Noritz Error Code 51: Fan Motor Failure

Severity
Warning
Type
digital display
Where to look
front panel
Estimated repair cost: $250 — $600 (parts + labor)
Warning: Your Noritz water heater's fan motor has failed, causing the system to shut down. This is not an immediate safety risk, but it does require professional repair.

How to Fix Noritz Code 51

  1. Check if the power switch is turned on and the circuit breaker is in the ON position
  2. Listen for any unusual noises coming from the unit, which could indicate a different issue
  3. Contact a licensed HVAC technician for a professional diagnosis and repair

How to Reset Noritz Code 51

  1. Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
  2. Turn off the gas supply valve.
  3. Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
  5. Turn the unit back on. If the error returns, the underlying issue needs repair.

Resetting clears the code from the display but does not fix the underlying fault. If the code returns after reset, proceed to the diagnostic steps above.

What Does Noritz Error Code 51 Mean?

The Noritz 51 error code indicates that the fan motor in your condensing tankless water heater has stopped working. This motor is responsible for drawing combustion air into the unit and exhausting the byproducts of combustion out. When it fails, the system automatically shuts down to prevent any potential safety hazards. This error is not typically caused by a simple power issue; it's usually due to a faulty motor or a problem with the motor's control circuit.

Common Causes

  • Fan motor failure due to wear and tear over time
  • Electronic control circuit failure, causing the motor to stop receiving power
  • Blockage in the venting system, causing the motor to overheat and fail
  • Incorrect installation or improper venting, leading to excessive motor strain

Diagnostic Steps

If... Check Expected
Error code 51 is displayed on the control panel Inspect the fan motor for any visible damage or blockages No visible damage or blockages
Fan motor appears undamaged Measure the resistance of the motor using a multimeter Resistance within the manufacturer's specified range (check your owner's manual)
Resistance is out of range Inspect the motor's control circuit for any signs of damage or open/short circuits No damage or open/short circuits

Applicable Noritz Models

Replacement Parts

Part OEM Number Est. Cost Where to Buy
Fan Motor Assembly NOR-100000026
Control Circuit Board NOR-100000035

Related Codes on Same Models

Other codes that affect the same Noritz model families as 51.

Code Description Severity
10 Flame Failure Warning
11 Ignition Failure Warning
12 Flame Loss Warning
14 Thermal Fuse Failure Warning
16 Over-Temperature Warning
29 Condensate Drain Issue Warning
31 Inlet Thermistor Failure Warning
32 Outlet Thermistor Failure Warning
33 Heat Exchanger Thermistor Failure Warning
43 Water Level/Neutralizer Issue Warning