Maytag Washer Code F21 – Troubleshooting Guide

High-efficiency washers today can get great. They save on water and energy and have many features that alert you when something is wrong. However, their codes can be both annoying and confusing. 

The Maytag washer code F21 means there is a long drain problem. The symptoms are that the washer stops in mid-cycle, the door won’t open and the drum won’t drain. 

It may be an aggravation when this code happens but this article will tell you all you need to know about identifying the source of the problem and fixing it without needing to call a service technician. 

Diagnosing the issue yourself will also help your service technician if they do come out because it will save them time and effort trying to sort out the issue. That will save you money in the long run. 

Three common reasons exist why your washing machine is having a long drain issue. It could be that the drain hose is kinked or there is a clog. It could also be that you aren’t using high-efficiency detergent. 

Understand that the issue is the water isn’t draining. That is why your machine stopped in mid-cycle. The pressure sensor messages the control panel that the water has reached the proper level and to stop water from entering the drum. 

Likewise, it sends messages of when water is drained so the next cycle can start.

Your Maytag is programmed to drain the water within eight minutes. The water inlet valves will automatically shut off if it takes longer than that. The issue you need to figure out is why it is taking longer than that to drain. 

The door lock is also merely a symptom of a drain issue. The door lock will not open as long as there is water in the drum. Drain the drum and the door lock will work fine. 

First, make sure you are using the right kind of laundry detergent. You need one that is made for high-efficiency machines. Those made for standard machines tend to make too many suds that block the drain. 

If you are using the correct detergent, the next thing to do is to make sure the pump works. You turn the washer on to do that. It should come on but still may not drain. Turn it back off. 

High-efficiency washers today can get great. They save on water and energy and have many features that alert you when something is wrong. However, their codes can be both annoying and confusing. 

The Maytag washer code F21 means there is a long drain problem. The symptoms are that the washer stops in mid-cycle, the door won’t open and the drum won’t drain. 

It may be an aggravation when this code happens but this article will tell you all you need to know about identifying the source of the problem and fixing it without needing to call a service technician. 

Diagnosing the issue yourself will also help your service technician if they do come out because it will save them time and effort trying to sort out the issue. That will save you money in the long run. 

Three common reasons exist why your washing machine is having a long drain issue. It could be that the drain hose is kinked or there is a clog. It could also be that you aren’t using high-efficiency detergent. 

Understand that the issue is the water isn’t draining. That is why your machine stopped in mid-cycle. The pressure sensor messages the control panel that the water has reached the proper level and to stop water from entering the drum. 

Likewise, it sends messages of when water is drained so the next cycle can start.

Your Maytag is programmed to drain the water within eight minutes. The water inlet valves will automatically shut off if it takes longer than that. The issue you need to figure out is why it is taking longer than that to drain. 

The door lock is also merely a symptom of a drain issue. The door lock will not open as long as there is water in the drum. Drain the drum and the door lock will work fine. 

First, make sure you are using the right kind of laundry detergent. You need one that is made for high-efficiency machines. Those made for standard machines tend to make too many suds that block the drain. 

If you are using the correct detergent, the next thing to do is to make sure the pump works. You turn the washer on to do that. It should come on but still may not drain. Turn it back off.