Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart and SmartDrive Eco Code 51: recirculation valve draining water

What 51 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart/EcoSmart top-load washers such as the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, code 51 is a recirculation valve error: the water level drops during recirculation because water drained away instead of being recirculated. On SmartDrive Phase 5 and 6 Eco models the same number names the diverter valve. The cycle stops and 51 shows. It appears mid-cycle, often after water level falls.

Common causes of 51

Recirculation (diverter) valve letting water drain instead of recirculating
Valve not seating or closing properly
Valve wiring or control output problem

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Turn the washer off and check that the drain hose is not siphoning, meaning it is not pushed too far into the standpipe. 2. Switch off the breaker for one minute and restore power. 3. Run a short cycle with a small load. 4. If 51 returns, call us.

! Why to stop there

The valve sits inside the cabinet in the water path.
A test is needed to tell a bad valve from a bad control.
We quote in writing first and add a 30-day workmanship warranty.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Washer codes

KEY LOCFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "KEY LOC": control panel is locked no tAPFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "no tAP": water not reaching the washer out OF bALFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "out OF bAL": load needs rebalancing Sud LOCFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "Sud LOC": too many suds, washer paused 240Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 240: Hall sensor out of order Err + numberFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Display "Err" With a Number: washer stopped with an error code 241Fisher & Paykel EcoSmart Code 241: display function time-out 242Fisher & Paykel SmartDrive Phase 6 Code 242: out-of-Balance warning

5151 questions

What is recirculation in my washer?

The washer pumps wash water from the bottom back over the clothes. Code 51 says the water level fell during that step because the water drained instead.

Is the diverter valve the same part?

On SmartDrive Phase 5 and 6 Eco models the code names the diverter valve. It does the same job of sending water either to the drain or back to the tub.

Can the drain hose cause it?

A hose pushed too deep can siphon water out, so check it. If the hose is correct and 51 returns, the valve needs a technician.