washer fault code list and you tube will show you how to open up the washer. took about 1/2 hour. Flushed with a little chlorine to get out sour water smell. Washer works great again.....so far.

I just called whirlpool and they are sending out a technician on friday (today is wednesday) They said there is no cost to me as this is a known issue and my machine is on the list. I hope it gets fixed the first time. I'm headed to a friends to wash the wet clothes that were in the washer when it broke!

I also got the F51 code on my Cabrio and just tightened the allen bolt on the bottom of the motor cover and it is running now. No Code.

We were having the same problem when I read that some people had found various pieces of laundry stuck between the basket and the tub - items which were causing the issue. I found an online video of how to open the washer top and check for such items. My husband and I worked together and, sure enough, found several items wedged between the basket and the tub. After removing these items, the washer worked perfectly.

I am on my third go-around with this issue. Glad I discovered the issues on the Web. In Jan 2010 we had a technician out on whirlpool's dime, both labor and parts, and he supposedly replaced the control board. The issues started more than a year before the washer finally malfunctioned completely. My washer is out of warranty.
Within one week it malfunctioned again, same F51 code. I called and rescheduled service. Then it started working so I cancelled. I guess hope springs eternal.
Problem began again. Technician out again. Whirlpool was called while he was here - said they would only pay for a replacement part if it was the SAME part. Said I would have to pay for labor (fixed rate 129.00).
Anyway the technician replaced the control board again, free of charge to us after we raised a bit of hell with whirlpool.
but I am here listening to the beep beep F51 code. Just called to have him back.
When the technician was here, he said we might need replacement of the wiring harness which is part of the rotary position sensor.
Now I see on other posts that the same things are discussed.
I am not paying a dime and I hope us Cabrio users get to a class action soon like calypso! I am sick of wasting itme on this, not to mention running loads of laundry and using water and detergent for loads that get half way done.
Power to the people!

I went to whirlpool.com and wrote to them about the F51 code I was getting. I told them the washer I has was older than a year but less than two years. They replied that as a goodwill gesture they would repair the machine at no cost to me. They then called a repair service of thier choice and set up a time for them to come out. All of this at no charge to me. Apparantly, they are getting a flood of these F51 problems and are trying to fix them with no hassle to the customer.

Call Whirled pool, there is a secret warranty for this
http://drsulak.livejournal.com/51390.html?view=53182&style=mine#t53182

Thank you for the input it was the sock in the tub

Thanks to everyone that posted. I pulled the inner tub out and found nothing and the self checks always completed. The f51 appears to be that the Allen nut on the bottom was very very loose. I tightened in 2 mins. I was about to buy an new shaft and bearings and Rps and maybe a motor unit or even buy a new washer. I've had the kenmore elite oasis for almost 15 years!!! The rust is really bad but it washes great!

NO ONE EXPLAINED THE F51 issue or recall and I have just spent over $600 on a new washer. We never received any info from any sales person or the tech on this being an issue with Whirlpool Do I have any recourse?
[email protected]

I found this info and THANK YOU everyone. My nut was so loose it was falling off. It took EIGHT turns to tighten it. Three loads run so far since then and no F51 errors. The washer has been making some strange noises from time to time, but always quit doing it so I never diagnosed the issue. I think it was the same cause--the bolt was so loose it was almost falling out and I'm sure the assembly was wobbling as it turned, especially with heavy loads.

My model is WTW6200VW0 which has the center agitator post (we bought it because you can set the water level which we need to do when making tie-dye items). The same fix worked. I had previously pulled out the tub and fished out a couple small items and cleaned it all out, including some mold. That solved the sometimes-sour-smell problem we've had, but that didn't solve the F51 problem until I also tightened the bolt.

I read all the blogs and really studied them...and after I was getting ready to dive in, I read to check the allen bolt holding on the rotor...guess what...that was it...now I'm an expert on the F51...

LOOKING AT THESE ANSWERS (31!) THERE IS ONLY ONE ANSWER! IT'S CALL SEARS AND HAVE THEM FIX THE MOTOR IN YOUR WASHER IS OUT! BIG JOB, VERY DETAILED TO FIX. IN JUST ONE ANSWER BLOCK HERE!

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/steven_b77d19396bfe2249

Tipping over and tightening the centre bolt with an Allen key worked for me, after the repair tech had replaced the panel with no improvement in F51 ! Thanks for sharing that pearl.

Got the f51 code a few days ago. Checked around the tub but there were no obstructions. Tipped back the machine and checked the allen head screw. Screw was very loose. Tightened it with an allen wrench and the machine ran with no more errors. Thanks for all of the info in the above posts.

F 51 can often be caused by customer over loading machine and getting clothes stuck between tubs. This requires removing inner basket to remove stuck clothes. If the tub will not come out, it may be necessary to use JTP2014B Cabrio Tub Removal Tool available through Jays Appliances, Inc 757-255-4444

Thanks to all posts here. I was ablt to fix my F51 error code just by tightening the screw at the bottom washer. Special mention to Eric Twiddy for detailed instructions and you tube videos. However, i found another problem, ridiculous rusting and is eating most parts of my washer. Called Customer Support and of course no support in that dept. Will call HQ and see if they will help. If not then i will be filing a complaint to the Better Business Bureau. Thanks to all and more power to the people!

I have had the F51 error 3 separate times. I researched the code on several sites. I first checked the RPS and the rotor bolts, everything checked out. Decided to pop the top off and look down the side of the tub. There are 2 metal clamps on the corners at the top seam. You have to use a lot of force to pop the top. I used a large flat tip screw driver (it almost feels like your going to break something) and pried the top open. Look down between the side wall and the outside of the tub. I have had a sock and 2 hand towels rolled up really tight that wedged between the top of the tub and the side. Removed the obstruction and it works fine. My suggestion to my wife was, dont overload the tub and this probably shouldn't happen again.

Excellent posts here! Here was my repair procedure after reading everyone's comments and using other links online (I have a Cabrio wtw6340ww0):

3 Easy Steps:

2 tools (1/4" allen wrench and a putty knife or skinny flat head screw driver).

1 person (anyone will do at any skill level)

$0

1) Run a code check (Youtube: http://youtu.be/yoCTzbl4FPs source: www.ApplianceAssistant.com )

Note: This procedure should only be followed/continued if Code F51 is the ONLY error code stored. F51 is the rotary sensor error code. Also, after the 88 code is flashed you can either allow the self diagnosis to run, to see if you get the same F51 code or multiple codes, or you can cancel the self diagnosis by pressing cancel.

2) Check for stuck clothing by opening the top. (just watch the first minute of Youtube video http://youtu.be/4908yfv3XUs source: Repair Clinic)
After watching the first minute of the video above, remove the white cover with all the dispenser reservoirs attached (all one piece & no tools required) Just unsnap the clear plastic connectors all around (I think there is one at each dispenser plus multiple others all around). Pull the lid out and/or push the clips in. Check that there are no clothing in between the tub and the washer and check to ensure that the washer spins freely by spinning the washer.

Note: Even if clothes were found to be stuck in between the tub and the washer, you should not ignore the next step.

3) Ensure bottom screw is tightened. You need a 1/4" allen wrench. (start watching at 2 minutes into the Youtube video http://youtu.be/4908yfv3XUs source: Repair Clinic)

Note: You don't have to tip the washer all the way down. In fact, I just pulled the unit out from the wall enough to tilt it back to gain access to the allen screw. I was able to tighten mine by at least 5 full turns before it started to get tight. (this is what fixed my F51 code problem)

You can repeat step 1) above to run a code check again and let the self diagnosis run all the way through.

If you get no codes after the self diagnosis test then you should be good to go at no cost!

Otherwise, the recommendation is to replace the the rotor sensor ($50) and possibly the control board ($200)! Plus labor if you don't want to do it yourself.

(Here is a video on how to replace these: http://youtu.be/L0p1VGSTzdU Source: Repair Clinic. You can also buy the parts from Repair Clinic)

It is strongly urged that you call Whirlpool and see if you can get them to pay for the parts and/or labor. I hear labor is usually around $150 and the parts are roughly $250, so chose parts if they will only cover one.

Here are some Whirlpool numbers to call:

Recall Department: 1-800-253-1301
Customer Service: 1-866-698-2538

Thanks and good luck!

I just had the same error f51code, when the technican came out he told me to call whirlpool directly to see about help with the cost to fix this, which was just shy of $500. The first person I got when I called said there was nothing they could do. After I calmed down I called back and asked for customer service directly. This person was very calm, seemed to know exactly what I was talking about, and immediately agreed to pay for the parts. What a relief! seems like you just need to keep trying till you get the right person

I got the F51 code and after reading the suggestions on this list it was an easy one to trouble shoot. the Drum tried turned when running without a load, it spun freely when turned by hand so no jams. I tipped it onto the front and there it was, one very loose allen bolt. Took off the housing and the 32mm locknut on the drum spline shaft was also loose. Lucky me, I have a 32mm thin wall socket, tightened that up and tightened the allen bolt. I put a line across the bolt and housing with a sharpie to see if it comes loose in the future.
Thanks everyone!

Not a big deal,F51 code on whirlpool cabrio washing machine,it requires few tools and it can be done in 30 minutes ,first if the symptom is it can hardly spin ,hearing like tag sound and retain water,this is how i did it,remove the water by opening the back plate ,make sure the unit is un plug and pull out water connection from the faucet, pull out the clamp spring on the drain outlet on the left bottom ,put a rubber matt or cardboard on the front floor of the machine put tape on the lead opening and pull the unit down control facing the floor,pull out the water pump by unscrewing 3 bolts remove all dirts on the drain out let and put it back including the rubber elbow hose and clamps,next pull out the motor hub by removing allen wrench bolts size 6 pull ,right on the center of the drive motor kind of a little bit hard due to magnet that grab the motor,then check the center nuts size 32 tighten it good by using socket wrench or bathroom tools thats available any where.put put back everything including the cover and test run the unit.

Thanks to others on here for their input - we have 4 yr old Cabrio put out a F51 late in the spin cycle out of the blue on a medium sized load. It was too late in the day for service help, and my wife had already moved the soaking wet clothes to the middle of the kitchen floor (thanks, honey) to help motivate me. So I followed several YouTube videos (sadly, there are many for Cabrio problems) to troubleshoot. After opening the top (whole top, not lid) and removing the tub trim piece (5 min job tops) I found a pair of soccer shorts, a washcloth, and a bleach eaten tank top trapped between the drum & tub. There was also excess gray water that hadn't properly drained. All of these were putting extra load on the drum motor (and causing the washer to stink, another indicator of something down in the cesspool under the drum), presumably keeping it from reaching target speed, which is what triggers the F51 fault. After running the drain & spin cycle to clear the old water, I was able to run the diagnostics cycle with no faults. We have since run more than 20 loads with no further issues.

Do what the very first guy said. Had set three years got F51 opened top and tads!!! A shirt jammed in there removed shirt wash cloths ten minute fix 300 dollars saved thank you for post

I have the same F51 error code for my Whirlpool. I calld whirlpool and they sent out a AE company technician to look at. The technician from AE was aweful. He tried to ripped me off. My wsher is still under 1 year warranty, but he said Whirpool will not cover for that. The cost is $132.00 for just to look at only. He did not do anything but reset and start and told me I have to pay.

I have the same F51 error code, but usually only on the Casual cycle (today it also appeared on Normal cycle). I had a Whirlpool authorized repair guy (from the Whirlpool web site) come over. He told me it would cost me $550 plus tax to replace the circuit board and sensor. He spoke with Whirlpool twice during the service call. He recommended I buy a new washer instead of repairing it. I was charged $96 for the visit. I was researching different washers when I thought to see if anyone else had this problem. I found this site and called the Whirlpool service department. As others have written, they set up an appointment to repair the washer at no cost to me ! Thank you Whirlpool and Fixya !!

I started getting the F51 error code on my cabrio washer. After visiting several sites, I found a solution blog from a guy who stated that since the error code had something to do with the the washer's sensor, try unplugging the washer like you would do with any electronic gadget and see if that would fix the problem. To my best luck i have not gotten the error code since then. It is a shot in the dark but it seems to have worked for me..... I hope I did not jinx myself.

Not having the same outcome as the guest above. Started a blog to serve as repository for my experience and the issue as a whole. http://cabriof51error.blogspot.com