We got an f21 error code. What causes it and how can we fix it?

The F21 drain indicates a long drain. There are several reasons for the error. The most common causes are debris in the drain pump filter or excessive suds. If you aren't using HE detergent or if you use too much detergent, the excess suds may be the cause. First, remove the clothes from the washer. Try running the washer without adding more detergent.

To check the filter, you will need to unplug the washer. Next take off the bottom panel. Locate the drain pump and the adjacent filter. Have a bucket handy to catch the water from the pump. Open the filter and remove any foreign objects. Look into the pump and check for any objects that got past the filter. Remove anything that doesn't belong. See the cabinet and pump diagrams here: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/model-number/11049972602/0583/0153200.html to help you take apart the unit and locate the pump filter. Close up the filter and try running the washer (again no clothes and no detergent). If the error does not recur, you've solved the problem.

If the F21 error repeats, then the pump or the water pressure switch could be faulty. If water has been pumped out of the washer, then check/replace the switch. You should also check the wiring between the switch and the main control board.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

The F21 error on a Whirlpool Duet washer means the unit was draining slowly. This can be caused by a blocked outlet hose (kinked hose, for example), excessive suds from using non-HE detergent or too much detergent, blockages in the drain pump filter (coin catcher), or a problem with the pump.

You should be able to clear the error by pressing Pause/Cancel twice. Check your outlet hose. Then unplug the washer. Have a bucket handy to catch the water when you access the pump. Remove the toe panel from the bottom of the washer. There are three screws to remove; then you need to lift the panel slightly and pull it forward.Check the filter for foreign objects.

Test the washer by selecting a cycle and running it with no clothing or detergent. If the unit still fails, then the pump, pump motor or the pressure switch is bad. However, you should also check the wiring to the unit.

I hope this helps. Please add a comment with the model of your washer for specific directions and parts information.

Cindy Wells

The "F21" error code indicates it takes too long for water to pump out of the tub. This can be caused by using too much High Efficiency detergent or using too much of the wrong kind of detergent. This error code can also be caused by debris clogging the drain pump. Is the error continues after you clean the filter, then you will need to replace the drain pump with this new one.

Are you using the "HE" detergent? Also, don't use to much as it will cause the SUDS error.

An "F21" or "F02" error code is indicative of a slow draining cycle, normally caused by a clogged or kinked drain hose. If an "F21" or "F02" error code appears, check the drain hose on the back of your washer to ensure that it is not clogged or bent. Once the drain hose has been unblocked, the error code should disappear and the machine drain properly. However, if you have a high efficiency washing machine and the error code continues to appear, make sure you are using the correct detergent; because high efficiency machines use much less water than traditional washing machines, they require the use of a low sudsing detergent. Traditional detergents may produce too many suds, which can block the machine's drain hose and lead to slower draining cycles.

F21 means to a long drain.
Basically means that water is not pumping out quick enough. If all the drain lines have been checked for blockages and restrictions the manufacturer recommends the pump is replaced. Some times the impeller can become damaged or the motor which can cause the pump to work slower then it should causing this error code. If you took off the hose from the tub to the pump and found nothing then I doubt there is a blockage in the drum (it would have moved into the drain filter).

Sd or 5d error SUDS LOCK (OVERDOSE OF DETERGENT DETECTED DURING THE WASH CYCLE)
If suds are detected continuously by the pressure switch during the drain or spin phases, the washer will fill 4 liters of water and during 5 minutes the unit will rest without tumbling, the water will be drained and it will try to spin or drain again.

If too much detergent was used:
- Run the unit through a RINSE/SPIN cycle.
- Run a NORMAL cycle without adding any detergent.

This should clear the unit of the excess detergent.
1. Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.
2. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
3. Check wire harness connections to the drain pump, pressure switch, and Central Control Unit (CCU).
4. Check/clean drain pump filter of foreign objects.
5. Plug in washer or reconnect power.
6. Check drain pump.
7. Check the pressure switch.
8. Verify CCU operation by running a Diagnostic Test or any cycle.

Hope this helps.

F21 error code is indicating that it is taking too long to drain water.

Your details indicate that you are using too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent and causing excessive suds. The drain pump can not pump suds out. The washer requires HE (High Efficiency) detergent formulated for front loading washers.

Cut back on the detergent and it will most likely operate correctly.

NOTES:
* After four (4) minutes the "Sd" error will be displayed, and then four (4) minutes later the "F21" error code will be displayed.
* Press STOP two (2) times to clear the display.

Possible Causes:
- Using too much High Efficiency (HE) detergent and causing too much suds.
- Using NON-HE detergent causing too much suds.
- Kink in drain hose
- Debris or foreign objects in drain pump filter.

The drain filter is located behind the lower access panel.

NOTE: Disconnect the power cord before removing the lower access panel and cleaning out the drain pump filter.

Remove the two screws (key#21) securing access panel. The filter cap (key#14) is removed by turning it counter clockwise. NOTE: Be sure that all the water has pump out before removing the cap. Have some large towels handy because there will be water coming out the filter/pump once you remove the cap. Check and clean the filter and remember to reduce the amount of detergent and the washer should perform as designed

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Hope helps (remember to rate and comment this free answer)..

Hello there and thank you for choosing fixya
Depending upon the type of washing machine, you may notice an "F21" or "F02" error code. An "F21" or "F02" error code is indicative of a slow draining cycle, normally caused by a clogged or kinked drain hose. If an "F21" or "F02" error code appears, check the drain hose on the back of your washer to ensure that it is not clogged or bent. Once the drain hose has been unblocked, the error code should disappear and the machine drain properly. However, if you have a high efficiency washing machine and the error code continues to appear, make sure you are using the correct detergent; because high efficiency machines use much less water than traditional washing machines, they require the use of a low sudsing detergent. Traditional detergents may produce too many suds, which can block the machine's drain hose and lead to slower draining cycles.
Please feel free to post me a comment back if you need help with the dissasembly of this ok?
best regards Mike

Using the wrong detergent may or may not have had something to do with this error. It is important that you use HE detergent in these washers, though. If you don't, you are in affect adding a higher concentration of detergent in a washer that only uses 5 to 7 gallons of water. Regular detergent is formulated for a wash tub with a 35 gallon capacity. Using it in an HE washer can cause excessive sudsing, premature failure of the drain pump and seals, and annoying error codes.

First, try running a DRAIN/SPIN cycle to clear out any excessive suds. You may have to repeat this process several times. Next, leave the washer unplugged for 30 minutes to see if the Central Control Unit (CCU) will reset and clear the error codes. If the problem continues after a CCU reset check the following:

Check your drain pump for obstructions. The "F21 error is a Long Drain error code. If there's something obstructing the drain pump, the washer will not complete the wash cycle. The following link explains:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r1484065-f21_error_code_whirlpool_duet_kenmore

Also check the drain pump connector plug to ensure it is not loose. If cleaning the pump does not correct the error, you may have a pump that no longer pumps at the correct volume. If this is the case, you need to replace your drain pump.

The "F27" error code is an Overflow Condition. It can have several causes, but the drain pump is the common link with these two error codes. This error can be generated if air is detected in the drain pump (suds), or if the pump is not working.

If you have questions, please let me know. I hope you find this information helpful.

Unscrew the pump, there is probably objects in the pump, I get that error every month or so, I find coins in my pump all the time, if too much stuff gets in there the code F21 or sometimes SD comes up.