Kenmore Washer - F21 Error Code
Washer is taking too long to drain.
Meaning
Washer is taking too long to drain.
The F21 error indicates that the washer has exceeded the maximum drain time. Kenmore explains that this code appears when the washer cannot remove water quickly enough, typically due to a clogged drain filter, blocked drain hose, or a failing drain pump. The washer halts operation to prevent pump overheating and extended cycle times.
Symptoms
Causes
Step-by-Step Fixes
- Clean the drain pump filter thoroughly.
- Inspect the drain hose for blockages or kinks.
- Check the pump impeller for obstructions.
- Replace the drain pump if it lacks pressure or fails to run.
Safety Notes
- Unplug the washer before accessing the pump filter.
- Expect water spillage when opening the filter housing.
Applicable Models
Show Models
- Kenmore HE2: 110.46462500, 110.46462501
- Kenmore HE3: 110.42822200, 110.42824200
- Kenmore HE3t: 110.44932200, 110.44934200
- Kenmore HE4t: 110.45081400, 110.45087400
- Kenmore HE5t: 110.47081600, 110.47087600
- Kenmore HE5 Elite: 110.47751800, 110.47761800
Related Pages
Other Kenmore Washer Error Codes
Show All Error Codes
- Kenmore Washer F01 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F02 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F06 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F09 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E2 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E4 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E5 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E6 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E7 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E8 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F0E9 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F11 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F1E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F1E2 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F1E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F1E4 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F1E5 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F22 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F23 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F24 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F26 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F28 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F29 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F2E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F2E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F2E5 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F2E7 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F33 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F34 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F35 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F37 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F3E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F3E2 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F3E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F3E4 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F41 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F42 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F43 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F44 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F54 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F5E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F5E2 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F5E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F6E0 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F6E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F6E2 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F6E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F72 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F73 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F78 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E0 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E2 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E4 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E5 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E6 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E7 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E8 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F7E9 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F82 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F83 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E0 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E2 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E4 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E5 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E6 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E7 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F8E8 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F99 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F9E1 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F9E2 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer F9E3 Error Code
- Kenmore Washer LD Error Code
- Kenmore Washer LF Error Code
- Kenmore Washer LO / FL Error Code
- Kenmore Washer OB Error Code
- Kenmore Washer OL Error Code
- Kenmore Washer SD / SUD Error Code
- Kenmore Washer UL Error Code
Model-Specific Notes
F21 is the Whirlpool‑built equivalent of F02 and appears most often when the drain filter is clogged with coins, lint, or fabric debris.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. Repairs involve electrical, mechanical, and water-related risks. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consider contacting a qualified technician for diagnosis or repair.