Maytag 3000 series washer F21 - Maytag EPIC MFW9700S Front Load Washer

SOURCE: We have a front loading 3000 series Maytag washer.

Just had this problem on Sunday. For a FRONT loading 3000 series, remove the front bottom panel (three screws - lay on floor and you can see them). There is a plastic can to the left of the pump. The front cover to this can screws on and off. Be prepared for water to gush out and unscrew the cover to the can. There is a filter/trap in there. Clean this out and it should solve the problem. Not sure why the manual does not cover this.

SOURCE: i am gettng an error code f21 on the series 3000

.I am not a repair professional. I am a 78 year old man
who has been making his own repairs for about 50 years. So the washer or dryer ID doesn't mean much to me. I came to fixya looking for a schematic for an really old AM/FM radio and found that more than 4,700 people were asking for help with a washer repair. I recently had a washer repair of my own and at that time I found an excellent video which showed me how to take my machine apart. This video made it possible for me to do my own repair. If you are repairing a dryer or a front load washer I suggest you go to www.applianceaid.com where they have very good step by step trouble shooting and repair information on both washers and dryers as well as other appliances. If you have a direct drive top load washer and need help taking it apart this video is an early christmas present. I was so impressed with it that when I saw all these people needing help, I wanted to tell them about it. If you look at the back of your washer and the panel is solid (no small inspection plate to remove which would indicate you have a v-belt drive) chances are you have a direct drive and this video is just what you need. You can see it at www.acmehowto.com You will probably still need help in determining what the trouble is and how to fix it. After viewing the video or if you have a v-belt drive rather than a direct drive, I suggest you go to www.applianceaid.com where they have very good
trouble shooting and repair nformation on most
washers and dryers. I think you'll find what you need
there. Don't worry about the timer, they hardly ever
go bad. Good luck with it. If I have helped you, please rate my advice on fixya.

SOURCE: maytag 3000 series washer f70 error code only the

If you unplug the M13 connection from the ccu (main control) and the error goes away then replace the MCU (motor control unit) if it does not go away then replace the CCU

SOURCE: my maytag 5000 series steam

"F21" is a Long Drain error code. This is an indication that you may have an obstruction somewhere in the drainage system. Most commonly, this is an indication something is lodged in the drain pump or the inlet line running from the wash tub to the pump. There is a white screw off cap on the drain pump that you can remove to inspect the pump impeller and clean. The following link explains:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608588-f21_error_code

Included is a follow-on link that explains how to check the drain pump to clean. On some model washers there is no screw off cap on the pump and you will have to remove the inlet hose that runs from the bottom of the wash tub to the inlet side of the drain pump. Removing the inlet hose for inpsection is recommended on all these washers just to ensure there isn't anything lodged in the line. Debris and small articles of clothing such as socks or under garments can become lodged in this area as well causing the drain cycle to fail.

NOTE: The washer will not complete a wash cycle until the conditions causing the error are corrected. In addition, a "SUD" or "SD" (Suds lock) error code can also often occur in conjunction with the "F21" error code. This is due to air being detected in the drainage system, which can occur if the pump is not running, or if you have an obstruction BEFORE the pump. You need to remove the inlet hose from the pump to ensure it is also not blocked. Correct your drainage system fault, and the SUD error (if displayed) should go away.

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. If the pump requires replacement, the following link explains how:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3574350-replacing_the_drain_pump_in_a_front_load

These are very simple repairs that you can perform yourself without the assistance of a repairman.

If the wash tub is full of water, you may want to use a wet/dry shop vac to pull a vacuum on the drain line and drain the wash tub. This will minimize any potential mess you may have to clean up.

Replacement parts (if required) can be purchased at any of the following websites:

searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com

Prices vary between sites, so shop and compare. The first three sites listed also have helpful exploded view parts illustrations to assist you with locating and properly identifying the parts you may need.


NOTE: The error codes are not listed in the owner's manual. For an explanation of all the error codes, each one of these washers comes with a technical data sheet inside.

To access, you will need to remove the lower toe panel under the door. The access screws are located under the bottom front edge of the panel. You may have to prop the two front feet of the washer up for better access ( a 2x4 works well for this). With the screws removed, the panel should drop down, then come off. If the tech sheet isn't directly behind the panel, it will be affixed to one of the interior cabinet walls.

The tech sheet lists all error code definitions, troubleshooting data, diagnostics procedures and wiring diagrams. I mention the tech sheet because you may need it to troubleshoot this error code.

Read through the information provided and if you have questions, please post back and let me know. I hope you find this information helpful. NOTE: If you determine the pump to be defective, and the pump housing is still in good condition, you only need to replace the pump motor. However, the pump is usually sold as an entire assembly and the motor CANNOT be orderd as a separate item. There are several outlet stores that advertise on ebay and sell the pump motor for much less than ordering an entire pump assembly. Replacement is simple and you do not have to remove the pump from the washer. Just drain the pump as previously mentioned and disconnect the electrical plug from the motor. Remove the three screws holding the motor to the pump housing and replace as necessary. Just make sure the o-ring is intact and in place. To get a good seal, you can lubricate the o-ring with a thin film of petroleum jelly. NOTE: Newer model Maytag washers are manufactured by Whirlpool. These instructions apply to Whirlpool Duet, Kenmore Elite and Maytag Epic series appliances.

Chris Hall

• 842 Answers
• Posted on Jun 30, 2011

SOURCE: Maytag front load washer, MHW

This is a problem with the door not locking shut. Maytag have an ecellent technical assistance page on this problem with diagrams and stuff. Go to:

http://maytag.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2889/~/display-shows-f22-or-fdl---front-load-washer

and take a look