How to Fix Whirlpool Washer F21 Error Code

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Paradise Appliance
November 1, 2021
Washer Repair

Whirlpool makes some very high-quality home appliances. One of the most popular products they manufacture is washing machines. All of the modern washers have a built-in system to alert you when something is wrong with them. These are called error codes.

One of the most common error codes people get is F21. This code means that your washer cannot drain properly, and until you find and solve the cause of the problem, your washer won’t work.

To help you find the cause of the F21 error code and fix it, we have put together this extensive guide. Simply start at the top and work your way down the list.

This guide covers all major Whirlpool washer models, including:

2LA5700XMW0

2LA5700XMW1

2LSR5233BN0

2LSR5233BQ1

2LSR5233BW0

2LSR5233BZ1

3CA2000XMW0

GHW9100LW1

GHW9100LW2

GHW9150PW0

GHW9150PW4

GHW9200LW0

LSQ8243HQ0

LSR7233EQ0

LSR8233EQ0

LXR9245EQ1

WFW72HEDW0

WFW9150WW00

WTW4800XQ2

WTW4800XQ4

WTW5000DW1 

Try to Reset Your Washer

Before checking any of the components in your washing machine, simply try to reset it. Most of the time, if your washer is displaying an error code, it is accurate and something is wrong, but every now and then, it can be showing when it shouldn’t.

To reset your washer, simply:

  1. Press the “Pause/Cancel” button – this will stop the current wash cycle.
  2. Check if there is still water in the washer. If so, press the “Drain/Spin” button. This will then put your washer into a secondary drain cycle and empty the water out.
  3. Once fully drained, check if the error code has gone and your washer is working again. If not, move on to checking the first component.

Check the Drain Hose

The first component to check is the drain hose. The drain hose is located at the back of the washing machine and is responsible for draining the dirty water out of your washer at the end of a cycle. If it becomes blocked or damaged, water won’t be able to drain out of your Whirlpool washing machine, and the F21 error code will appear.

Here’s how to check the drain hose:

  1. Pull your washing machine out from the wall (unplug it if necessary).
  2. Locate the drain hose – it’s at the back of the washer.
  3. Inspect the hose for any signs of cracks or damage. If fine, check that it isn’t bent or the hose hasn’t been obstructed from functioning properly.
  4. If it is damaged or bent out of shape, you can fix it yourself, and if that isn’t possible, replace the drain hose.
  5. If the hose is fine, remove it from both ends, and check that it isn’t blocked up. You can use a piece of wire if you have one to run through the hose. If it’s blocked, you’ll need to unblock it before reattaching the hose.
  6. If the drain hose is fine, move on to checking the next component. If you do fix the hose or replace it, turn your washer back on, and check if the problem has been solved. If not, move on to checking the next component.

Check the Drain Pump, Wiring, and Pressure Switch

If the drain hose is not the cause of the problem, you will need to check the drain pump, the internal wiring, and the pressure switch. To check these components, you will need to access the inside of the washing machine and have some experience working with electronics. If you don’t, contact a qualified technician to come and have a look at your washer.

Here’s how to check these components:

  1. Unplug your washing machine.
  2. If you haven’t already, move the washer out from the wall or its cabinet so you can access the back of it.
  3. Remove the lower access panel – you’ll need to remove a few screws, and then it should come off.
  4. Put a towel down on the floor underneath the panel to catch any leaking water.
  5. Locate the drain filter (check your manual if necessary), and then remove it by unscrewing it. Once removed, check for any loose debris that might be causing a blockage. If you find any debris, remove it. You can also clean out the lint filter.
  6. Once you’ve cleaned the filter, put it back in place, and turn your washing machine back on. If the error code has gone, you can start using your washer again.
  7. If the error code is still showing, locate the wiring harness that is connected to the drain pump, and check if any of the wires are damaged. If so, they will need to be repaired or replaced. Once repaired or replaced, check to see if the error code has gone.
  8. If the code is still showing, locate the water drain lines that are connected to the drain pump. Check them for any signs of blockages. If they are blocked, remove the blockage and then check if the F21 error code has gone.
  9. If the code is still showing, locate the pressure switch. To get access to the switch, you need to ensure the power is still switched off to the washing machine and then remove the top panel. Once the panel is removed, you’ll be able to find the switch on the top right-hand side. Remove the wires from the switch, and then use a multimeter to check it for continuity.
  10.  If the switch has no continuity, it will need to be replaced.
  11.  Once replaced, check to see if the error code has gone. If the error code is still showing or if the switch has continuity, you’ll need to call a technician to come and inspect your washing machine.
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