Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code F51: Troubleshooting Guide

The Whirlpool Cabrio washer error code F51 got me worried for three reasons.

• First, I couldn’t complete my washing cycle.
• Second, I prayed that the control board wasn’t the problem
• Third, I wasn’t ready to buy a new washer in case I couldn’t repair the washer.

Diagnosing and troubleshooting my Whirlpool Cabrio washer gave me relief.  I wasn’t going to spend more than $200 on a new board. 

In fact, I had a fault agitator that was causing error code F51 on my Whirlpool Cabrio washer. I had to replace the agitator for my whirlpool washer to start working. The most challenging part about having Whirlpool Cabrio washer error code F51 is knowing how to diagnose properly and troubleshoot. It is something that takes time, and you have to be keen. 

The good news is that you can follow my laid-out process to find which part makes your washer flush out the F51 code.

Before we do that, let’s first understand what the code means and how it affects your Whirlpool Cabrio washer.

What is F51 Code on a Whirlpool Cabrio Washer

F51 on a whirlpool Cabrio washer means failure of the control board to sense the motor rotor or a connection failure between the control board and the motor rotor. 

The failure leads to the wrong rotation of the drum because the rotor position ensures it is relating incorrect data to the control board, triggering error code F51 on a whirlpool Cabrio washer. 

The cause of this error includes overloading, defective motor rotor position, connection issues with the wiring harness, faulty board, and even corrosion. When the main board fails to receive the right resistance from the motor circuit, it could mean you have a faulty rotor position sensor.

During the diagnosis of the whirlpool Cabrio washer error code F51, you must check part of the in the right order. Here’s why? Each component has a high chance of triggering the F51 error code. First, you’ll have to rule out any software glitch the machine may have. Here’s how to do it.

• Unplug  the Whirlpool Cabrio washer from the power socket and cut off the water supply
• Wait for five to ten minutes for the washer to correct the error
• Put the power cord back and start a new wash cycle

Two results will come out. 

First, if you have a software glitch, you won’t see error code F51. Second, you’ll receive an error code if the issue is serious.

After, the confirmation, move to the next part to diagnose different parts and fix errors.

Also read: Whirlpool Duet Washer Error Code E01F06: What I Know So Far

How Do I Fix Error Code F51 on a Whirlpool Cabrio Washer

Ensure the washer isn’t overloaded.

Overloading the whirlpool washer makes it impossible for the rotor to spin the drum, triggering the F51 error code on a whirlpool Cabrio washer. 

Confirm if the washer is overloaded with clothes. The solution is to remove the clothes and redistribute them throughout the drum to balance the whirlpool washer. This involves some clothes from the washers. Here are some things you can do to avoid this in the future.

• Distribute large loads into small loads
• Ensure the load is not more than ⅔ of the whirlpool washer capacity to create room for the agitation process.
• Medium and large loads should be washed separately.
• Small items such as underwear, bras, shoelaces, etc., should be kept in a laundry mesh bag for easy washing into the washing machine.

Inspect the Agitator Assembly

The role of the agitator is to rotate and break soap and grime from clothes. 

The agitator makes back-and-forth motions to mix water with soap during the washing process. If the agitator fails to rotate, you’ll have to double-check that the sensor is depressed. If it fails to turn, you’ll receive the F51 code on a whirlpool washer. That should be an indication that the agitator is damaged and needs repairing.

An agitator will fail to rotate for several reasons, something obstructing the base of the agitator, the agitator coupler being broken, a faulty drive motor, and broken directional cogs. All these could be potential problems why you are getting error code F51.

The solution here is to inspect the agitator manually to see if items like clothes, socks, coins, and other small items are stuck at the bottom. Open the whirlpool Cabrio washer using the following instructions:

• First, turn the whirlpool Cabrio washer off
• Second, open the lid,
• Third, remove the top cover of the agitator
• Fourth, manually turn the agitator to see if something is blocking it at the bottom.
• Fifth, manually turn the agitator to see if something is blocking it at the bottom.
• Sixth, get the whirlpool Cabrio manually and follow the direction of removing the agitator.
• Seventh, check the agitator for signs of damage on its splines.

If you have a loose or damaged agitator, you’ll have to replace it. We recommend getting a new agitator from here for quick delivery. 

Rusty Deposit on Whirlpool Cabrio Drum

A working drum should turn well on this shaft. 

However, it gets stuck during corrosion, making the RPS sensor signal to the control board. With time, the drum loses its capacity to rotate, causing friction in the drive system, and triggering whirlpool Cabrio error code F51. The washer drum will rust because of corrosive cleaners, corroded metallic objects, and mechanical faults.

Signs that the drum is rusty. One is the discoloration of clothes. You’ll see your clothes have rust stains when you run a cycle. The rust particles will mix with water and seep deep into your clothes. Two brown flakes-brown or red-metal-looking chips can appear on the drum. 

Here’s what you can do to get rid of the rust in the washing machine drum.

• Step one, try to spin the drum and see if it rotates manually. Next, pull the drum to see if it has enough clearance for rotation.
• Step two, if the drum is stuck, disassemble the unit, and check for rust and dirt.
• Step three, remove any dirt and rust on the washing machine drum. If the drum is in bad condition, you may need to replace it.

When the washing machine drum rust is bad, we recommend you try this product from amazon. It’s affordable and removes rust from the washer’s drum quickly.

However, if the rust is not serious, vinegar and lemon juice should do the trick. If rust is still there after washing the drum, you’ll have to replace the drum or the whole unit. Make sure to check other parts, such as bearings and gaskets.

Check the Washer’s Voltage

The voltage will tell you whether you have a bad rotor position sensor. Before you do any test, you’ll have to be careful to avoid electrocution. Next, you’ll have to plug the washer into the socket. Here are the directions you’ll have to follow.

• Open the whirlpool Cabrio control panel. Do this by prying the washer’s dial parts. Next, use the screwdriver to lift the panel to access the central panel.
• Use a voltmeter to check the voltage. Place the voltmeter probe on the number 1 connection (purple) and one on the last connection, which is white.
• You’ll get a reading of 120 if things are okay. Next, inspect the red and white connection. Finally, examine the white and pink connection, which will have a reading of 120.

A reading that off means you’ll have to clean the connector of rust and reinstall the rotor again.

When you are done, you’ll have to start the cycle again. You’ll have to replace the RPS if the error F51 pops up again. We recommend getting your RPS from here for quick delivery.

Also Read: Whirlpool Duet Washer Code F01

Wiring connection between the hall sensor and the board

It’s vital to check for a damaged wire connection between the hall sensor and control board, triggering the F51  code. 

Before you rush to buy any replacement parts, check the wires. Here are the instructions.

• Please switch off the whirlpool Cabrio washer and disassembly it
• Check the wiring harness between the hall sensor and control board for signs of damage or burn marks. The wires are red, yellow, orange, and sometimes blue.
• If you notice wires that have sustained damage, fix them using a heat shrink to reconnect them.
• Replace the wires that are too old to repair with new ones.

With all these suggestions, you should be able to fix the washer or rule out the possibility of a bad connection.

Failed Board

If, after everything you have done, you still don’t fix the F51 code on a whirlpool Cabrio washer, then you have a faulty board. 

This should be the last part to check because it’s expensive to buy, and it’s the brain of the whirlpool Cabrio washer. Although it’s different from inspecting the board, you can usually check it for signs of damage, corrosion, or burn marks which should tell you that you have a  bad board.

You can visually inspect it for signs of wear, corrosion, or burn marks which should tell you that you have a bad board. It’s difficult to diagnose the board, so your best bet is to check if its components, such as transistors, capacitors, resistors, etc., are damaged or burn marks. 

If you have to test using a multimeter, you’ll have to test each component. If you are here to replace the control board, we advise contacting a qualified technician first. Use this site to get a new board.