I have a Kenmore front load washer that won't drain... I washed a comforter today and it appears the washer got 'stuck' after the wash cycle. There's probably a good 2 inches of water in the machine. I read somewhere that it may be the water pump but I can't find where the water pump would be...nor can I find the manuel... any suggestions would be helpful
Thanks
I have the same problem. The washer washes, spins and fills up with rinse water, then code F21 displays...I think which means long drain, because it will take quite a while to drain and makes a draining sound but takes forever. Then it just stops. I have tried canceling the cycle, running through different cycles, doing just rinse cycles, etc. and it does the same thing for all. I even tried unplugging it, hoping that would help. It didn't....help, any ideas?
Remove the bottom panel under the door to access the drain pump. Make sure the washer is unplugged before servicing the pump. The pump will be located under the wash tub in the front of the washer. There should be a small access cover that can be unscrewed to access the inside of the pump. If not, remove the inlet hose to access the pump impeller. HINT: Pull the drain hose from the standpipe and use a shop vac to pull a vacuum on the drain line. This will pull any remaining water out of the drain lines and wash tub. This will minimize the amount of water that spills out of the drain pump when you remove the access cover.
It does not take much to damage this small drain pumps. If you clean the pump thoroughly and it still exhibits drain problems, the manufacturer recommends replacing the pump.
If you require additional assistance, let me know before you rate the solution. I hope this helps you.
Shop Vac worked like a champ and I'm glad I found this suggestion. My 14 gallon shop vac was almost full. I'm not sure exactly what was stuck in the impeller, but it all works now. Thanks for the tip, I can't imagine trying to do it without the vac. Our units are regular capacity but stacked so getting to the drain line looked to difficult so I loosened the hose on the output side of the pump and vaced from there ...
I removed the drain and cleaned it out and it still won't drain. The pump is making a noise.
Thanks for the info!!! The pump entrance was blocked. Works like a charm now.
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I've had this problem and called a reliable repair service (Not Sears) If you tilt the washer backwards there are 3 screws that need to be undone. You will find a trap there that you need to twist. This is the drain catch/filter. There was hair, golf tees, pencils, money and paper clips in a big blob of a mess. It cost me $120 but now I know what to do if the F21 code ever pops up again.
Cleaning out the drain catch solved our F-21 problem. I would recommend tipping the washer back against the wall to about 45 degrees. I placed a car jack stand under the front leg bolt to hold it. Be careful, it's very heavy. Make sure you unplug the washer and turn off the water supply. Unscrew the 3 bolts facing forward on the lower panel and off it comes. After you remove the front there is a large white knob that you cannot miss. It only turns counter-clockwise as there is a stop to prevent you from over-tightening it. Beware, once you open the stop, water will probably start flowing out. I had a bucket ready. Pulling out the knob brings the attached catch with it. Ours was full of socks and other items like marbles and coins. Reinsert the drain catch with the small nub facing up (holes in the catch facing down). It will only go in one way since there is a small slot the nub fits into. Tighten until the tab hits the catch on the receiver and you are done. Fire that bad boy back up and it should work like a charm (assuming a clogged catch was your problem).
I will go with what Murraymom said. Worked like a charm, took about 15 minutes. Be sure to have plenty of towels around as when you unscrew the trap, all of the water in the tub comes gushing out. Found about a dollar 50 in there!
The shopvac idea someone had was GENIUS. I've had to do this several times, and every time it's a water mess (just punishment, I think, for not checking pockets). Well, having a load of sheets in the machine at the time of it's most recent failure, I simply cleared a small area away from the front of the tub (leaving sheets and all in), then stuck my shopvac against the perforated floor and let it ****. Next, I removed the front lower panel (it's so routine now that I only leave the center screw in and slightly loose for a "pressure fit" and quick removal of the panel), started the shopvac, loosened the clean-out and as water began to trickle just laid the vacuum hose against it and let it run. Came back 10 minutes later to check and sure enough, was able to remove the whole clean-out without any water mess! Literally a couple of drops of water on the floor was all I had to "clean up."
Oh yeah, and the culprit this time: panty hose. Time to use panty hose bags I guess. Happy laundering!!!
Like nvrbuysears ays we opened the bottom panel and cleaned out the plastic drain cover-unearthed lint, muck, hairpins, one phone stylus which we had lost 2 years ago and lots of pennies & dimes. After we cleaned the junk out we ran a clean washer cycle with bleach & we got back our washer. Moral: Check clothese before wash do monthly clean washer cycles and maybe, do the 'bottom panel off' 'clean ' process once every 3 months or so!!
I just followed nvrbuysears answer on the drain catch. I unscrewed the bolts to take the lower panel off and unscrewed the drain catch. Not only was it full of lint, but those plastic "tabs" that are in the corners of collars on dress shirts. I cleaned the lint trap and it seems to be working now. Thank you!
I called a service tech for this problem. My daughter said he took off the bottom panel, undid a few screws and pulled out a drain filter and cleaned it out. It was filled with hair, paper clips, bobbi pins and golf tees! Don't see mention of this drain catch in the manuel for this washer.
Very helpful thank you! We bought this washer at a yard sale. Lady said worked fine. Got it home wouldnt spin on rinse cycle. Husband had an idea how to fix it but verified on this site and worked like a charm
It's probably just a stopped up pump filter or "coin trap" you can clean it out yourself by following the instructions here:
Front Load Washer Wont Drain
Fantastic answers here. The clogged pump was the reason for the hated F-21 !
Took longer to remove the screws to the cover plate than to fix the issue. Cost $0. Don't rely on Sears service -- do it yourself!
SOURCE: my washer was flashing F21
Hello, welcome to FixYa.
Based on your description specifically the door not unlocking combined with the F21 or as you stated "F21 & would not unlock" I'd suggest you check the pump filter and sub-components, i.e. back flow ball, drain hose etc.
Here's a link to my solution or explaination to guide you through checking these things. Typically this is associated with an error of F2, F21, or "suds" but not always.
http://www.fixya.com/support/r9090359-whirlpool_frontload_f2_f21_sd_suds
As for unlocking the door, it's a good idea to get the water out first, but in any event to do so is as follows...
Once you remove the service panel at the bottom, shown here (also shown in my "repair tip")....
...there is a manual latch release just below the lock latch assembly that you may be able to see visually or feel for by reaching up to the latch and pull the small "loop" below the lock...this is a image of what you'll be looking for.
Let me know how you make out or if anything is not clear and I'll try to help you moving forward in any manner I can. Good luck.
Please take a moment to rate the info and provide a testimony on my assistance and your experience here at FixYa.
Regards,
Macmarkus :)
SOURCE: my kenmore HE2t model110 4757
Hi from retired Englishman in SW France,
Sorry but I do not know your particular machine BUT I would suggest as a first step that you clean the drain motor lint tray/filter. So many 'faults' are caused by blocked filters.The machine will not normally continue with water still in the drum.
Here are my complete, general pre-typed guidance notes for checking filters and motors ;-0)
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If you are unsure where the filter is, it is often behind the front lower (kick) panel (or in some machines at the rear in an awkward position!) and held in by a round cover/knob.
REMOVE POWER AND ENSURE YOU HAVE A WATER RECEPTACLE/RAGS TO SOAK UP THE WATER WHICH IS BOUND TO POUR OUT!
It's surprising what people have found in theirs! It is always worthwhile checking it on a regular basis.
Now- whilst the filter is removed it is normally possible to see the drain motor and ensure it is not jammed by a foreign object such as a needle or a toothpick. It should be able to be turned by hand/finger- the power IS OFF!
At this point it is also possible to test if the motor works. No clothes or water in the machine, select a spin cycle and put the power back on. You should be able to see the motor turning at some point, possibly straight away. If it doesn't work then the motor is malfunctioning!
Hope the filter is the problem and good luck!
John C
Hi,
Problems with a washing machine not spinning or not draining are often inter related..
If you are having a problem with your top load washer then check out this tip...
Washing Machine does not Pump or Spin
If you are having problems with your front load washing machine then checkout this tip...
Front Load Washing machine not draining and or not spinning
heatman101
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My HE2 also gave me the long drain error code, but the drain pump seemed to be working fine. I checked all hoses for obstructions and cleaned out the drain pump filter. I put some water in the tub and turned on the washer and the water drains fine out of the pump/hose, but the washer will not move on to the spin cycle, and I continue to get the long drain error message. Per the technical manual, I replaced the drain pump. This did not help. I still get the same error message. I disconnected the pressure switch hose and blew into it. The pressure switch seems to be working. Called a repairman friend of mine and he said that if I had already replaced the drain pump, as recommended by the tech manual, anything he would do (e.g., replace the circuit board) would just be a guess. I am torn between just junking the thing (about 2 1/2 years old now) and buying a new washer, rather than spending hundreds of dollars on repairs which might not even work. HELP!!!
Hi im having the same problem and i think it is absoloutley stupid that kenmore has not pulled this freakin washer jesus i mean come on i look up all these codes and why it is not washingnor spinning seriousley do they think i have time for this **** and of course my warranty from good ol reliable sears is about to expire and so then where will i be????
I had the same problem and found a blog regarding the drain catch in the front of the unit. We took the bottom panel off the front of the washer and there was the little cap you take off and clean out. We took out a handful of lint and some change (our new savings plan...ha). Thankfully, that did the trick and it works great now. I would recommend trying this before replacing any parts. Hint...the panel screws are at the very bottom (right above the floor) and kinda hard to find.
My washer washes and then stops and flashes F21 and won't do anything else. My Maytag is only 1 month old.
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