Whirlpool Washer Displaying Error Code F21? Here’s Why

If your Whirlpool washer is showing an F21 error code, this means that your washer is unable to drain properly. This can be caused by a clogged pipe, a faulty drain pump, or something simpler.

To find the cause of the error code and fix it, simply follow our step-by-step instructions in this guide, and hopefully, your washer will be working again correctly in no time.

This guide covers all major Whirlpool washer models, including:

2LA5700XMW0

2LA5700XMW1

2LSR5233BN0

2LSR5233BQ1

2LSR5233BW0

2LSR5233BZ1

LSC8244EQ0

LSC8244EQ1

LSC8244EZ0

LSC8244EZ1

LSR6132EQ0

LSR6132EZ0

LSR7233EQ0

LSR7233EW0

LSR7233EZ0

LSR8233EQ0

LSR8233EZ0

LSR8244EQ0

LSR8244EQ1

LSR8244EZ0

LSR8244EZ1

Step One – Try to Reset Your Washer

The first step is to try to reset your washer. Sometimes your washer might display the F21 error code when it shouldn’t, and a simple reset will get your washer working again. To reset your washer, you simply need to press “Pause/Cancel” to cancel the current wash cycle.

If your washer still has water in the tub, press “Drain/Spin.” This will make your washer go into a secondary drain cycle to empty the water. You can then attempt to run your washer again and see if the error code is gone. If not, move on to step two.

Step Two – Check the Drain Hose

The next step is to check the drain hose. You can find the drain hose at the back of the washer. The purpose of the drain hose is to remove the dirty water from your washer during and at the end of a cycle.

To check the drain hose, you need to:

1. Pull your washer out from the wall (slowly, to avoid any of the hoses or cords from breaking).
2. Locate the drain hose and check for any signs of cracks or if it is bent. If so, you will need to replace the hose if you cannot fix it.
3. If there are no cracks in the hose, you need to disconnect it from both ends and then give it a good clean. If the hose is clogged with lint or other debris, you can use a piece of wire to unblock it.
4. Once cleaned, reconnect the drain hose and see if this has solved the problem. If not, move on to step three.

Step Three – Check the Drain Pump, Wiring, and Pressure Switch

The next step involves checking the drain pump, internal wiring, and pressure switch. To do this you need to gain access to the inside of the washer. You will also need to have a multimeter for testing the electronic components.

Here’s how to check these components:

1. Unplug the washer from its power source.
2. Pull your washer out from the wall (if you haven’t already) so you can work on it.
3. Remove the lower bottom access panel on your washing machine. To do this, you’ll need to remove a few screws, and then the panels should clip out of place and come off (check your manual if required).
4. Once you have removed the lower panel, put a towel on the floor so that any water from the drain pump doesn’t spill onto the floor.
5. Unscrew the drain filter and check it for any loose debris blocking the water flow through the filter. If you find any loose debris, clean it out. You can also clean the lint filter out.
6. Once cleaned out, put the drain filter back in place and test if the problem has been solved.
7. If the error code is still showing, the next step is to check that the writing harness connected to the drain pump is secure and that the wires are not damaged in any way. If they are, they will need to be replaced; after replacing the wires or the entire harness, you can test if the problem has been solved.
8. If the error code is still showing, the next step is to check the water drain lines that are connected to the drain pump for any signs of blockages. Sometimes loose debris clogs the lines, which results in the F21 error code. If you find any blockages, remove them and then test if the problem has been solved.
9. If the water lines are fine, check the pressure switch to ensure it is not defective. To access the pressure switch, you need to first turn the power off to the washer, remove the top panel (check your manual if necessary), and then you will be able to find the pressure switch on the top right-hand side. The pressure switch can be tested for continuity with a multimeter (make sure you disconnect the wires before testing it). If the switch has no continuity, it will need to be replaced. After replacing the switch, check if the problem has been solved.
10. If your washer is still showing the F21 error code after checking the above components, your next option is to call a qualified technician to have a look at your washer, or you could also consider replacing the drain pump and seeing if that solves the problem.