Kenmore washer stopped with F21 error code

I have the manual for this machine. Under "Code 21" it says the following:
"F21" (Drain Problem) Select STOP twice to cancel the cycle. Unplug washer or disconnect power. Check the following: Is the drain hose kinked? Is the drain hose frozen? Is the drain hose clogged? Is the drain hose more than 96" (2.4 m) above the floor? Plug in washer or reconnect power. Re-select cycle and press START. If the problem remains, call for service.
For "SUDS" code, the following:
"SUD" (Suds Routine) When excessive suds are detected, a suds routine automatically starts. This routine removes extra suds and assures proper rinsing of your garments. "SUD" is displayed during rinsing to inform you that Suds Routine was activated. Use only HE (High Efficiency) detergents.
Here is some more information that may help you as well:
"F" Codes other than F20, F21 and F22 Select STOP twice to cancel the cycle. Select DRAIN & SPIN if there is excessive water in the washer. Re-select cycle and press START. If the problem remains, call for service.
I hope this is of some help to you, Please rate and comment, Thank You
Joe

Hi

Error code SD/5d means LONG DRAIN. This error appears when the drain time exceeds 8 minutes and the water valves turn off. After 4 minutes the "Sd" error will be displayed, and then 4 minutes later the F21 error code will be displayed. Press PAUSE/CANCEL two times to clear the display. Please Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked. If the drain hose if fine then unplug the washer and check the electrical connections at the pump and make sure the pump is running. Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects. To access the drain pump and filter remove the front kick panel and trace the drain hose to the bottom of the washer, drain pump would be located there. If you are not able to access it, then replace the back panel as well. Plug in washer or reconnect power. If the issue is still not resolved then you would need to replace the drain pump. Hope this helps...please post back for further assistance.

Daniel

Hi

Error F21 means F21 error means that the drain time has exceeded 8 minutes; this will turn off the water valves. Error code SD means LONG DRAIN. This error appears when the drain time exceeds 8 minutes and the water valves turn off. After 4 minutes the "Sd" error will be displayed, and then 4 minutes later the F21 error code will be displayed. Press PAUSE/CANCEL two times to clear the display. Please Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked. If the drain hose if fine then unplug the washer and check the electrical connections at the pump and make sure the pump is running. Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects. To access the drain pump and filter remove the front kick panel and trace the drain hose to the bottom of the washer, drain pump would be located there. If you are not able to access it, then replace the back panel as well. Plug in washer or reconnect power. If the issue is still not resolved then you would need to replace the drain pump.
Hope this helps... Please post back if you need more information.

Daniel

"F21" is a Long Drain error. If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes this error code will be displayed. In addition, a "SUDS" error may also be displayed. This may be an indication of a drain pump problem and/or clog in the drain line. You will need to check the following:


1.First, attempt to unplug the washer for at LEAST 30 minutes to reset the Central Control Unit (CCU). Sometimes this is all that is required to correct momentary glitches with the unit. If the error code returns, proceed to step 2.
2.Check the drain hose to make sure it is not kinked or clogged.
3.Check the electrical connections to the pump and ensure the pump is running.
4.Remove the drain pump filter and check for foreign objects and/or debris.


If the above procedures do not correct the problem, it is recommended by the manufacturer to replace the drain pump.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question

First check your washer plug to see if the connections are tightly screwed. Next check your filter if you haven't for long.

Remove the 3 screws at the bottom of the front panel under the washer door. Your filter door will be light brown. If you find a hose there it is to drain out excess water (water that could not be drained by your pump) After you hv drained unscrew the cap and remove all the junk inside. Have a large plastic bag to catch junk and water. Refit carefully after cleaning out. If not solved, something shd be blocking your pump, check this out

How abt a nice rating for the free help? Thnks

"F21" is a Long Drain error code. This indicates that you have an obstruction in the drainage system. More than likely you probably have a clog in the drain pump. The following link explains:

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

Included is a follow-on link that explains how to check the drain pump to clean. You may also have to remove the inlet hose that runs from the bottom of the wash tub to the inlet side of the drain pump. Debris can commonly clog in this area as well causing the drain cycle to fail.

If you have any questions about this repair, or need additional assistance, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

NOTE: If these preliminary measures do not correct your problem, you may have to replace the drain pump. It does not take much to damage the pump impeller or motor. Since the error code is generated if the drain cycle exceeds 8 minutes, if the pump is damaged and can't pump at the required volume, the error code will continue to appear until the pump is replaced.

Hi

The Sd or 5d indicates that excessive suds are detected by the washer during the drain or spin phases of the cycle. The washer will stop and fill with 4 liters of water and then wait for 5 minutes to allow the suds to dissipate before continuing. If the suds cannot be reduced or eliminated so that the washer cycle can continue, it may stop and display the F21 (long drain) fault code. After the suds dissipate, you can normally drain the washer and spin out the clothes using a RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN cycle. Make sure that you are using HE (High Efficiency) detergent in the appropriate amounts to prevent excessive suds in the washer. This should prevent the washer from going into this routine.

And if you still face the same error then probably there is something(coins, socks, dirt, debris, etc) stuck inside the drain filter of your washer. You'll need to check the drain filter. To access the drain filter. To check the drain pump follow these steps:

1. Unplug the washer to completely disconnect electrical power.
2. Remove the bottom front service panel as shown in the first image below.

Also check your drain hose for a kink or clog. Check the washer house drain for a clog or restriction. Test the washer to see if it will drain properly.

Also refer to these diagrams for more details--

Kenmore Drain filter and pump link1

Kenmore Drain filter and pump link2

Please do rate this solution and revert for further assistance.

Thanks
Rylee

Apparantly the F21 error means there is a drain problem...I removed the drain hose from the output in the wall and held it down at ground level and let it drain into a pot...I ran the rinse, drain and spin cycle while I did this but before I hit the start button I hit the 2nd rinse button to turn off the rinse portion of the cycle. It seems to be draining fine now.

This solution is the best! Thank you so much. You just saved us a whole bunch of $$$ and frustration. 1 baby sock and 1 pair of undies later - the machine is back to normal. THANK YOU!

unplug from power source...remove front lower panel (3 sheet metal screw wirh 1/4" drive head located on the lower lop of the panel)...open pump strainer (looks like a large stove knob, Turn it counter clokwise, lookout! lots of water will gush out... back flush the pump by filling the outet of the drain hose ( this may dislodge debris that may jam your pump)...re-assemble, plug to power, and turn-on. In my case, there was a piece of a pencil lodge in the pump impeller. I had to disassemble the pump. it can be done if you are patient and able to figure out how the plastic thing come apart. Good luck! If all else call the pros!