How To Fix a Maytag Washer F21 Error Code

The F21 error code is one of the most common to come up on Maytag washers, and it’s usually a pretty simple fix. This error code means there’s an issue with your Maytag washer’s drainage system—usually a clog or blockage of some kind. Although this may sound daunting, there are some relatively simple things you can do that will resolve the issue nine times out of ten. Follow the steps in our guide to have your Maytag washer functioning normally again in no time!

This guide applies to most popular models of Maytag washers, including:

A101

A102

A102S

A103

A103S

A104

LAT9416AAE

MAH3000AWW

MAH4000AWW

MAH5500BWW

MAH8700AWW

MAV6200AWW

MAV7600AWW

MHWE200XW00

MVWC300VW1

MVWC415EW2

MVWC6ESWW1

MVWX655DW1

PAV2200AWW

PAV2300AWW

PAVT234AWW

Try Resetting Your Washer

Before you start, it’s always a good idea to see if resetting your washer clears the error code. Sometimes, appliances display error codes after experiencing a power surge or technical glitch. When they’re reset, they resume normal operation. To reset your Maytag washer:

• Disconnect your washer from the power supply.
• Leave it disconnected for five minutes. 
• Plug the washer back in and check if the error code has cleared. 
• If the code has cleared, run a short test cycle to see if the code recurs. If the F21 error code displays again, there’s likely a drainage issue, so proceed to the next steps in this guide. 

Clean the Filter

If you have a front-loading Maytag washer, the cause of the F21 error may be a blocked lint filter. The filter is designed to trap lint, hair, and small particles that may end up in the washing machine. If debris is left to build up in the filter, it can slow down your washing machine’s drainage, preventing it from spinning properly. If the blockage gets bad enough, it can cause the F21 error code. Here’s how to fix it:

• Locate the lint filter on your Maytag washing machine. In most models, this is on the lower front, behind a panel. Check your manual if you’re unsure or are having trouble finding it. 
• Remove the small panel covering the filter. 
• Use the secondary drainage hose to drain any residual water in the tub into a container. If you neglect this step, water can flow out when you remove the filter.
• Make sure you have old towels on hand to catch any excess water, then carefully unscrew the lint filter and remove it from the filter housing. 
• Clear away any clogs with your hands and dispose of them. Rinse the filter thoroughly under running water. If there’s any debris that’s hard to remove, try soaking the filter in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. You can also scrub the filter with a soft-bristled brush 
• Once the filter is clean, replace it with the filter housing, making sure it’s firmly screwed into place. 
• Replace the panel covering the filter. 
• Restore power to your Maytag washing machine and run a test cycle to make sure the error has cleared. 

Check the Drainage Hose

If cleaning out the filter doesn’t resolve the F21 error code, your next step should be to investigate if there is something wrong with the drainage hose. If something is preventing water from flowing freely through the hose, then the drum of your washing machine won’t be able to drain properly, leading to pooling water and error codes. 

Hose Positioning

The first thing you should check is the hose positioning:

• Pull your washer away from the wall to get access to the drainage hose. 
• Carefully inspect the hose. It should be positioned between 30 and 96 inches from the floor to ensure it drains properly. 
• Make sure the hose isn’t kinked and that there are no sharp bends. It should be arranged in smooth loops and curves so the water can flow properly. 
• Make sure the hose isn’t pinched against the wall by the washer or anything else near the appliance. 
• Once you’ve ensured the hose is in the right place, secure it with cable ties so it stays where you’ve put it. 

Clogs

If the hose positioning is fine, there might be a clog inside the hose itself. Here’s what to do:

• Get some old towels ready to catch any water flow. 
• Disconnect the drainage hose from the back of the washing machine, and remove the other end either from the drainage tub or the standpipe, depending on how your washing machine is set up. 
• Run water through the hose to see if it’s clogged. If the water is obstructed, use a length of wire or a long cylindrical brush to clear the clog. 
• Once the clog has been removed, run water through the hose again to make sure it’s cleared. 
• Reconnect the hose to the machine, put the washer back in place, and run a test cycle to see if the error code has gone. 

Check the Suds

A less common cause of the F21 error code in your Maytag washer isn’t a drainage problem at all. If you use the wrong type of detergent or too much detergent, then the wash cycle can produce an excess amount of suds. These suds don’t drain away during the drainage cycle and can lead to the water level sensor incorrectly sensing that there’s still water remaining in the drum, triggering the display of the F21 error code. Here’s what to do:

• When you see the F21 error code come up on your washer display, immediately either open the lid or look in the door. 
• If you can see a lot of suds and bubbles, wait for them to subside (this may take up to an hour), then run a rinse cycle without putting any new detergent in the machine. 
• To avoid the problem happening again, make sure you use only the recommended amount of detergent for each cycle and also check to ensure you’re using the right type of detergent. Maytag recommends using Swash brand detergent for best results.