Kenmore Dryer Error Code E51

E51 on a Kenmore dryer indicates a motor relay failure. The motor relay, labeled RL2 on the electronic control board, has either become stuck open, stuck closed, or the wiring connected to it at the J3 connector is defective. Depending on the failure mode, the motor may run continuously or fail to start entirely.

You should not continue using the dryer when E51 is active. If the relay is stuck closed, the motor may run uncontrolled, which presents a risk of overheating. If the motor does not start, running a cycle will be ineffective anyway. Disconnect the dryer from power until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.

Repair costs depend on what needs to be replaced. If the issue is a wiring problem or a loose connector, the repair may only involve labor costs, typically ranging from $75 to $150. If the Electronic Control Board needs replacement, parts alone can range from $100 to $300 or more depending on the specific model, with additional labor on top of that.

It is possible to resolve E51 without replacing the control board if the root cause is a wiring problem rather than a failed relay. Check the wiring and connector at J3-1 and J3-2 for damage, loose pins, or corrosion first. If the wiring checks out and the motor behavior still points to relay failure, the control board will need to be replaced since RL2 is not a separate serviceable component.

A simple reset is unlikely to permanently clear E51 because the code reflects an actual hardware condition involving the motor relay or its wiring circuit. Even if a reset temporarily clears the display, the code will return as soon as the control board detects the same relay fault again. The underlying wiring or component issue must be corrected first.