What the code means
F21 means the washer is taking longer than it should to drain. Whirlpool lists the usual causes as a kinked drain hose, a clogged drain hose, or a detergent that isn't HE (high efficiency).
Maytag's help page for F21 says the same as Whirlpool's.
Before you start
- Unplug the washer before you move it or handle the drain hose. Plug it back in for the reset and the test.
What the manufacturer says to check
- Press Pause/Cancel to see if the code clears.
- Look at the drain hose behind the washer. If it is kinked, straighten it.
- Clear anything blocking the drain hose, the drainpipe or the utility sink the hose drains into.
- Fit the U-shaped hose form on the drain hose and fasten the hose in place, as your installation instructions show.
- Use HE detergent, and no more than the amount recommended. Whirlpool says too much detergent, or the wrong kind, makes extra suds that get in the way of draining.
- Reset the washer. Unplug it, or switch off its power, for five minutes. Plug it back in, choose the cycle again and press Start.
Stop and call for service
Stop and call for service if any of these happen.
- The code is still on the display after these checks. Whirlpool says to contact Whirlpool or schedule service at that point.
Source: Whirlpool: F21 or F02 error code on a front-load washer; Whirlpool: F21 on a front-load washer; Maytag: F21 on a front-load washer.
Based on the manufacturer's support pages. Codes can differ by model, so your model's owner's manual comes first.